Nonsense Newsletter No. 124: Someone other than Wemby. Which one is the one? And a 108-year old piece of cardboard for $500,000. Oh, and more!
It’s springtime now, officially, and what better way to kick it off than with another edition of the Nonsense Newsletter in full bloom! John Dudley opens your eyes to the fact that other people do play actually basketball in the NBA besides Wemby. I ask you about “The One,” and we have a Quick Hits section that will satisfy you like a cup ‘o Joe in the morning! So, let’s soak in the springtime and enjoy this week’s edition of the Nonsense Newsletter.
By John Dudley
Wembanyama-mania is in full swing and rightfully so. Basketball overall though continues its moribund existence in the hobby. I’m starting to wonder if we are overlooking some gems while waiting for Wemby to reach his peak. Over the next couple of weeks, I’m going to check in on a few young NBA stars and try to figure out their place in the hobby Goldilocks’ style. Are they priced too high, too low, or maybe even just right? Hopefully, I’ll find a gem or two to stock up on.
Paolo
Up first is last year’s phenom that the hobby ditched faster than a freshman in a long-distance relationship, Paolo Banchero. At one point, people were talking of holding off of buying 2021-22 products to chase Paolo in 2022-23 products. Delays and solid but unspectacular production on the court caused fans to just keep waiting until 2023-24 and Wemby. It’s a shame as Paolo actually performed fairly well last year.
2024 Paolo has taken a major leap forward and collectors have been slow to notice. His stats are up and they weren’t bad to begin with. Paolo is an all-around player that can produce points, rebounds, and assists. His shooting, particularly from behind the arc, still has room for improvement, but he should be lauded for improving to 37% up from just under 30% last year from three. Many players hit their sophomore slump. Banchero did exactly what one wants from a young star and continued to improve.
Stats are great and all, but Paolo’s impact can best be seen by looking at the team as a whole. Last year he willed the Magic to a respectable 34-48. As of today, they have 42 wins with an outside shot at 50. Two years ago without Paolo, the Magic won a paltry 22 games. With an improvement of 20 wins his rookie year and 10+ wins his sophomore campaign, he now only needs to improve another 5-10 wins a year to have the Magic as a perennial contender for the top seed. Truly great players in the hobby must produce wins and Paolo is on his way there at least.
By John McTaggart
I’ve been so very blessed by this hobby for the vast majority of my life, and for that I am so grateful.
I’ve met some amazing folks, held some amazing cards in my hands, and even have had the honor of owning some of these cool cards myself over the years, moving most along as part of what my true passion is — the trading card business.
From Michael Jordan rookies, to Nolan Ryan rookies to Mantles and Mays and just about everything in between.
I have loved this ride up to now, and look forward to what the future holds for me and for the hobby.
There are a pair of cards in particular, however, that stand out to me.
One is recognizable, memorable, and clearly one of the benchmark cards in the hobby.
The other, has a much more personal meaning.
Either way, we all have those cards that rise above the others.
And believe it or not, it’s rarely the most valuable or desired card in any collection.
The first for me is a 1984 Topps Don Mattingly rookie.
This is the card that started it all for me way back when.
I still remember to this day selling the card to my friend, Dave, for $6, along with a 1983 Fleer Ryne Sandberg rookie.
Quick Hits
Hobby News- Opening Day is here but Topps Opening Day is not. The harbinger of spring got the ax last year. Never fear though. If you need an affordable product to rip on Opening Day, look no further than Topps Big League. Early breaks have seen an auto in every other box which is nice (and might also be a fluke), but the allure of the product is getting a lot of wacky cards for not much money.
Vintage- This is the vintage section of Quick Hits, and what says vintage baseball cards more than Babe Ruth. So, let’s discuss another Babe Ruth beaut — a 1916 Gimbel. Bonhams has got one in PSA 5 condition headed to the auction block and it’s expected to fetch between $250,000 - $500,000. Not too shabby for a 108-year old piece of cardboard!
Hobby News- On the other end of the spectrum, Topps has Tribute out this week. The product is great for breaking and is the first truly premium offer for the 2024 rookie class. Tribute can get lost in the shuffle, but the cards are consistently attractive. Each box has 18 packs with three relics and three autos. With six hits a box, skunking is less common in case breaks which is nice to see in a premium product.
The Sports Card Nonsense newsletters reflect the opinions of only the authors and contributors. They are for informational purposes only and are not a recommendation for purchases or of an investment strategy or to buy or sell any assets.
Paolo is crushing it this year, making huge strides since his ROY season. Increases all around, and as you mentioned, the team is winning. The Magic figured out "The Secret" (see Bill Simmons), and Paolo is going out of his way to get his teammates involved. He could score 30PPG, but he's working to get Suggs, Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz involved. This coming offseason, he has to work on free throws (that will add 2-3PPG right there), and dumb/careless turnovers. He's a buy-now IMO, but heck, even when he's an NBA champion I'll be saying he's a Buy Now, cuz I'm a Magic fan. haha!