Max @PutnamCards breaks down the #1 rule to win in the sports card market - and why it’s the key to enjoying collecting and making better financial decisions.

He also compares the trading card performance over the past two years of today’s young stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Dončić, and Victor Wembanyama to legends like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant.

Plus, a brief discussion of the recent $324K 2000 Flair Showcase Kobe Bryant Masterpiece 1/1 PSA 8 sale and thoughts on the new NBA Garbage Pail Kids inserts in Bowman Basketball cards.

Chapters

00:00 Episode Introduction

01:19 NBA Playoffs

02:39 GOATs or Current Superstars?

10:33 #1 Rule for Successful Sports Card Collecting

15:21 Recent Interesting Sales

20:32 2000 Flair Showcase Kobe Masterpiece 1/1

22:00 Bowman Garbage Pail Kids

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Social links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoopscollectors/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hoopscollectors

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Max @PutnamCards breaks down his top 5 predictions for the basketball card market for the rest of 2026.

From upcoming Topps releases and their potential impact on the hobby, to how the NBA Playoffs could shift player values and legacies in real time, this episode covers the biggest forces shaping the market throughout the remainder of the year.


He also explores the current state of the trading card market and why more collectors are moving away from ultra high-end cards in favor of “value” plays.

Chapters
00:00 Episode Introduction
01:41 Prediction 1
08:16 Prediction 2
12:10 Prediction 3
16:39 Prediction 4
24:01 Prediction 5
24:51 Bonus Observation
26:43 Conclusion

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Social links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoopscollectors/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hoopscollectors
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hoopscollectors
Twitter/X: https://x.com/hoopscollectors

Which year of Topps Chrome basketball has the BEST design ever?

In this episode, Max @PutnamCards ranks all 15 NBA-licensed Topps Chrome basketball releases from 1996–2009 and the brand new 2025 release — going from #15 all the way to #1.

This iconic run includes legendary draft classes and rookie cards of:

• Kobe Bryant (1996)
• LeBron James (2003)
• Stephen Curry (2009)
  

From the original chrome shine of the late 90s…to the bold ultra modern comeback in 2025…Max breaks down which designs truly stand the test of time.

Chapters

00:00 Episode Introduction

00:46 Criteria for Ranking Topps Chrome Designs

03:56 Official Topps Chrome Basketball Ranking

35:15 Conclusion

Follow the podcast and leave a rating if you enjoyed listening. Thanks for tuning in!

Social links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoopscollectors/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hoopscollectors

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hoopscollectors

Twitter/X: https://x.com/hoopscollectors