Chris P
11-18-2020, 01:45 AM
Didn't wanna have a long post on the Luka threads, but decided to rank my favorite 20 cards of my Luka collection as we get closer to the draft and the start of the NBA season. I was fortunate to get most my nicer Lukas either through pack pulls or "cheap" during his rookie season. I don't have unlimited pockets so I'm sure plenty of people have way better Luka collections than mine (I've seen them on here and IG) and I don't do multiples so you won't see 5 Immac RPA's or nothing like that lol. Still, I think it's a pretty decent collection for someone with my budget. First off..the honorable mentions
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611052618_1d253412f7_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7jSFu)
In this group is my Color Prizm Rookies. I have zero numbered Hobby Parallels. The Ruby Wave, Pink Cracked Ice, and Hyper were pack pulled and the Green was an Ebay Purchase. On the Select Front the Jersey card was a pack pull and I just love the design of it. The Red Concourse and Purple Die Cut were Ebay purchases and the Premier Level Silver was a pack pull. The last four in the row (Status Green, Mosaic RC, The Rookies Silver Holo, Revolution Groove) were all pack pulls as well. Still feel like they are worth showing off, but not quite Top 20 material.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50614403727_ce6a6dd738_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7C3Re)
In this second group of honorable mentions, three Chronicles Rookie Parallels and the Green Flood Parallel from Donruss. Also 4 2nd year Lukas, including his 2nd year Silver Prizm, Blue Select Die Cut, a low end parallel that just looks stunning (that blue blackground on the Certified parallel is just so sharp), and in my opinion, a real underrated card in the 2nd year Phenomonon Silver.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50614292691_c837380cae_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7BtQP)
An Optic Fast Break Disco Parallel RC (I Actually pulled 2, but sold one a few months ago), three Elite Rookie Parallels (Green, Pink and the Red Numbered to 149), a 2nd Year Blue Elite Parallel, A Studio Green Parallel RC, The Obsidian Base Preview RC (Pack Pulled), Green/Yellow Laser Luka Donruss RC, Revolution Chinese New Year RC, Hoops Premium Set RC to 199, Plates & Patches Blue Parallel to 99, and a Status Red Parallel RC
A couple more honorable mentions
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611914237_a004806718_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7phNZ)
If this would've been a Silver it'd be probably #1 for sure, but it's just the base and though it's still a desirable rookie to own, there are just 20 more cards I like better. This narrowly misses the cut
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611798821_a11aebc0b0_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7oGv4)
I love blue and I love the Velocity parallels and this one narrowly misses the cut as well. When ranking my favorites, I gotta nit pick so this being an easier unumbered Optic Parallel (relatively speaking) knocks it down a smidge.
These are all great cards, but just not good enough to make my cut so to speak. Also not going to show most of the Base rookies I have of Luka (Prizm, Optic, Donruss, Hoops etc etc). So now..on to the countdown!!
#20 2018-19 Certified Fabric of The Game Patch Gold (#3/10)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611799331_5e49c46db4_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7oGDR)
Other than Blue/Green Parallels, I'm a sucker for Gold Parallels. When I initially bought this during his rookie season, I had a little bit of buyer's remorse thinking it could go down as a massive overpay (I paid $170) but I felt it was worth it. It's Event Worn of course, but it's still a beautiful card numbered to 10 copies. For me, can't go higher since it's just a patch card.
#19 2019-20 Prizm Blue Parallel (/199)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50614404597_3aa7be5181_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7C47e)
The only 2nd year card to make the cut. My biggest regret is never buying a Blue during his rookie year. Those are wayyyyy outta my price range now, so I had to settle for the next best thing. The 2nd year one, which is still really nice. Numbered to 199
#18 2018-19 Optic Premium Set RC (/249)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611052873_30178032a3_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7jSKT)
I love Optic Parallels and am a fan of the Premium Set Parallels. The numbering helps as well
#17 2016-17 Upper Deck Euroleague Patterened Rainbow
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611799601_cb21ab9932_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7oGJv)
I love this card because it predates Luka's NBA stuff by 2 years. I had no idea how much these had taken off during this time. I'm pretty sure I paid under $100 for this when I got it.
#16 2018-19 Optic Orange Holo RC (/199)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611799091_29e248c01a_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7oGzH)
Only 5 cards in and it's already hard to pick which I like more. The Orange is cool and it's relatively low numbered.
#15 2018-19 Panini Threads Premium Blue Parallel (#/75)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611799196_18777a4903_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7oGBw)
The only real knock and this card and why's low is that it comes from a relatively low end brand compared to the others on my list, but man this card has been growing on me a lot. Low numbered (under 100 copies) and Blue. Also a fan of the jersey in the background
#14 2018-19 Optic Silver Holo
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611798921_3598c950e2_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7oGwM)
I remember thinking I was taking a huge gamble buying one of these at $50. Being one of the more popular Luka rookies alone helps it make the list, and though less produced than Silver Prizms, these still aren't hard to find which is a factor as well. I do love how slick they look though.
#13 2018-19 Prizm Silver Prizm
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611914417_a86e7d0d7b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7phS6)
Pretty much a must have in any Luka collection no? No shortage of these, but it's iconic status and eye appeal for me is enough for it to crack my list
#12 2018-19 Select Premier Level Blue Die Cut (/149)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611798506_6fe6460e5b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7oGpC)
I showed off the Purple on the honorable mentions list and even though that one is lower numbered (to 99), I prefer this one because of the Blue.
#11 2018-19 Optic Choice Mojo RC
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50614293476_b463ff6523_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7Bu5m)
I absoultely love the Mojo Parallels, and this (and the Red to 88) were on my want list for a long time. I kick myself for not getting a Red for $300-$400 when that was an option. The surface grade knocked this to a 8.5 (though honestly I can't tell where the flaw is) which gave me a chance to get this at a great price ($150).
#10 2018-19 Revolution Rookie Autographs
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611699091_6bf4a6b431_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7obRz)
This was my 2nd ever Luka Auto pull. On card. Of course the elephant of the room "did he sign it?" If not for that looming question this might rank higher, but regardless it's still a real nice card and I've always been a huge fan of Revolution autos
#9 2018-19 Optic Pink Velocity (/79)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50614404212_cf1c9e103a_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7C3ZA)
Like I said earlier, I'd say Velocities and Mojos are my favorite parallel design. Very fortunate to pick this one up before the huge price explosion. Yes, I'd love the Black, but Pink will definitely do
#8 2018-19 Absolute Tools of The Trade 6 Swatch Auto (/25)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611815517_d855975f1a_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7oMsV)
My first ever Luka Auto pull. Bought two boxes off Ebay at Absolute's release and got this in one of them. Sentimental reasons outweigh flaws (sticker auto, the questionable "lulu" sig).
#7 2018-19 Status Pursuit Die Cut
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50613549228_6f15025724_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7xEQu)
This was my most recent big Luka pickup and I got it for a pretty good price after Luka was eliminated from the playoffs. Love die cuts and this one is just so awesome looking! Was thrilled to win it
#6 2019-20 Certified Freshman Fabric Gold Auto/Patch (#10/10)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611053518_b7ec477446_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7jSX1)
If this was on card and and unquestionable auto, this would hands down be #1 as it has all the important elements. Auto/Patch/Gold/Low Numbering. I don't remember exactly what I paid, but it wasn't more than $400. I still think it's a nice card that you don't see all the time
Top 5 time...
#5 2018-19 Optic Rated Rookie Autograph
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611799151_d516f57c0d_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7oGAK)
The 3rd and final autograph I have of Luka. It's Optic, It's on card and it's one of his autographs that most concur is legit! I love that it's a different pose than his non auto'd rookies too
#4 2018-19 Phoenix Blue Prizm (/99)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50614403602_e0ee83ce71_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7C3P5)
So glad I picked one of these up before they went sky high. A beautiful underrated chrome card (compared to Optic and Prizm). Everything about is just amazing. Two cards beat it on sentimental reasons and 1 beats it on a scarcity level alone
#3 2018-19 Contenders Optic Preview
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50614293131_e499ee6b8c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7BtYp)
There's just something about this card I love. I've been a fan of Contenders Optic since it was introduced in Football. I know it's a preview card but I still love it. Unfortunately, it also means a lot to me because this was the last card I showed my Dad before his untimely passing last year. I got it in the mail Saturday, June 8th 2019. I showed my Dad and he gave his customary "neato" knowing it was good but not understanding cards at all lol. He passed away the next day. This card will always stick with me for that reason
#2 2018-19 Obsidian Orange Etch RC (/25)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50614292966_36a12ee8ce_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7BtVy)
Here's one you really don't see that often. I love this because I pulled it myself. This isn't the preview version from Chronicles. It's parallel from the Obsidian set itself. One of my favorite looking Luka's and one of my favorite cards in my entire collection period.
#1 2018-19 Luka Doncic Titanium Draft Year Parallel (/18)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611915017_20f089da72_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7pi3r)
You couldn't come up with a better background story for this card. It seriously sounds like a hokey made up story but it happened. So my Dad passing away was the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my life and it's not even close. He was my best friend. Me and my parents have always been super close and I'm still reeling over that loss today. The pain is still there and who knows how long it'll take to at least get a little better. Of course cards were the last thing on my mind when it happened, but after 3 weeks or so I was just so depressed and just wanted to TRY to have something to look forward to, I decided to buy 3 boxes of Chronicles Basketball. I planned on opening them during Zion's big Summer League Debut. These were the first boxes of cards I would be opening after my Dad's passing. I truly 100% believe my Dad had a hand in the break and knew I needed a pick me up because it was one of the best breaks I've ever had. I pulled a Gale of Landry Shamet numbered to 8, a Reggie Miller Gold Auto Redemption (which as I stated before was so fitting because my mom used to love Reggie Miller and Dad would always give her a hard time) and a Dr. J Auto Jersey. But in Box 1 not only did I pull the Dr. J Auto Jersey..I pulled this card. It was amazing. It's the lowest numbered Luka I've ever pulled and it's such a great card. This one card I will never ever part with.
Hope that last part wasn't too much of a downer, but there they are! My best Luka cards! Can't wait for the season to start to see Luka in action again!
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611052618_1d253412f7_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7jSFu)
In this group is my Color Prizm Rookies. I have zero numbered Hobby Parallels. The Ruby Wave, Pink Cracked Ice, and Hyper were pack pulled and the Green was an Ebay Purchase. On the Select Front the Jersey card was a pack pull and I just love the design of it. The Red Concourse and Purple Die Cut were Ebay purchases and the Premier Level Silver was a pack pull. The last four in the row (Status Green, Mosaic RC, The Rookies Silver Holo, Revolution Groove) were all pack pulls as well. Still feel like they are worth showing off, but not quite Top 20 material.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50614403727_ce6a6dd738_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7C3Re)
In this second group of honorable mentions, three Chronicles Rookie Parallels and the Green Flood Parallel from Donruss. Also 4 2nd year Lukas, including his 2nd year Silver Prizm, Blue Select Die Cut, a low end parallel that just looks stunning (that blue blackground on the Certified parallel is just so sharp), and in my opinion, a real underrated card in the 2nd year Phenomonon Silver.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50614292691_c837380cae_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7BtQP)
An Optic Fast Break Disco Parallel RC (I Actually pulled 2, but sold one a few months ago), three Elite Rookie Parallels (Green, Pink and the Red Numbered to 149), a 2nd Year Blue Elite Parallel, A Studio Green Parallel RC, The Obsidian Base Preview RC (Pack Pulled), Green/Yellow Laser Luka Donruss RC, Revolution Chinese New Year RC, Hoops Premium Set RC to 199, Plates & Patches Blue Parallel to 99, and a Status Red Parallel RC
A couple more honorable mentions
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611914237_a004806718_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7phNZ)
If this would've been a Silver it'd be probably #1 for sure, but it's just the base and though it's still a desirable rookie to own, there are just 20 more cards I like better. This narrowly misses the cut
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611798821_a11aebc0b0_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7oGv4)
I love blue and I love the Velocity parallels and this one narrowly misses the cut as well. When ranking my favorites, I gotta nit pick so this being an easier unumbered Optic Parallel (relatively speaking) knocks it down a smidge.
These are all great cards, but just not good enough to make my cut so to speak. Also not going to show most of the Base rookies I have of Luka (Prizm, Optic, Donruss, Hoops etc etc). So now..on to the countdown!!
#20 2018-19 Certified Fabric of The Game Patch Gold (#3/10)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611799331_5e49c46db4_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7oGDR)
Other than Blue/Green Parallels, I'm a sucker for Gold Parallels. When I initially bought this during his rookie season, I had a little bit of buyer's remorse thinking it could go down as a massive overpay (I paid $170) but I felt it was worth it. It's Event Worn of course, but it's still a beautiful card numbered to 10 copies. For me, can't go higher since it's just a patch card.
#19 2019-20 Prizm Blue Parallel (/199)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50614404597_3aa7be5181_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7C47e)
The only 2nd year card to make the cut. My biggest regret is never buying a Blue during his rookie year. Those are wayyyyy outta my price range now, so I had to settle for the next best thing. The 2nd year one, which is still really nice. Numbered to 199
#18 2018-19 Optic Premium Set RC (/249)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611052873_30178032a3_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7jSKT)
I love Optic Parallels and am a fan of the Premium Set Parallels. The numbering helps as well
#17 2016-17 Upper Deck Euroleague Patterened Rainbow
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611799601_cb21ab9932_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7oGJv)
I love this card because it predates Luka's NBA stuff by 2 years. I had no idea how much these had taken off during this time. I'm pretty sure I paid under $100 for this when I got it.
#16 2018-19 Optic Orange Holo RC (/199)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611799091_29e248c01a_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7oGzH)
Only 5 cards in and it's already hard to pick which I like more. The Orange is cool and it's relatively low numbered.
#15 2018-19 Panini Threads Premium Blue Parallel (#/75)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611799196_18777a4903_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7oGBw)
The only real knock and this card and why's low is that it comes from a relatively low end brand compared to the others on my list, but man this card has been growing on me a lot. Low numbered (under 100 copies) and Blue. Also a fan of the jersey in the background
#14 2018-19 Optic Silver Holo
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611798921_3598c950e2_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7oGwM)
I remember thinking I was taking a huge gamble buying one of these at $50. Being one of the more popular Luka rookies alone helps it make the list, and though less produced than Silver Prizms, these still aren't hard to find which is a factor as well. I do love how slick they look though.
#13 2018-19 Prizm Silver Prizm
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611914417_a86e7d0d7b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7phS6)
Pretty much a must have in any Luka collection no? No shortage of these, but it's iconic status and eye appeal for me is enough for it to crack my list
#12 2018-19 Select Premier Level Blue Die Cut (/149)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611798506_6fe6460e5b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7oGpC)
I showed off the Purple on the honorable mentions list and even though that one is lower numbered (to 99), I prefer this one because of the Blue.
#11 2018-19 Optic Choice Mojo RC
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50614293476_b463ff6523_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7Bu5m)
I absoultely love the Mojo Parallels, and this (and the Red to 88) were on my want list for a long time. I kick myself for not getting a Red for $300-$400 when that was an option. The surface grade knocked this to a 8.5 (though honestly I can't tell where the flaw is) which gave me a chance to get this at a great price ($150).
#10 2018-19 Revolution Rookie Autographs
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611699091_6bf4a6b431_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7obRz)
This was my 2nd ever Luka Auto pull. On card. Of course the elephant of the room "did he sign it?" If not for that looming question this might rank higher, but regardless it's still a real nice card and I've always been a huge fan of Revolution autos
#9 2018-19 Optic Pink Velocity (/79)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50614404212_cf1c9e103a_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7C3ZA)
Like I said earlier, I'd say Velocities and Mojos are my favorite parallel design. Very fortunate to pick this one up before the huge price explosion. Yes, I'd love the Black, but Pink will definitely do
#8 2018-19 Absolute Tools of The Trade 6 Swatch Auto (/25)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611815517_d855975f1a_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7oMsV)
My first ever Luka Auto pull. Bought two boxes off Ebay at Absolute's release and got this in one of them. Sentimental reasons outweigh flaws (sticker auto, the questionable "lulu" sig).
#7 2018-19 Status Pursuit Die Cut
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50613549228_6f15025724_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7xEQu)
This was my most recent big Luka pickup and I got it for a pretty good price after Luka was eliminated from the playoffs. Love die cuts and this one is just so awesome looking! Was thrilled to win it
#6 2019-20 Certified Freshman Fabric Gold Auto/Patch (#10/10)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611053518_b7ec477446_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7jSX1)
If this was on card and and unquestionable auto, this would hands down be #1 as it has all the important elements. Auto/Patch/Gold/Low Numbering. I don't remember exactly what I paid, but it wasn't more than $400. I still think it's a nice card that you don't see all the time
Top 5 time...
#5 2018-19 Optic Rated Rookie Autograph
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611799151_d516f57c0d_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7oGAK)
The 3rd and final autograph I have of Luka. It's Optic, It's on card and it's one of his autographs that most concur is legit! I love that it's a different pose than his non auto'd rookies too
#4 2018-19 Phoenix Blue Prizm (/99)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50614403602_e0ee83ce71_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7C3P5)
So glad I picked one of these up before they went sky high. A beautiful underrated chrome card (compared to Optic and Prizm). Everything about is just amazing. Two cards beat it on sentimental reasons and 1 beats it on a scarcity level alone
#3 2018-19 Contenders Optic Preview
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50614293131_e499ee6b8c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7BtYp)
There's just something about this card I love. I've been a fan of Contenders Optic since it was introduced in Football. I know it's a preview card but I still love it. Unfortunately, it also means a lot to me because this was the last card I showed my Dad before his untimely passing last year. I got it in the mail Saturday, June 8th 2019. I showed my Dad and he gave his customary "neato" knowing it was good but not understanding cards at all lol. He passed away the next day. This card will always stick with me for that reason
#2 2018-19 Obsidian Orange Etch RC (/25)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50614292966_36a12ee8ce_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7BtVy)
Here's one you really don't see that often. I love this because I pulled it myself. This isn't the preview version from Chronicles. It's parallel from the Obsidian set itself. One of my favorite looking Luka's and one of my favorite cards in my entire collection period.
#1 2018-19 Luka Doncic Titanium Draft Year Parallel (/18)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50611915017_20f089da72_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k7pi3r)
You couldn't come up with a better background story for this card. It seriously sounds like a hokey made up story but it happened. So my Dad passing away was the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my life and it's not even close. He was my best friend. Me and my parents have always been super close and I'm still reeling over that loss today. The pain is still there and who knows how long it'll take to at least get a little better. Of course cards were the last thing on my mind when it happened, but after 3 weeks or so I was just so depressed and just wanted to TRY to have something to look forward to, I decided to buy 3 boxes of Chronicles Basketball. I planned on opening them during Zion's big Summer League Debut. These were the first boxes of cards I would be opening after my Dad's passing. I truly 100% believe my Dad had a hand in the break and knew I needed a pick me up because it was one of the best breaks I've ever had. I pulled a Gale of Landry Shamet numbered to 8, a Reggie Miller Gold Auto Redemption (which as I stated before was so fitting because my mom used to love Reggie Miller and Dad would always give her a hard time) and a Dr. J Auto Jersey. But in Box 1 not only did I pull the Dr. J Auto Jersey..I pulled this card. It was amazing. It's the lowest numbered Luka I've ever pulled and it's such a great card. This one card I will never ever part with.
Hope that last part wasn't too much of a downer, but there they are! My best Luka cards! Can't wait for the season to start to see Luka in action again!