The Set: Compared to prior Ultra sets, the 1998-99 base set is a quicker one to complete. There are only 125 cards in one series. This was due to a lockout in the NBA early in the season and these cards were delayed in their release until the beginning of 1999. So not a lot of cards, small number, but very simple in structure as well. 100 regular cards that look like this Kevin Garnett and 25 rookie cards, seeded 1:4 packs, found at the end of the set. These rookie cards do not include Jason Williams, an important rookie from this year. This was blamed on a lack of photography due to the lockout.
The design is classical Ultra. From its beginning, Ultra was known for its full-bleed photos, and it continued that with full, borderless photos again this season. And, keeping things pretty consistent for the third year in a row, the player’s name appears in script at the bottom of the card alongside the team name and position. Each of the 125 base cards exists in three parallel versions, a Gold Medallion version, a Platinum Medallion version where the veterans are numbered to 99 and the rookies to 66, and a 1/1 Masterpiece version.
The Card: Although very standard in design, photo on front, stat box on back, this card has some interesting information related to Kevin Garnett specifically. It mentions that he was 10th in the NBA in rebounds for the 1997-98 season and that he had his first triple-double that same season (honestly, it’s a bit surprising that it took that long). It also mentions an appearance of Kevin Garnett in an issue of Newsweek magazine. But most interesting, and my favorite part about some of these 1998-99 Ultra cards, is the “Dare to Compare” section. Here, Kevin Garnett’s third season is compared to Charles Barkley’s third season. Barkley’s numbers sure are impressive! Significantly higher field goal percentage, 3.5 more points per game, 3.8 more rebounds per game (think about that….Barkley is getting almost four more rebounds per game on average at this point than Kevin Garnett!), and just a bit higher in assists. For those who saw the younger Barkley play, these numbers confirm the athleticism and skill they remember. But for those without that direct contact, this direct comparison between him and Kevin Garnett is powerful and gives younger fans a feel for how intimidating Barkley was!
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