The Panini America Quality Control Gallery: 2012-13 Panini Basketball (74 Sweet Pics)
As far as dramatic, tide-turning declarations go, well, the one I’m about to make isn’t. But after spending some serious alone time with contents of the recently completed Quality Control process for the new 2012-13 Panini Basketball, this is what I can say, beyond the shadow of a doubt: This might be my favorite NBA product of the season.
The reasons why are plentiful, but perhaps none is more poignant or profound than the product’s deft usage of the vaunted Panini knight. It’s on the box. It’s on a few fancily foiled parallels. And it’s die-cut into the rare Knights of the Round one-per-case inserts. But the knight represents just the tip of the lance in terms of 2012-13 Panini Basketball’s myriad likable qualities.
There’s the set-collector-friendly 300-card base set, the affordable price point ($2.99), great photography, deftly designed inserts such as Spirit of the Game, the one-per-case Player of the Year chase, the wicked-cool Rated Rookie Signatures and so much more. Each box delivers two autographs among its 240 cards and a wealth of inserts and parallels.
2012-13 Panini Basketball also marks the introduction of the fantastic five-card Spokesmen Signatures insert that brings together Panini America’s superstar NBA exclusives (Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis) on hard-signed, multi-player autograph cards sure to be a hit with anyone lucky enough to pull them. (This particular QC process didn’t deliver any, but we’ve managed to grab images of all five cards for this special sneak preview.)
Enjoy this first look at the new 2012-13 Panini Basketball and let us know your thoughts. The product will hit hobby shops next Wednesday.
The Knight's Lance 
Is there a retail component?
Awesome Set!!! It reminds me of the 1989 NBAHOOPS set. All we need are the stats on the back. Especially like the Heroes of the Hall cards; i.e. PATRICK EWING
I believe the Davis/Irving was previewed in the Davis Jam Session post right? Is there a checklist out for this set?
You are correct, sir. I’ll see if I can get my hands on a checklist.
Is the Tim Hardaway the Black Knight Parallel? Are those numbered at all?
Are the regular Knight parallels the Gold foil like the Chris Webber and are those numbered?
Lastly, what do the Retail Knight parallels look like and are those numbered??
Thanks!!
Yes, sir. The Hardaway is the Black Knight and the gold-foil versions are base parallels. The Black Knights are numbered out of 10 on the back. I haven’t seen the retail Knights yet (that I know of), but will share pics as soon as I have them.
Man this is a great product. Well done Panini.
Those cards look awesome hopefully I will be able to get some
I am digging the Heroes of the Hall cards in a big big way!
First off, digging the new look on mobile.
Thanks for the preview Tracy, there are some great looking cards in that gallery!
Definitely reminiscent of a classic Hoops release, but in a slightly higher-class way. I’m with Kevin, the Heroes of the Hall are absolutely amazing. I loved all of the horizontal cards I saw, actually. Looking forward to this!
–Jon
Are these cards non glossy just like the hoops cards are?
Yes. They have more of a matte finish as opposed to the shiny sheen.
How come none of the rookie cards are noted as such or even just a RC on them somewhere? Most releases this year have not had this on them. Why is that?
The bases looks really good!
Then the inserts that would be chasing would be really cool to have.
Since you said tracy that this might be your favorite.
It should be really good. With its price point.
Love it!
$2.99 per pack.
The Price is Knight (as Bob Barker used to say)!
nice colorfull kinda old school design..thanks for sharing guys
Nice set at a great price. Need more of these…….
It is hard to call it “great photography” when the only action shots are on the “Spirit of the Game” insert. Nice Kobe/Blake auto though.
What gravity was suspended and the ball magically hovered in their hands for the other pictures?
Unfortunately you’re probably too young to remember what real photography on basketball cards used to entail. Dunks, posterizations, passing, blocked shots, etc. Not just dribbling and holding the ball.
With a 300 card base set, did they do “League Leaders?” or, is this just another Hoops look-a-like set?
Wow those dual/triple autographs cards are SWEET. They will be going for mint numbers on E-Bay especially being /5
this will be a fun case to bust
Very cool! I like how simple & clean the design looks! The die cuts are very appealing also! But by far the dual & triple autos are my favorite! That Kobe, Durant, & Griffin is just to sexy for my eyes! Along with the Irving & Davis. OWWW those are fire!
Great stuff overall on a decently priced release!
Great stuff. Always liked this product. Great priced and you can hit autos in retail.