Best Lebron Rookie to start with?

jnmcards · 03-26-2020, 12:13 PM

Looking to broaden my collection with some Lebron stuff and I’ve been eyeing up a few of his low to mid tier rookies, specifically EX base and the Pristine /1999.

Would this be a good place to start? Looking for something with decent upside that won’t break the bank.

Thanks

tjforce · 03-26-2020, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnmcards

Looking to broaden my collection with some Lebron stuff and I’ve been eyeing up a few of his low to mid tier rookies, specifically EX base and the Pristine /1999.

Would this be a good place to start? Looking for something with decent upside that won’t break the bank.

Thanks

Ex is great.

IMO the Pristine is a little weird because there are 3 versions of the card, #101, 102 and 103.

Hard to go wrong with Topps Chrome or Base Topps IMO. Or you could go for something more rare but a bit more obscure.

Lots of good options.

ThoseBackPages · 03-26-2020, 12:32 PM

Topps Chrome
Hoops
Upper Deck

tjforce · 03-26-2020, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

Topps Chrome
Hoops
Upper Deck

They didn't make Hoops in '03.

ThoseBackPages · 03-26-2020, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjforce

They didn't make Hoops in '03.

Yea they did, under the name of Hoops Hot Prospects

crazy times indeed

tjforce · 03-26-2020, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

Yea they did, under the name of Hoops Hot Prospects

crazy times indeed

I guess that's right. But it's kind like calling "Exquisite" "Upper Deck".

Either way, it's a pretty nice card and one I'd refer to as one of the rarer, less mainstream brands. Good suggestion.

asujbl · 03-26-2020, 12:45 PM

I think the Fleer is a nice option for a reasonable price (I want to say like $125 for a raw copy)

Is it some great picture? No...

But Fleer is one of the few brands, since it goes back to Jordan, that most guys of that "era" have rookie cards

I realize Fleer doesn't exist now but I like the symmetry of Jordan, LeBron, Shaq, Kobe, Duncan, etc... all having a Fleer Rookie

Willikn · 03-26-2020, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

Yea they did, under the name of Hoops Hot Prospects

I'd buy one if I could find one. That card is impossible in high grade. Not easy to find in any grade.

I know I'm in the minority but I really love the two pegged by the OP. That Pristine 101 REF is a beauty. EX is a cool one too.

The real answer is, the one you like the most in the best condition you can afford.

tjforce · 03-26-2020, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willikn

I'd buy one if I could find one. That card is impossible in high grade. Not easy to find in any grade.

I know I'm in the minority but I really love the two pegged by the OP. That Pristine 101 REF is a beauty. EX is a cool one too.

The real answer is, the one you like the most in the best condition you can afford.

It's so hard to go wrong with LeBron rookies, unless you buy one of the knock off Upper Decks or the wrong Fleer Ultra.

eastbayak · 03-26-2020, 01:10 PM

Pristine /1999 is awesome. I recently picked one up myself.

Although I don't own one, Ex is beautiful.

I'd personally wait on the TC base. It was pumped up a lot and has recently started to fall in price.

Here's a list of other LeBron RCs I've compiled based on feedback from other BO users (e.g., pcp, etc) that should be no more expensive than a Pristine /1999.

Bowman Chrome
Bowman Rookie Stars
Fleer Avant (/299 and /699)
Fleer Flair (/500)
Fleer Focus (/499)
Fleer Mystique (/999)
Fleer Tradition
Topps Finest
UD Finite

Willikn · 03-26-2020, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjforce

It's so hard to go wrong with LeBron rookies, unless you buy one of the knock off Upper Decks or the wrong Fleer Ultra.

I think all the true UD rookie cards (pack pulled base rookies that are part of a complete set) are good. Those weirdo inserts and box sets, yuck.

Shame that Ultra RC got perverted by the Hummer nonsense. I like that photo. Could never pull the trigger on the #/500 because the waters are so muddied by the junk.

tjforce · 03-26-2020, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willikn

I think all the true UD rookie cards (pack pulled base rookies that are part of a complete set) are good. Those weirdo inserts and box sets, yuck.

Shame that Ultra RC got perverted by the Hummer nonsense. I like that photo. Could never pull the trigger on the #/500 because the waters are so muddied by the junk.

And I think those boxed sets have held back the base Upper Deck for such a long time. There are about 200 PSA 10s of the Upper Deck #301 (I own one). That's super low for such a flagship set like Upper Deck.

Willikn · 03-26-2020, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eastbayak

Pristine /1999 is awesome. I recently picked one up myself.

Although I don't own one, Ex is beautiful.

I'd personally wait on the TC base. It was pumped up a lot and has recently started to fall in price.

Here's a list of other LeBron RCs I've compiled based on feedback from other BO users (e.g., pcp, etc) that should be no more expensive than a Pristine /1999.

Bowman Chrome
Bowman Rookie Stars
Fleer Avant (/299 and /699)
Fleer Flair (/500)
Fleer Focus (/499)
Fleer Mystique (/999)
Fleer Tradition
Topps Finest
UD Finite

Finite won't be cheap. There are two LeBron cards in the set. Only one is viewed as a "rookie" card (#242).

Maybe consider adding the 2002 Inspirations to your list.

Tilter1000 · 03-26-2020, 01:24 PM

Jumping on, I want to get a low tier LBJ rookie, but also want to avoid fakes (in case they are being made, not familiar). Grading not necessary. Thanks

Willikn · 03-26-2020, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjforce

And I think those boxed sets have held back the base Upper Deck for such a long time. There are about 200 PSA 10s of the Upper Deck #301 (I own one). That's super low for such a flagship set like Upper Deck.

Unlike the paper Topps and UD MVP, that was a very tough card to pull from packs. On average, it took seven boxes to pull one of each RC card.

Willikn · 03-26-2020, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tilter1000

Jumping on, I want to get a low tier LBJ rookie, but also want to avoid fakes (in case they are being made, not familiar). Grading not necessary. Thanks

Keep eyes peeled for the raw ones on Ebay being trimmed. Grading doesn't protect you from that. Buying from a reputable seller does.

eastbayak · 03-26-2020, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willikn

Finite won't be cheap. There are two LeBron cards in the set. Only one is viewed as a "rookie" card (#242).

Maybe consider adding the 2002 Inspirations to your list.

You're absolutely right, thank you for chiming in about that. Out of curiosity, if you had <=$1200 to spend, what LeBron RC(s) would you pick up?

And OP, please read the reply above.

ThoseBackPages · 03-26-2020, 01:42 PM

could not agree more about the Upper Deck.

people either do not know or remember that the the Star Rookies were a soft SP (1:4)

His UD (and Brady's as well) are under appreciated IMO

tjforce · 03-26-2020, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

could not agree more about the Upper Deck.

people either do not know or remember that the the Star Rookies were a soft SP (1:4)

His UD (and Brady's as well) are under appreciated IMO

I really think what holds it back is all the other crap Upper Deck put out that year. It starts to get conflated in collector's minds.

Willikn · 03-26-2020, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eastbayak

You're absolutely right, thank you for chiming in about that. Out of curiosity, if you had <=$1200 to spend, what LeBron RC(s) would you pick up?

And OP, please read the reply above.

Most everyone will tell you to spend that on a mint TC RC. What's more, most everyone holding that opinion is more in tune with the modern market than me. My opinions are likely the ramblings of an old fart who still thinks it is 2005.

In that price range (actually a bit less), assuming I didn't have one, I'd target Black Diamond in a 10 slab, Mystique in a 10 slab, and UD #301 in a 10 slab.

If I'm going after the coolest card in an 8.5 or 9, base Finest RC or Topps Contemporary Collection. I'd say the Honor Roll RC, but I know I'll get crushed just for mentioning it so I won't...derp

I have adored the Glass and Finite since 2004. You can reach either of those it sure seems worth it.

derder · 03-26-2020, 02:54 PM

I really really like the fleer genuine insider rookies from this season. They have numbered rookie cards inside of them... I have a bosh and it’s one of the more unique cards I have.

Jdan67 · 03-26-2020, 04:49 PM

OP, 101 refractor is a beautiful card and was already picking up a ton of steam. Still value in that card. Lebron, rookie year refractor and numbered... cant go wrong and it’s aesthetically very pleasing.

SnipeLeafs101 · 03-26-2020, 05:18 PM

You should start big and get a grail..like a Topps chrome Gold Refractor and break the internet

blinkme323 · 03-26-2020, 05:21 PM

Another vote here for the Pristine 101. Vastly underrated and great looking card. I’ve always been told that 101 was the “true” rookie in the set, but I think the confusion over the subsequent cards is the only thing holding its value back.

ninjacookies · 03-26-2020, 05:25 PM

I like his UD reflections. I think it's his best looking budget rc.

03-26-2020, 12:45 PM	#7
asujbl Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 62,754 ohiosundevils	I think the Fleer is a nice option for a reasonable price (I want to say like $125 for a raw copy) Is it some great picture? No... But Fleer is one of the few brands, since it goes back to Jordan, that most guys of that "era" have rookie cards I realize Fleer doesn't exist now but I like the symmetry of Jordan, LeBron, Shaq, Kobe, Duncan, etc... all having a Fleer Rookie __________________ https://ohiosundevils.smugmug.com/ Browns/Cavs/Tribe/Buckeyes/Jackets/Devils TheFrenzy - “Blowout ain't a place for normies”

03-26-2020, 01:42 PM	#18
ThoseBackPages Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Long Island Posts: 89,750 ThoseBackPages	could not agree more about the Upper Deck. people either do not know or remember that the the Star Rookies were a soft SP (1:4) His UD (and Brady's as well) are under appreciated IMO __________________ Pumpers Paradise #YouCryIBuy Four things that we cannot change each others minds about: Politics, Religion, Third Party Grading, and 2021 Bowman's Best Rookie Cards

03-26-2020, 02:54 PM	#21
derder Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 900	I really really like the fleer genuine insider rookies from this season. They have numbered rookie cards inside of them... I have a bosh and it’s one of the more unique cards I have. __________________ theres a thin line between yer wit and yer whining... Ronnie Brewer and other things PC http://www.tc-collector.com/Depitydog_145/Collection.html

03-26-2020, 05:25 PM	#25
ninjacookies Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: All the girls see the (boi)/ Look at his flips / Look at his kards / All they say is (oh boi). Posts: 56,740	I like his UD reflections. I think it's his best looking budget rc. __________________ #5 world ranked Ledell Eackles superclection as recognized by Tuff Stuff junior managing editor, Barry McCaulkinner. Somethin' like a cross between Teddy Aguhob and Kaboom Mystery Packs. I got that Givenchy denim flow.

03-26-2020, 12:13 PM	#1
jnmcards Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 452	Best Lebron Rookie to start with? Looking to broaden my collection with some Lebron stuff and I’ve been eyeing up a few of his low to mid tier rookies, specifically EX base and the Pristine /1999. Would this be a good place to start? Looking for something with decent upside that won’t break the bank. Thanks

03-26-2020, 12:32 PM	#3
ThoseBackPages Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Long Island Posts: 89,750 ThoseBackPages	Topps Chrome Hoops Upper Deck __________________ Pumpers Paradise #YouCryIBuy Four things that we cannot change each others minds about: Politics, Religion, Third Party Grading, and 2021 Bowman's Best Rookie Cards

03-26-2020, 01:10 PM	#10
eastbayak Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 15,956 eastbayak	Pristine /1999 is awesome. I recently picked one up myself. Although I don't own one, Ex is beautiful. I'd personally wait on the TC base. It was pumped up a lot and has recently started to fall in price. Here's a list of other LeBron RCs I've compiled based on feedback from other BO users (e.g., pcp, etc) that should be no more expensive than a Pristine /1999. Bowman Chrome Bowman Rookie Stars Fleer Avant (/299 and /699) Fleer Flair (/500) Fleer Focus (/499) Fleer Mystique (/999) Fleer Tradition Topps Finest UD Finite

03-26-2020, 01:24 PM	#14
Tilter1000 Member Join Date: Feb 2020 Posts: 31	Jumping on, I want to get a low tier LBJ rookie, but also want to avoid fakes (in case they are being made, not familiar). Grading not necessary. Thanks

03-26-2020, 04:49 PM	#22
Jdan67 Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: New York Posts: 344 JDAN67	OP, 101 refractor is a beautiful card and was already picking up a ton of steam. Still value in that card. Lebron, rookie year refractor and numbered... cant go wrong and it’s aesthetically very pleasing.

03-26-2020, 05:18 PM	#23
SnipeLeafs101 Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 122	You should start big and get a grail..like a Topps chrome Gold Refractor and break the internet

03-26-2020, 05:21 PM	#24
blinkme323 Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Philly Posts: 1,886	Another vote here for the Pristine 101. Vastly underrated and great looking card. I’ve always been told that 101 was the “true” rookie in the set, but I think the confusion over the subsequent cards is the only thing holding its value back.