Definitive List of Panini Inserts plus my Top-20 Ranking

[GeechQuest]

I’ve been working on this for a little over a month now for the forum. I wanted a definitive (and living) list of Panini’s Inserts. I’ve compiled this list by going over all sets from all years of Panini’s basketball license existence. My goal is to keep this list updated and rolling over the years. I'll likely constantly be adjusting my Top-20 rankings as new cards come out. Hopefully this serves to show people how great some inserts can actually be.

To be clear, this is just a base insert list. Parallels like “Galactic” out of Revolution, while stunning and rare, will not be on this list. Prizm Golds from 2012-13 will also not make this list, as these are a parallel of an insert. To be included on this list you have to be a plain insert card. I somewhat hesitate to post this as I do not want to come across as pumping a specific card or insert set. That is not my style and never will be. I genuinely did this because unless someone is willing to put in the hard work, there really isn't a definitive list of Panini inserts online. This forum has provided me with so much knowledge, that I'd like to impart a little bit that I've accumulated.

Below the Top-20 you will see a list of ALL inserts from every single year Panini has made cards in it's own post. I've bookmarked this to go on for 20 years.

I’m hoping we can get a nice discussion going and keep this thread alive throughout various sets.

TOP 20 PANINI INSERTS

1) 2019 Spectra Color Blast:
Previously: 2016-17 Studio From Downtown!



The top dog currently. Stellar checklist, chromium, exceedingly rare, and as close to a work of chromium art that has EVER been produced. We can say a lot about this set. It's been a fan favorite since the mock-ups and made Spectra into a juggernaut of a product in 2019. To think that the best chromium insert doesn't come from Prizm or Optic should give you an idea how great this set truly is. No parallels to chase, a star studded checklist, and insane odds (1 in 7-10 cases or something like that) and you have a winner on your hands.



2) 2016 Donruss Optic Preview:
Previously 2009-10 Court Kings Le Cinque Piu Belle (Kobe Bryant)



The “Optic Preview” out of Donruss was the start of the entire Optic brand, which seems to have grabbed a nice footing among basketball collectors. This wasn’t the 1st time Panini did a preview set as they did a Hoops Preview years prior, and while I prefer Hoops to Optic, there is no denying which one is more collectable currently. This may seem a bit high in position #2, but as of today I can't think of too many bigger inserts in the hobby.



3) 2012 Elites Series Class Masters:
Previously: 2012-13 Innovation Laser Cut Accomplishments



This is a personal favorite of mine just because it harkens back to ridiculous looking 90’s cards. These were only found in Elite Series and not regular ol’ boring Elite. This card has moved up the list because as we evolve and our tastes change some things are just appreciated more. The fact that this is not paralleled and a stand alone insert, combined with an amazing checklist puts this in the upper echelon of Panini inserts for me.





4) 2009 Donruss Star Gazing:
Previously: 2016-17 Donruss Optic Preview



Not a rare set, and my fascination with space probably puts this higher than it should be. Absolute Star Gazing features a Steph Curry RC in the set which puts it this high. This was Panini’s 1st year in existence and Star Gazing represents Curry’s best base RC insert. This feels a little too high, and seems like something that may drop as the years go on. Just no denying that "space theme" cards have a grasp on today's collector.



5) 2016 Grand Reserve Closing Statements:
Previously: 2013-14 Innovation Kaboom



Very rare at 1 in 7 cases, this set is highlighted by Kobe Bryant’s retirement game. In fact, all cards in this set (and it is small) feature photography from the last time the player featured was on the court. This set will probably move up as time goes on, as these cards are truly some of the most unique Panini has produced (turns out that I did grow more fond of this set in the past couple of years).



6) 2013 Innovation Kaboom:
Previously: 2012-13 Innovation Stained Glass



Kaboom has certainly lost it’s luster among collectors, but there is no denying how truly innovative this set was for Panini when it first released. These things were (still are to an extent) collected like crazy. If you have a player PC, the 1st year Kaboom is a must for a Panini insert. It's funny to see the previous statements, have the Kabooms back in favor again, and this drop on my list. The sheer fact that it's produced year in and year out, hurt it's standing.



7) 2019 Donruss Net Marvels:
Previously: 2013 Gold Standard Finals MVP /20



This set goes against almost everything I stand for. It's easily the most common insert set on the list and it's really not close. I just can't deny the power this set has. When you can take a product like Donruss and lift it higher than ever before (something even the Next Day Autos were unable to do) you're really doing something special. If I was going to own one of these, it would be the Press Proof parallel, and I'm no fan of parallels generally. Either way, this is probably the 2nd best insert Panini has put out in the past few years and it truly did grab a big swath of the community and continues to gain in popularity.



8) 2016-17 Hoops NBA Finals MVP /99 (Lebron James):
Previously: 2016-17 Hoops NBA Finals MVP /99 (Lebron James)



Not many realize that Hoops releases this insert, but (almost) every year the previous season’s Finals MVP gets a rare card made commemorating their achievement. This is the only Finals MVP card of The King in a Cavs jersey, and as such is high up on the list


9) 2015-16 Excalibur Knights of the Round:
Previously: 2015-16 Excalibur Knights of the Round



Die-Cut’s always work as an insert, and while not the 1st year of the “Knights of the Round”, 15/16 features an awesome refractory background to go along with a checklist that includes insert RCs of KAT and Porzingis.



10) 2012 Threads Century Stars:
Previously: 2009 Absolute Memorabilia Star Gazing:



How did a set that wasn't on the list years ago, and is almost a decade old, make the list this time? Research! When you think you study and know everything, study some more and you can find some real hidden gems. I can list a myriad of reasons why this set moved into not just my Top-20 but Top-10 but the main was is that this was the FIRST instance Panini used the laser cut technology (and one of the few times) and it has a better checklist than the old favorite "Laser Cut Accomplishments". With a checklist bolstering Kobe and Lebron, which the LCA does not have, amazing photography all shot from behind the backboard looking down (consistency in photos and sets is so rare), as well as being insanely rare this set has to be in the Top-10. To give you an idea of how scarce this set is, only 19 copies of the Kobe and 33 of the Lebron have ever sold on eBay. It's been almost a decade...




11) 2012 Innovation Stained Glass:
Previously: 2015 Totally Certified Certified Champions /199



Double RC Class with an eye-popping acetate type of insert. This set is another must for PC player collectors. It may be just a little high on the list, but Panini really stepped up their insert game on this design as they hadn’t really attempted a card like this in their history.



12) 2012 Innovation Laser Cut Accomplishments
Previously: 2012 Innovation Laser Cut:



This would likely be higher up the list if the checklist was better. None of the hobby Goats on the checklist unfortunately hurts it's status. Coupled with the fact that this is the 2nd time Panini used the star laser cut design, and it's been knocked down heavily. Panini used laser cut stars to signify the total number of All-Star games a player had been selected to. A perfect use of this laser cut technology, as well as a great execution of the idea.



13) 2013 Gold Standard Finals MVP /20:
Previously: 2012 Prizm USA Basketball



What makes this set great is not just the rarity of being numbered /20, but the photography and concept. We seem to value cards greater when they represent achievements, and this set is reserved for only those players who have a Finals MVP on their resume. Unfortunatley, it does have the Platinum parallel /10 and Panini has gone to the well with the MVP thing a bit too much, making it a common theme throughout their catalogue so this was dropped a bit from it's previous high.



14) 2015 Panini Certified Certified Champions:
Previously 2012 Playoff Contenders Throwback Rookies



A set many may not know about, but criminally underrated. For all the complaints about Panini’s choice of photography (totally warranted) this set truly shows how nice cards can be when a little effort goes into the design. Featuring photography STRICTLY from NBA Finals games, this set commemorating stars while playing in the Finals would be higher if the base was actually the “mirror” parallel /25 instead, where the photography really pops. Yes, this may be one of the few, if only, Panini cards featuring a Bill Russell action shot.


15) 2012 Contenders Throwback Rookies Previously:
2013-14 Titanium Atomic Numbers /99:



This set could probably be dropped off the list completely, but it’s about the only way you can get a Panini card with a Lebron RC image on it. It’s a nice concept card that doesn’t seem to be easiest to hunt down. Even though this dropped a spot, my gut says I've ranked it way too low seeing as how it's not paralleled and it's a stand alone insert which is something I've grown fond of recently.




16) 2019 Select Artistic Selections:
Previously: 2016-17 Grand Reserve Closing Statements



Chromium, case hit, checklist, non paralleled. Hit's all the boxes (sans chromium) for me. Feels a little high and can see this dropping off, but it is a glorious piece of art that fits it's namesake perfectly.


17) 2016 Studio From Downtown!
Previously: 2017-18 Essentials Kobe’s All-Rookie Team Die-Cut:



This is a truly remarkable set. It factors in all things which make inserts cool with a crazy design and rarity, but when combined with a stellar checklist. This has been the biggest letdown on the list to date, mostly due to the fact that Panini put's it out every year. Still, the 2016 reigns supreme because the checklist is outstanding (Lebron/Kobe/Curry) and the theme, outside of Ben Simmons, works wonderfully compared to the "Downtown" inserts that are more common now.



18) 2018 Court Kings Kaboom:
Previously: 2010-11 National Treasures Springfield Bound /25



This set is the only repeated set on the list. I have to have a Luka rookie insert in the Top-20, and this one seems to fit the bill as it signifies the change in the "Kaboom" effect that Panini had relied on for the previous 5 years and the first time a Kaboom was not a guarantee when opening a case.


19) 2015 Court Kings Aurora:
Previously: 2012 Elite Series Class Masters /99




First year of the Aurora parallel, and the shortest print due to the size of the checklist and the overall Print run of CK that year. If someone asked me to pick an Aurora parallel to chase down, I'd choose 2015 over all others.



20) 2019 Court Kings Mount Zion:
Previously: 2011 Hoops Slam Dunk Champions



This is one that may be knocked from the list next year, but the 2019 Mount Zion solo insert is unique, unparalleled, and fairly rare.

[GeechQuest]

2009-10: 84 Total Inserts

1st year of Panini products and Panini’s first shot at making sets. What you need to know about the inserts from this year is that the vast majority of inserts have either a Memorabilia Parallel or Auto Parallel associated with them. So generally, you’ll have a plain jane insert that has parallel “hits”. This was frustrating to me as I could care less about hits. In their first season Panini also focused on a lot of Dual/Triple non “hit” card insert sets. It seems like most low-end sets had some sort of dual/triple player insert, which is not something they are currently doing and neat in certain instances. Final note, National Treasures used to have non-hit inserts, as opposed to know where the only non-hit card you will receive is a base card.



Top 5 inserts of the Year:
1) Court Kings Le Cinque Piu Belle
2) Absolute Memorabilia Star Gazing
3) Hall of Fame Dream Team
4) Threads Home/Away
5) Prestige Franchise Favorites




ABSOLUTE MEMORABILIA: 6
-Frequent Flyer
-Heroes
-Hoopla
-Marks of Fame
-NBA Icons
-Star Gazing

CERTIFIED: 4
-Champions
-Gold Team
-Imports
-Potential

CLASSICS: 4
-Classic Combos
-Classic Confrontations
-Classic Greats
-Dress Code

COURT KINGS: 8
-Artistry
-Dribble Kings
-Gallery of Stars
-Hardwood Heroes
-Le Cinque Piu Belle
-Masterpieces
-Portraits
-Supreme Court

CROWN ROYALE: 6
-All Stars
-Kings on the Court
-Living Legends
-Nothing But Net
-Rookie Royalty
-Royalty

Hall of Fame: 4
-Dream Team /349
-High Class
-High Praise
-Scoring Legends

LIMITED: 6
-Banner Season
-Decade Dominance
-Glass Cleaners
-Retired Numbers /99
-Team Trademarks
-Trios

PLAYOFF CONTENDERS: 9
-Award Contenders
-Draft Class
-Draft Tandems
-Legendary Contenders
-Lottery Winners
-One-Two Punch
-Perennial Contenders
-Rookie of the Year Contenders
-Round Numbers

PLAYOFF NATIONAL TREASURES: 6
-25TH Anniversary Team
-35th Anniversary Team
-All Decade
-All NBA
-Champions
-NBA Greatest

PRESTIGE: 11
-Connections
-Franchise Favorites
-Hardcourt Heroes
-Inside the Numbers
-NBA Draft Class
-Old School
-Playmakers
-Stars of the NBA
-Stat Stars
-Super Sophs
-True Colors

ROOKIES AND STARS: 6
-Gold Stars
-Moments in Time
-Sharp Shooters
-Stardom
-Studio Rookies
-Team Leaders

SEASON UPDATE: 3
-Lakers Legacy
-Playoff Debut
-Rookie Challenge

STUDIO: 5
-Essence
-Heritage
-Masterstrokes
-Skylines
-Team Studio

THREADS: 6
-ABA Legends
-Century Stars
-Generations
-Legends
-Team Threads Home/Away
-Triple Threat

[GeechQuest]

2010-11: 70 Total Inserts

Very sub-par year of cards. Panini continued doing the base and “hit” versions of their inserts which really waters down any longevity to these cards IMO. We did get the release of Gold Standard which has some nice inserts in it. Also, they cut back on the base insert dual/triple card. They are still available, but not as many. National Treasures also continued to have non-hit inserts, which I wish they’d go back to. We did get the introduction to the Crusade inserts from Panini, which have had a nice following, as well as a Hoops Preview Insert set in Classics.



Top 5:
1) National Treasures Springfield Bound
2) Elite Black Box Crusade
3) Classics Hoops Preview
4) Classics Classic Moments
5) Gold Standard Solid Gold





DONRUSS: 7
-Craftsmen
-Duos
-Gamers
-Jersey Kings
-Magicians /999
-Masters
-Production Line

ABSOLUTE MEMORABILIA: 6
-Absolute Heroes
-Frequent Flyer
-Hoopla
-Marks of Fame
-NBA Icons
-Star Gazing

CLASSICS: 6
-Blast From the Past
-Classic Combos
-Classic Greats
-Classic Moments
-Dress Code
-Hoops Previews

ELITE BLACK BOX: 1
-Crusade

GOLD STANDARD: 12
-24-Karate Kobe /299
-Gold Bars /299
-Gold Crowns /299
-Gold Medalists /299
-Gold Mining /299
-Gold Nuggets /299
-Gold Records /299
-Gold Rings /299
-Gold Stars /299
-Golden Age /299
-Golden Anniversary /299
-Solid Gold

LIMITED: 6
-Banner Season
-Decade Dominance
-Glass Cleaners
-Retired Numbers
-Team Trademarks
-Trios

PRESTIGE: 11
-Draft Picks
-Franchise Favorites
-Hardcourt Heroes
-Inside the Numbers
-NBA Draft Class
-Old School
-Playmakers
-Stars of the NBA
-Stat Stars
-Super Sophs
-True Colors

ROOKIES & STARS: 7
-Kids Foot Locker Promo
-Moments in Time
-Sharp Shooters
-Stardom
-Studio Combo Rookies
-Superstars
-Team Leaders

SEASON UPDATE: 2
-All-Stars
-Rookie Challenge

THREADS: 6
-All-Time Big Men
-Century Legends
-Century Stars
-Rookie Team Threads Home/Away
-Team Threads Home/Away
-Triple Threat

TOTALLY CERTIFIED: 1
-Potential

NATIONAL TREAURES: 5
-ABA Legends
-All Decade
-All NBA
-Champions
-Springfield Bound

[GeechQuest]

2011-12: 19 Total Inserts

Probably the worst year for cards in a long while, as the lockout shortened the season. From an insert standpoint, it was nice that Panini seemed to drop the “hit” attachment to certain inserts. Those inserts were now strictly “hit” sets. This brings our insert count down dramatically. We did get a full fledged Hoops release, which contains much have our Top-5.



Top 5:
1) Hoops Slam Dunk Champion
2) Gold Standard Solid Gold
3) Hoops Courtside
4) Hoops Hoop Dreams
5) Gold Standard Gold Rush





HOOPS: 9
-A Night to Remember
-Action Photos
-Blake Griffin/Blake Superior
-BIGS
-Courtside
-Hall of Fame Heroes
-Hoop Dreams
-Kobe Bryant/Black Mamba
-Slam Dunk Champion

GOLD STANDARD: 3
-2012 Draft Pick Redemptions
-Gold Rush
-Solid Gold

LIMITED: 1
-2012 Draft Pick Redemptions

PAST AND PRESENT: 6
-2012 Draft Pick Redemtions
-Bread for Energy/Health/Life Die-Cut
-Breakout
-Changing Times
-Fireworks
-Raining 3’s

[GeechQuest]

2012-13: 95 Total Inserts

This is the year Panini did away with Inserts in National Treasures, and also started some “Case Hit” type inserts (inserts that were unnumbered but rare). They also started to mess around with different printing technologies which really gave some of these inserts a nice boost. I would say that Panini’s 4th year was definitely it’s best for inserts to date, and getting down to a Top-5 is a tricky proposition with so many great cards to choose from. We have 2 sets in Elite Series and Innovation that Panini truly knocked out of the park in regards to inserts.



Top 5:
1) Innovation Laser Cut Accomplishments
2) Innovation Stained Glass
3) Innovation Laser Cut
4) Contenders Throwback Rookies
5) Elite Series Class Masters /99

HOOPS: 8
-Action
-Board Members
-Courtside
-Draft Night
-Franchise Greats
-Kobe’s All-Rookie Team
-Rookie Impact
-Spark Plugs

PANINI: 6
-All-Panini
-Heroes of the Hall
-Knights of the Round
-Matching Numbers
-Player of the Year
-Spirit of the Game

ABSOLUTE: 1
-Panini All-Stars

BRILLIANCE: 6
-Accolades
-Magic Numbers
-Scorers Inc
-Spellbound
-Springfield
-Team Tomorrow

CONTENDERS: 7
-HOF Contenders
-Legendary Contenders
-Playoff Contenders
-Rookie of the Year Contenders
-Rookie Remembrance
-Statistical Contenders
-Throwback Rookies

CRUSADE: 3
-Crusade
-Knight Court
-Nobility

ELITE: 2
-Craftsmen
-Prime Numbers

ELITE SERIES: 5
-Class Masters /99
-Court Vision /49
-Electrifying /125
-Elite Glass
-Glass Masters

GOLD STANDARD: 5
-Gold Rush
-Gold Standard
-Hall of Gold
-Metal
-Solid Gold

INNOVATION: 10
-All Rookies
-Efficiency
-Innovators
-Laser Cut
-Laser Cut Accomplishments
-Passing Grade
-Pride of the NBA
-Producers
-Stained Glass
-Swat Team

INTRIGUE: 1
-Intriguing Players

MARQUEE: 5
-All-Rookie Team Laser Cut
-Champions
-Rookie Rivals Leather
-Slam Dunk Legends
-Stars of the Night

PAST & PRESENT: 8
-Headbands
-Raining 3’s
-Rise N Shine
-Shattered
-Shattered Black
-Treads
-Variations
-Winning Touch Championship Banners

PRESTIGE: 7
-All-Stars East
-All-Stars West
-Connections
-Franchise Favorites
-Hardcourt Heroes
-Playmakers
-Stars of the NBA

PRIZM: 4
-Downtown Bound
-Finalists
-Most Valuable Players
-USA Basketball

SELECT: 7
-All-Star Selections
-Hall Selections
-Hot Rookies
-Hot Stars
-In-Flight Selections
-White Hot Rookies
-White Hot Stars

THREADS: 8
-Century Greats
-Century Stars
-Floor Generals
-High Flyers
-Inside Presence
-Rookie Team Threads
-Talented Twosomes
-Team Threads

TIMELESS TREASURES: 2
-Rookie Matchups /99
-Three-Piece Puzzles /199

[GeechQuest]

2013-14: 100 Total Inserts


2013-14 seemed like a step back from the previous year, but Panini still had an excellent year all things considered. They introduced us to the Kaboom insert alongside bringing back Court Kings which meant an all KD version of Le Cinque Piu Belle. The problem with this season is we didn’t have Innovation really innovating, we had no Elite Series also innovating. The other issue is that with Chromium type cards (Select and Prizm), the base insert doesn’t have that pop. The Prizm technology inserts look nice, but for the base it just can’t make our cut.



Top-5:
1) Innovation Kaboom
2) Gold Standard Finals MVP /20
3) Titanium Atomic Numbers /99
4) Court Kings Le Cinque Piu Belle (Kevin Durant)
5) Innovation Rookie Stained Glass




HOOPS: 10
-Above The Rim
-Action Shots
-Board Members
-Class Action
-Courtside
-Dreams
-Hall of Fame Heroes
-Highlights
-Kobe All-Rookie Team
-Spark Plugs

PANINI: 8
-All-Panini
-Bird’s Eye View
-Family Business
-Favorites
-Knight School
-Knights of the Round
-Preparation
-Rookie Top 10

COURT KINGS: 12
-Blacktop Legends
-Coast to Coast
-Expressionists
-Kings of Springfield
-Le Cinque Piu Belle
-Legacies
-Masterpieces
-Portraits
-Renaissance Men
-Rookie Portraits
-Royal Performers
-Squires

CRUSADE: 4
-Crusade
-Knight Court
-Nobility
-Royalty

ELITE: 4
-Face 2 Face
-Franchise Future
-Passing the Torch
-Series

GOLD STANDARD: 7
-Claim To Fame Duals
-Finals MVP /20
-Gold Prospects
-Gold Records
-Gold Rush
-Metal
-Solid Gold

INNOVATION: 8
-All Rookies
-Juggernauts
-Kaboom
-Rookie Stained Glass
-Stained Glass
-Starters
-Starters Legends
-Swat Team

INTRIGUE: 2
-’14 Draft X-Change
-Intriguing Players

PRESTIGE: 9
-Connections
-Franchise Favorites
-Hardcourt Heroes
-Playmakers
-Prestigious Picks
-Prestigious Pioneers
-Prestigious Posts
-Prestigious Pros
-Stars of the NBA

PRIZM: 5
-Brilliance
-Dominance
-Guard Duty
-Hall Monitors
-Post Season


SELECT: 8
-Clutch
-Draft Selections
-Red Hot
-Skills
-Sky High
-Stars
-White Hot
-Young Bloods

Signatures: 2
-14’ Draft X-Change
-Film

TIMELESS TREASURES: 3
-Lottery Winners
-Three-Piece Puzzles
-Timeless Teams

TITANIUM: 7
-Atomic Numbers /99
-Conductors
-Fundamentals /199
-Luster /99
-Strength /99
-Team Titans /149
-Titans /199

PINNACLE: 15
-Awaiting the Call
-Behind the Numbers
-Big Bang
-Clear Vision 1st Quarter
-Jamfest
-Position Powers
-Scoring Kings
-Team 2020
-Team Pinnacle
-The Naturals
-Z-Team

[GeechQuest]

2014-15: 69 Total Inserts



Even though the number of sets produced remained the same (from the previous year), the number of non-hit inserts went down over 30%. This was due to the fact the in 14/15 Panini started focusing more on releases catered around hit’s only. 9 of the 22 products released this year did not contain a non-base insert. So because of this it was a substandard year for inserts, probably the 2nd worst year Panini has ever produced.



Top 5:
1) Gold Standard Golden Debuts /50
2) Hoops Champions Trophy Portrait /99
3) Court Kings Le Cinque Piu Belle
4) Hoops Finals MVP /99
5) Excalibur Kaboom




DONRUSS: 8
-Court Kings
-Elite
-Elite Dominators
-Production Line Assists
-Production Line Rebounds
-Production Line Scoring
-Scoring Kings
-The Rookies

HOOPS: 19
-Champions Trophy Portrait /99
-Class Action
-Courtside
-Dreams
-End 2 End
-Faces of the Future
-Fast Lane
-Finals MVP /99
-High Honors
-Highlights
-Kobe’s All-Rookie Team
-Lights…Camera…Action!
-Matchups
-Moments of Greatness
-Picture Perfect
-Road to the Finals
-Road to the Finals NBA Championship
-Shining Stars
-Trading Places

COURT KINGS: 8
-Aficionado
-Also Known As
-Expressionists
-Le Cinque Piu Belle
-Portraits
-Remarkable Rookies
-Rookie Royalty
-Royal Performances

EXCALIBUR: 8
-Crusade
-Juggernauts
-Kaboom
-Knights of the Round
-Knight Court
-Nobility
-Slam Inc
-Top Flight

GOLD STANDARD: 5
-Freshly Minted /20
-Gold Records /20
-Golden Debuts /50
-Solid Gold
-Vintage Gold /20

PRESTIGE (Includes Plus and Premium): 6
-2014 Rookies
-Connections
-Franchise Favorites
-Hardcourt Heroes
-Prestigious Pioneers
-Prestigious Posts

PRIZM: 4
-Fireworks
-Freshman Phenoms
-Representatives
-Superstars

SPECTRA: 1
-Global Icons

THREADS: 7
-ABA Legends
-Century Greats
-Floor Generals
-High Flyers
-Inside Presence
-Talented Twosomes
-Team Threads

TOTALLY CERTIFIED: 3
-Excellence /299
-Great American Heroes /299
-Skills /299

[GeechQuest]

2015-16: 83 Total Inserts



Back on track after a horrendous insert year prior. Although in 15/16 we didn’t get too many great inserts, we did get the continuation of 2 great sets (Le Cinque Piu Belle & Kaboom), as well as an update to an old classic in Knights of the Round. Panini also tried something new, by bringing Glass from absolute to the table. This is a gimmicky card (and a redemption only), but it’s always nice to see card companies try something they haven’t before. With the massive rookie class from this year, I think some of these inserts may be slept on down the road. Only time will tell.





Top 5:
1) Excalibur Knights of the Round
2) Totally Certified Certified Champions /199
3) Court Kings Aurora
4) Court Kings Le Cinque Piu Belle
5) Prestige Acetate Rookies





DONRUSS: 10
-Elite Dominator Hall
-Elite Dominator Rookies
-Elite Dominator Veterans
-Elite Elite Series
-Elite Extra Edition
-Elite Franchise Futures
-Passing Kings
-Rebounding Kings
-Scoring Kings
-The Rookies

HOOPS: 16
-Action Shots
-Bird’s Eye View
-Courtside
-Double Trouble
-Dreams
-End 2 End
-Faces of the Future
-High Flyers
-Highlights
-Kobe’s All-Rookie Team
-Lights…Camera…Action
-Picture Perfect
-Road to the Finals
-Swat Team
-Team Leaders
-Triple-Double

ABSOLUTE: 1
-Glass

BLACK GOLD: 2
-Gold Discs
-Team Emblems

CLEAR VISION: 2
-Standouts
-Visionairies

COMPLETE: 6
-Away
-Court Vision
-Craftsman
-Home
-NBA Cares
-Prime Numbers

COURT KINGS: 6
-Aurora
-Expressionists
-Le Cinque Piu Belle
-Portraits
-Rookie Portraits
-Swagger

EXALIBUR: 7
-Class Masters
-Crusade
-Jamfest
-Kaboom
-Knights of the Round
-Team 2020
-Team Titans

GOLD STANDARD: 2
-Golden Debuts /50
-Solid Gold

LIMITED: 2
-Phenoms
-Rookie Phenoms

PRESTIGE: 7
-Acetate Rookies
-Brilliant Beginnings
-Franchise Favorites
-Playmakers
-Prestigious Picks
-Prestigious Pros
-Stat Stars

PRIZM: 4
-Emergent
-Fireworks
-Point Men
-USA Basketball

REVOLUTION: 4
-Icons
-New Wave
-Rookie Revolution
-Showstoppers

SPECTRA: 1
-City Limits

THREADS: 8
-Century Greats
-Century Stars
-Floor Generals
-Hardwood Pioneers
-High Flyers
-Precision Players
-Team Threads
-Team Threads Rookie

TOTALLY CERTIFIED: 5
-Certified Champions /199
-Certified Hall Hopefulls
-Certified Imports
-Certified Potential
-Certified Skills

[GeechQuest]

2016-17: 124 Total Inserts


This was a pretty good insert year from Panini. There were more inserts in 2016-17 than ever before, so this to me is a step in the right direction. We had an under the radar product in Studio that produced one of my favorite Panini inserts of all time. We also had the Hoops Finals MVP /99 brought back, which is a card I’m not sure many collectors know about. The Optic Preview case hits in Donruss are extremely rare and an awesome edition. I just think 2016-17 has plenty of inserts scattered throughout products that are awesome, even if they didn’t make the Top-5.



Top-5:
1) Studio From Downtown!
2) Grand Reserve Closing Statements
3) Donruss Optic Preview
4) Hoops Finals MVP /99
5) Totally Certified The Mighty





DONRUSS: 10
-All-Stars
-Court Kings
-Crashers
-Dimes
-Hall Kings
-Optic Preview
-Rookie Kings
-The Champ is Here
-The Elite Series
-The Rookies

DONRUS OPTIC: 9
-All-Stars
-Court Kings
-Crashers
-Dimes
-Hall Kings
-Rookie Kings
-The Champ is Here
-The Elite Series
-The Rookies

HOOPS: 21
-Action Shots
-Bird’s Eye View
-Champions
-Champions Trophy Portraits /99
-Courtside
-Double Trouble
-Dreams
-End 2 End
-High Flyers
-Highlihgts
-Kobe 2K17
-Kobe Bryant Tribute
-Lights Camera Action
-NBA Finals MVP /99
-One on One
-Picture Perfect
-Road to the Finals
-Spark Plugs
-Swat Teams
-Team Leaders
-Tip-Off

ABSOLUTE: 1
-Glass

AFICIONADO: 6
-Craftwork
-Innovators
-Magic Numbers
-Meteor
-Power Surge
-Slick Picks

COMPLETE: 4
-Away
-Complete Players
-First Steps
-Home

COURT KINGS: 6
-AKA
-Arc-eologists
-Le Cinque Piu Belle
-Maestros
-Portraits
-Rookie Portraits

EXCALIBER: 10
-Battlements
-Coat of Arms
-Crusade
-Jousting Left
-Jousting Right
-Kaboom
-Knight in Shining Armor
-Run the Gauntlet
-Squire
-Storm the Castle

GOLD STANDARD: 2
-Golden Debuts /25
-Solid Gold

GRAND RESERVE: 5
-All Systems Go
-Closing Statements
-Dominating Performances
-Startups
-Unbreakable

LIMITED: 3
-Counterparts
-No Limit
-Star Factor

NOIR:
-This is REALLY tough because the Vintage Art is actually not an Insert in Noir but is considered part of the base set. I was unaware of this until compiling this list, and had already pre-ranked Vintage Art in my top inserts from Panini ever, but unfortunately, I can’t include it. Still a great card!

PRESTIGE: 16
-Acetate Rookies
-Acetate Veterans
-All-Time Greats
-Franchise Favorites
-Hardcourt Heroes
-Highlight Reel
-Inside Numbers
-Playmakers
-Prestigious Passers
-Prestigious Picks
-Prestigious Pioneers
-Prestigious Pros
-Reminiscent
-Rookie Class
-Stat Stars
-Teamwork

PRIZM: 5
-All Day
-Explosion
-First Step
-Go Hard or Go Home
-Sky’s the Limit

REVOLUTION: 5
-By the Numbers
-Revolutionairies
-Rookie Revolution
-Showstoppers
-Star Gazing

STUDIO: 6
-Defying Gravity
-Driven
-From Downtown!
-Rising to the Occasion
-Rock Solid
-Top Five


THREADS: 10
-Automatic
-Board of Directors
-Floor Generals
-Front-Row Seat
-Hardwood Pioneers
-High Octane
-Swingmen
-Team Threads Die Cuts
-Team Threads Rookie Die Cuts
-The Rooks

TOTALLY CERTIFIED: 5
-Calling Cards
-Energizers
-Franchise Foundations
-Return to Sender
-The Mighty

[GeechQuest]

2017-18: 125 Total Inserts



17/18 was an “okay” year for inserts. I think this year was hurt by a few things. Generally, your low-end products is where a ton of inserts come from, but one of the premiere low-end sets (Threads) had 0 total inserts. That brings the overall count and availability down. There were plenty of brands who were new to the scene (Crown Royale, Cornerstones, Status, Essentials) that honestly really shined, but that could just be due to the brands being new and so we get insert sets we haven’t seen. My favorite product for inserts this year would be Court Kings, as it produces unique cards with some rare chases (Blank Slate). You would have hoped for some better overall content with the RC class, but honestly there are a bunch of products this year that offer decent insert chases.



Top-5:
1) Court Kings Dieci Migliore
2) Hoops Finals MVP /99 (Kevin Durant)
3) Cornerstones Downtown
4) Court Kings Blank Slate
5) Crown Royal Pacific Marquee


DONRUSS: 9
-All Clear for Takeoff
-All-Stars
-Court Kings
-Hall Kings
-Retro Series
-Rookie Kings
-Swishful Thinking
-The Champ Is Here
-The Rookies

DONRUSS OPTIC: 9
-All Clear for Takeoff
-All-Stars
-Court Kings
-Hall Kings
-Retro Series
-Swishful Thinking
-The Champ is Here
-The Rookies

HOOPS: 21
-Champions
-Action Shots
-Back Stage Pass
-Championship Moments /99
-Class of 2017
-Courtside
-Faces of the Future
-Finals MVP /99
-Highlights
-Legends of the Ball
-Lights Camera Action
-Picture Perfect
-Road to the Finals
-Shaquille O’Neal NBA 2K
-Special Delivery
-Swat Team
-Team Leaders
-Tip-Off
-Triple Double
-We Got Next
-Zero Gravity

ABSOLUTE: 1
-Glass

ACENSION: 7
-Composure
-Golden Era
-Making History
-New Frontiers
-Overdrive
-Reaching New Heights
-The Thrill of Victory

CHRONICLES: 6
-Brilliance
-Gold Standard
-Limited
-Marquee
-Momentum
-Titanium

CONTENDERS: 8
-Front Row Seat
-Hall of Fame Contenders
-Lottery Ticket
-Most Valuable Contenders
-Playing the Numbers Game
-Rookie of the Year Contenders
-Superstar Die-Cuts
-Winning Tickets

CORNERSTONES: 3
-Downtown
-Startups
-Unbreakables

COURT KINGS: 7
-Aurora
-Blank Slate
-Dieci Migliore
-Emerging Artists
-Points in the Paint
-Portraits
-Rookie Portraits

CROWN ROYALE: 6
-Mamba’s Choice
-Pacific Marquee
-Panini’s Choice
-Power in the Paint
-Regents of Roundball
-Roundball Royalty


ESSENTIALS: 14
-Dynamic Duos
-Essential Legends
-Essential Rookies
-Essential Stars
-Franchise Foundations
-Future Legends
-Indispensable Rookies
-Indispensable Stars
-Kings of the Court
-Kobe’s All-Rookie Team
-License to Dominate
-Rock the Rim
-Swish Kings
-Worldwide Wonders

IMPECCABLE: 1
-Stainless Stars


PRESTIGE: 9
-All-Time Greats
-Hardcourt Heroes
-Highlight Reel
-Micro Etch Rookies
-Playmakers
-Prestigious Picks
-Rookie Class
-Stars of the NBA
-Stat Stars

PRIZM: 4
-Emergent
-Fundamentals
-Get Hyped!
-Luck of the Lottery

REVOLUTION: 5
-Liftoff!
-Revolutionaries
-Rookie Revolution
-Showstoppers
-Vortex

SELECT: 4
-All-World
-Phenomenon
-Slash and Dash
-With Authority

STATUS: 4
-Factions
-Rookie Credentials
-Status Quo
-Symbols

TOTALLY CERTIFIED: 7
-2017
-Certified Mail
-Energizers
-Priority Mail
-Registered Mail
-Return to Sender
-The Mighty

[GeechQuest]

2018-19: 132 TOTAL INSERTS



Current Top-5:
1) Court Kings Gallery of Stars
2) Kaboom!
3) Contenders Optic Preview
4) Court Kings Aurora
5) Cornerstones Downtown


DONRUSS: 16
-All Clear for Takeoff
-All Heart
-All-Stars
-Charles Barkley Short Prints
-Court Kings
-Express Lane
-Fantasy Stars
-Franchise Features
-Hall Kings
-League Leaders
-Lock it Up
-Retro Series
-Rookie Kings
-Swishful Thinking
-The Rookies
-Winner Stays

DONRUSS OPTIC: 12
-All Clear for Takeoff
-All Heart
-All-Stars
-Express Lane
-Fantasy Stars
-Franchise Features
-League Leaders
-Lock it Up
-Retro Series
-Swishful Thinking
-The Rookies
-Winner Stays

HOOPS: 17
-Action Shots
-Amplifiers
-ARCeologists
-Backstage Pass
-Class of 2018
-Courtside
-Faces of the Future
-Get Out The Way
-Highlights
-Legends of the Ball
-Lights Camera Action
-NBA City
-Picture Perfect
-Road To The Finals
-The Pulse
-Tip-Off
-We Got Next

HOOPS WINTER: 5
-Class of 2018
-Faces of the Future
-Get Out The Way
-Lights Camera Action
-The Pulse

ABSOLUTE: 1
-Glass

CERTIFIED: 8
-2018
-Certified Future
-Certified Stars
-Energizers
-Gold Team
-Lasting Impressions
-Priority Mail
-The Mighty


CONTENDERS: 9
-Contenders Optic Preview
-Front Row Seat
-Hall of Fame Contenders
-Lottery Ticket
-Most Valuable Contenders
-Playing the Numbers Game
-Rookie of the Year
-Superstar Die-Cuts
-Winning Tickets

CONTENDERS OPTIC: 9
-Class Acts
-Front Row Seat
-Hall of Fame
-Historic MVPs
-Historic Rookie of the Year
-Lottery Ticket
-Playing the Numbers Game
-Superstar Die-Cuts
-Winning Tickets

CORNERSTONES: 3
-Downtown
-Startups
-Unbreakables

COURT KINGS: 8
-Acetate Rookies
-Aurora
-Emerging Artists
-Gallery of Stars
-Le Cinque Pui Belle
-Points in the Paint
-Portraits
-Renaissance Men
-Rookie Portraits

CROWN ROYALE: 5
-Kaboom!
-Mamba’s Choice
-Pacific Marquee
-Panini’s Choice
-Power in the Paint

IMPECCABLE: 1
-Stainless Stars

OBSIDIAN: 1
-Vitreous

PRIZM: 10
-All Day
-Dominance
-Emergent
-Fireworks
-Freshman Phenoms
-Get Hyped
-Go Hard or Go Home
-Hall Monitors
-Luck of the Lottery
-That’s Savage!

REVOLUTION: 5
-Liftoff!
-Rookie Revolution
-Shockwave
-Supernova
-Vortex

SELECT: 4
-Global Icons
-Phenomenon
-Slash and Dash
-Top Selections

STATUS: 7
-Court Vision
-Elite Series
-Factions
-Rookie Credentials
-Status Quo
-Symbols
-Top Status

THREADS: 11
-Automatic
-Board of Directors
-Century Collection
-Floor Generals
-High Octane
-In Motion
-Next Wave
-Our Time
-Shoot to Thrill
-Swingmen
-Threedom

[GeechQuest]

2019-20: 176 TOTAL INSERTS



Current Top-5:
1) Spectra Color Blast
2) Donruss Net Marvels
3) Select Artistic Selections
4) Mosaic Stained Glass
5) Court Kings Mount Zion



CLEARLY DONRUSS: 7
-All Clear for Takeoff
-Defying Gravity
-My House
-Rated Rookie Variation
-Rookie Special
-Star Gazing
-The Rookies

DONRUSS: 12
-Changing Stripes
-Complete Players
-Craftsmen
-Crunch Time
-Defying Gravity
-Fantasy Stars
-Franchise Features
-Great X-Pectations
-League Leaders
-Net Marvels
-Retro Series
-The Rookies

DONRUSS OPTIC: 12

-All Clear for Takeoff
-All-Stars
-Elite Dominators
-Express Lane
-Fantasy Stars
-My House!
-Rainmakers
-Splash!
-Star Gazing
-The Rookies
-T-Minus 3, 2, 1 ,
-Winner Stays



HOOPS: 18
-Action Shots
-Arriving Now
-Back Stage Pass
-Class of 2019
-Courtside
-Frequent Flyers
-Get Out The Way
-High Voltage
-Highlights
-Legends of the Ball
-Lights Camera Action
-NBA City
-Road To The Finals
-Rookie Special
-Spark Plugs
-Tip-Off
-We Got Next
-Zero Gravity

HOOPS PREMIUM STOCK: 12

-Arriving Now
-Back Stage Pass
-Class of 2019
-Courtside
-Frequent Flyers
-Get Out The Way
-High Voltage
-Lights Camera Action
-NBA City
-Rookie Special
-We Got Next
-Zero Gravity


HOOPS WINTER: 5
-Arriving Now
-Class of 2019
-Frequent Flyers
-Get Out The Way
-Lights Camera Action

ABSOLUTE: 2
-Glass
-Rookies Yellow

CERTIFIED: 8
-2019
-Gold Team
-Raise the Banner
-Record Breakers

CHRONICLES: 2
-Titanium Draft Year
-Titanium Jersey Number

CONTENDERS: 11
-Draft Class Contenders
-Front Row Seat
-Legendary Contenders
-License to Dominate
-Lottery Ticket
-MVP Contenders
-Permit to Dominate
-Rookie of the Year Contenders
-Superstar Die-Cuts
-Team Quads
-Winning Ticket

CONTENDERS OPTIC: 10
-All-Star Aspirations
-Front Row Seat
-Historic Picks
-Historic Slams
-Lottery Ticket
-Playing the Numbers Game
-Rookies T-Mall
-Superstar
-Uniformity
-Winning Tickets

COURT KINGS: 12
-Academy of Fine Arts
-Acetate Rookies
-Apprentice Artists
-Aurora
-Blank Slate
-Cross-hatching Handles
-Dressed to Impress
-First Steps
-Le Cinque Pui Belle
-Maestros
-Mount Zion
-Points in the Paint

CROWN ROYALE: 5
-Air to the Throne
-Kaboom!
-Lords of the Court
-Rookie Royalty
-The Kings Court

ILLUSIONS: 13
-Astounding
-Career Lineage
-Clear Shots
-Double Vision
-Fantasy Matchups
-Illumination
-Instant Impact
-Living Legends
-Mystique
-Rookie Reflections
-Rookie Vision
-Season Highlights
-Shining Stars

IMPECCABLE: 1
-Stainless Stars

MOSAIC: 15
-Blue Chips
-Center Stage
-Give and Go
-Got Game?
-In it to Win It
-International Men of Mastery
-Introductions
-Jam Masters
-Montage
-Old School
-Overdrive
-Stained Glass
-Stare Masters
-Swagger
-Will to Win

NOIR: 1
-Sneaker Spotlight

OBSIDIAN: 4
-Atomic Etch
-Pitch Black
-Tunnel Vision
-Vitreous

ONE AND ONE: 1
-Downtown

PRIZM: 10
-Dominance
-Emergent
-Far Out!
-Fearless
-Fireworks
-Get Hyped!
-Instant Impact
-Luck of the Lottery
-NBA Finalists
-Widescreen

REVOLUTION: 5
-Liftoff!
-Rookie Revolution
-Shock Wave
-Supernova
-Vortex

SPECTRA: 1
-Color Blast

SELECT: 5
-Artistic Selections
-Phenomenon
-Select Company
-Select Future
-Top Selections

STATUS: 4
-New Beginnings
-Status Symbols
-Trophy Club
-Upper Echelon

[GeechQuest]

MORE YEARS

[GeechQuest]

AND EVEN MORE

[GeechQuest]

One day we will get this far

[GeechQuest]

Or even further

[GeechQuest]

KEEP GOING

[GeechQuest]

PANINI INSERTS

[GeechQuest]

MORER

[GeechQuest]

Morer is not a word

[GeechQuest]

20 years in all

[theLUCKYshow]

Wow this is a siiick thread that will no doubt bring about a lot of differing opinions. Gotta look @ this list a little harder but I love it!

One note on Kaboom. The 2015-16 Kaboom in the Excalibur set IMO are the top Kabooms to own. They are almost twice as rare (1 per 2 cases) and the realistic artwork is superior to the 2013-14 cartoonish look.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[spud1972]

I like the thread so far, and will follow along. Thanks!

[smalltown]

Originally Posted by theLUCKYshow

One note on Kaboom. The 2015-16 Kaboom in the Excalibur set IMO are the top Kabooms to own. They are almost twice as rare (1 per 2 cases) and the realistic artwork is superior to the 2013-14 cartoonish look.

I'm going to 100% disagree and i'm going to go into detail about it since this should fit nicely with the threads goal of chronicling inserts.

The 2013-14 Kabooms are the ones to own. They're the only Kabooms based on real artwork. An illustrator, Gyula Nemeth, created these. Where as future releases have been canned Photoshop filters and not true "art". There's a Panini blog piece on the original Kabooms. Blog Link

[yiguiri2002]

Completely agree. 13-14 Kaboom! were the first one, and regardless of people liking them or not, more iconic.

I would say Crusades have to be in there too as well as Aurora. I don't know what year but I feel like they both deserve to be in the Top 20. About the list, I feel like Knights of the Round and Closing Statements should be higher - they're pretty good looking cards.

Finally, a big shoutout to Geech. I can't imagine the amount of hours you've spent listing the inserts, rating them and doing your rankings. Props and thanks for the thread!