The Set: The 1996-97 Collector’s Choice set was Upper Deck’s third time producing these cards. They slightly reduced the card number (200 per series for an even 400), but there are still too many. It feels a bit like the early 90’s sets. Keep people buying cheap packs because there are so many cards.
As with the previous sets, there is a white border around the card. And the Collector’s Choice logo remains unchanged, so it can be hard to distinguish between the sets if one glances too quickly. The primary design difference that quickly indicates 96-97, was the addition of a two-color panel (black and a team color) where the player’s name, position and team logo appeared. What makes these sets fun to collect despite the large number of cards are the subsets and insert sets. All are very accessible, nothing too rare…a nice way for young collectors to have some moments of excitement when they find something out of the ordinary. Although largely dependent on your age during the 90’s, the Collector’s Choice cards were a very affordable and fun introduction to the hobby.
The Card: Although just a common in a common set, the reverse of the card takes us to a pinnacle in Danny Ferry’s career, when he was becoming crucial to the Cavs in the season before this card was printed. He only started in eleven games in his whole career, and then during the 95-96 season, he was a starter in nearly every one. His stats show it too, with a clear jump in all categories during the 95-96 season. And he had a great 32-point, career-high, game against the Knicks on April 11, 1996. It’s being able to relive exciting games like this, or sometimes even just a memorable play, that I never overlook even my most common cards. It’s nice to be reminded of a season, and this game in particular, when Ferry’s potential was starting to shine through.
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