Getting back into collecting after years away.

[TMNiches]

Hey guys, pretty old member coming back to get into this again. I can tell the game has changed and I'm just looking for some updates on the general state of NBA cards at this point. I know Panini is really the only major player in the game and Upper Deck only has NCAA cards, though I think I just read they lost that license too.

I was trading online in the early 00's. Mostly 2000-2004. I was a HUGE Kareem Rush collector and have decided to try and complete my rookie year collection. There are 5 1/1's that will be a pain to acquire, but hey, it wouldn't be fun if it was so damn easy. Also looking for Superstars of the Court which is an old Upper Deck set.

I see Beckett has updated and has a nice little tool for keeping track of all my cards. Was able to update my autos, game used and the Kareem Rush collection I'm trying to finish.

Haven't bought any true hobby boxes yet. Just some of the ones they have at Target. I know DACardWorld pretty much is the best option though.

It seems that this was much more popular back when I first started to do it. Has it slowly been dwindling down in popularity? Or is it just not so much forum based anymore?

[pwaldo]

I think it is safe to say that the economic downturn around 2008 hurt ALL hobbies not just the sports world. People just don't have the disposable income like they did before they don't have a job, a good paying job, retirement, etc. I'd also add that since Panini became the exclusive NBA card maker and they cast aside Topps and Upper Deck that the basketball card business was hurt. I can't really think of an example where an exclusive card company made the sport they represent more popular. It is always less since less is being made and less companies to promote and make stuff that people enjoy.

Also there is an inventory manager here (at the top of the page) that you can use to keep track of your collection as well. Don't know if you knew about it but I just thought I'd let you know just in case you didn't.

[WilyWestbrook0]

Yes, it was much more popular, particularly among middle class and younger folks. I've been trading online since the late 1990s, and the change has been noticeable, to say the least. It's unusual to find collectors outside the high end set nowadays. There's another card forum that has significant action besides this one, but you better have $100 or more type stuff, or you won't see much dealing action.

Flipside is, the stuff I never could afford or dream of having in the late 1990s and early 2000s - stuff like Grant Hill Finest rookies, game used patches, and autographs of Hall of Fame players - can be had now on eBay often for less than $10.

[TMNiches]

Yes, it was much more popular, particularly among middle class and younger folks. I've been trading online since the late 1990s, and the change has been noticeable, to say the least. It's unusual to find collectors outside the high end set nowadays. There's another card forum that has significant action besides this one, but you better have $100 or more type stuff, or you won't see much dealing action.

Flipside is, the stuff I never could afford or dream of having in the late 1990s and early 2000s - stuff like Grant Hill Finest rookies, game used patches, and autographs of Hall of Fame players - can be had now on eBay often for less than $10.

I did notice a bunch of stuff was much cheaper and that will benefit me and my collection, lol.

Thanks for the response.

[TMNiches]

I think it is safe to say that the economic downturn around 2008 hurt ALL hobbies not just the sports world. People just don't have the disposable income like they did before they don't have a job, a good paying job, retirement, etc. I'd also add that since Panini became the exclusive NBA card maker and they cast aside Topps and Upper Deck that the basketball card business was hurt. I can't really think of an example where an exclusive card company made the sport they represent more popular. It is always less since less is being made and less companies to promote and make stuff that people enjoy.

Also there is an inventory manager here (at the top of the page) that you can use to keep track of your collection as well. Don't know if you knew about it but I just thought I'd let you know just in case you didn't.

Thanks, I did see that and will take advantage of it.