My Kings (+More) Collection

[SacKingsCards]

I wanted to share my collection, which is obviously Kings-centric and where it will start, but I do collect some other players and sets I'll eventually share too. Hopefully this thread can chronicle my current collection and its future development.

The Kings' 1998 first round, 5 game series loss against the Jazz was my first memory of really rooting for a basketball team. Pair their exciting style of play with the eventual emotional rivalry against the Lakers in the coming years, and my growing up in a Laker-hating southern California household, the Kings were a no-brainer team for me. That has stuck for the last nearly 30 years. Yes, I am loyal to a fault. So, my main collection is Kings players from that 98-99 season through the present. My binders are organized chronologically by player and set, so I'll likely share that way beginning with each player and then moving into team sets. I don't really have a concrete direction with it, so I'm just gonna see what happens.

Thanks for looking, and to anyone else who hates themselves enough to collect Kings cards, feel free to share as well!

[Duncancollector]

Where is the link? I would like to see your cards.

[SacKingsCards]

The first player I collect to join the Kings was Peja Stojakovic (1998-2006), who was drafted by the team with the 14th pick in the legendary 1996 draft right before and after some random dudes named Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant, respectively. He played in Greece for a couple more seasons, where he was league MVP, before coming over to the NBA for 1998-99 season. With Sacramento, Peja was a 3x All-Star and was selected for the All-NBA 2nd team in 03-04, in which he finished 4th in MVP voting. It just so happened the top two MVP vote-getters were also forwards in Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan and occupied the 1st team spots.

After eight seasons with the Kings and seeing the team trade away the rest of the core that took them to eight straight playoff appearances, Stojakovic was traded to the Pacers in January 2006 for Ron Artest after seeing his abilities begin to decline due to back issues that would linger the rest of his career. After winning a title with the Mavs in 2011, Peja retired and his jersey was retired in Sacramento, after which he joined the Kings as a director of player personnel and then the assistant general manager, both under Vlade Divac's tenure as GM.

TL;DR: Peja is one of the greatest Kings in the Sacramento era who was robbed of the majority of his prime due to back injuries.

Here's my small Peja collection (minus cards that are part of a team set):
Early base Tradition being the only non-RC. Kinda interesting that his poses in all of them are all pretty similar. Absolutely love the blue and red foil on the Stadium Club RC and the Tradition. Do we see that on base cards anymore?


Inserts and Parallels numbered /100+

Anyone know what's up with those symbols on the UD rookie? The "99" and eye (rookie watch?) and such. That bronze /100 was annoyingly difficult to find and cost me more than I thought it should btw!


GU jerseys and patches
Topps Pristine does jersey cards better than any other brand I can think of. And I love multi player cards for team collection purposes. Awe Pairs is /250
I wish the Press Clippings card did a better job of highlighting the game it features. Does the patch come from the game featured in that article on the card? We'll see that red all star uni in just a bit...



Autos and lower numbered
Nearly have a team set of the BC golds, but it was unintentional so yeah. Oops?


GU autos
I guess if there's one to have, this one is a pretty good one.


PEJA CARDS I'M HUNTING FOR
2000-01 Fleer Futures Copper /750 (team set)
2002-03 Upper Deck Ultimate Spectrum /25
2003-04 Upper Deck Ultimate Allstars Authentic Buyback /16

[SacKingsCards]

Where is the link? I would like to see your cards.

Sorry, kinda jumped the gun maybe because I hadn't written my first post. Here's my Kings Flickr album link if you're interested https://www.flickr.com/photos/154354908 ... 934626262/

[AbraCalabro]

Dude that LL is so f***ing sweet.

Although after reading through the post, I'm also now curious what the hell those symbols mean, although, I think you're on the right track. Since the subset is called Rookie Watch, maybe it is to say, watching the rookies of 99, that's what makes the most sense. I think Ultimate Collection also had a year where they had these funky symbols, 2001 Ultimate.

[SacKingsCards]

Thanks man! The Limited Logos is so unlike most cards I buy, so I'm pleasantly surprised looking back at it when looking at my collection. The funny thing is that these are from 98-99 so if it's a "looking at the rookies of '99", wouldn't it be '98? I guess that might be semantics. You are right that it is 2001 Ultimate with the funky symbols. Here it is for reference, what the heck do these mean? haha


2001-02 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection - [Base] #49 - Chris Webber /750

[thesportcardking]

Awesome Peja collection! The Limited Logo is hard to beat.

[SacKingsCards]

Thanks man! As I'm prepping some Vlade cards, I'm realizing that I won't be able to keep up the strength of this first post

[AbraCalabro]

Thanks man! The Limited Logos is so unlike most cards I buy, so I'm pleasantly surprised looking back at it when looking at my collection. The funny thing is that these are from 98-99 so if it's a "looking at the rookies of '99", wouldn't it be '98? I guess that might be semantics. You are right that it is 2001 Ultimate with the funky symbols. Here it is for reference, what the heck do these mean? haha


2001-02 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection - [Base] #49 - Chris Webber /750

I wonder if the one with the city/buildings/skyline is an actual skyline of whatever city each respective player is from. I haven't done a comprison, but that's a possibility. The symbols are kinda' neat, they actually remind me of an episode of Star Trek TNG called Masks...I think that was the title. I wonder if there is some kind of code though.

There's got to be a way to find some of these designers on LinkedIn or something lol

[SacKingsCards]

I wonder if the one with the city/buildings/skyline is an actual skyline of whatever city each respective player is from. I haven't done a comprison, but that's a possibility. The symbols are kinda' neat, they actually remind me of an episode of Star Trek TNG called Masks...I think that was the title. I wonder if there is some kind of code though.

There's got to be a way to find some of these designers on LinkedIn or something lol

I checked out some other base from the set and it seems the skyline symbol is identical for each. Unfortunate because it would have been cool to vary it by city, but expected. I think the symbols are neat, if for no other reason than it is a unique design choice. But you've got to think there's some reason behind it that someone has figured out by now.

[SacKingsCards]

Before I move on to the next player, here's a Peja I forgot. And I can't believe I did, it's one of my favorites that I was after for a while:


2001-02 Fleer Force Patch /50

The next player I'll share is one of the more controversial members of Sacramento Kings history: Vlade Divac. Famously traded for Kobe, he made his way to the Kings as one of their best free agent signings still to this day. His passing and shooting range for a center at the time were pretty crucial in unlocking the team's potential. After six seasons in Sacramento, he betrayed them (only partially kidding) by returning as a free agent to the Lakers where he spent his first seven seasons in the league to play out his final year. His jersey is retired by the Kings like Peja, and he was (a pretty awful) team GM from 2016-2020.

My Vlade collection pales in comparison to Peja. Seems I've gotta pick up more of his cards...

Don't ask me why some of my first cards in my collection were these Vlade MVP base and parallels.


And the lone auto (gifted by GeechQuest, thanks again!)


Searching for
2007-08 Exquisite Number Pieces /13
2017-18 Flawless Autographs Green /5

[thesportcardking]

Love that Peja patch. Never been a fan of Vlade but I'm intrigued by the Number Pieces you're after. When did he wear 13? Have a pic of that one? Never seen it.

[SacKingsCards]

Love that Peja patch. Never been a fan of Vlade but I'm intrigued by the Number Pieces you're after. When did he wear 13? Have a pic of that one? Never seen it.

Thanks on the Peja. Love the patch in the die cut. Feels unique. Plus the patch itself has lots of breaks and colors.

Great question about the number pieces. I don’t think Vlade ever wore 13, but that’s how is listed on tcdb. I couldn’t find a pic but found an old BO thread where someone picked up the 8/13

https://www.blowoutforums.com/showthread.php?t=537695

[AbraCalabro]

I wonder if the one with the city/buildings/skyline is an actual skyline of whatever city each respective player is from. I haven't done a comprison, but that's a possibility. The symbols are kinda' neat, they actually remind me of an episode of Star Trek TNG called Masks...I think that was the title. I wonder if there is some kind of code though.

There's got to be a way to find some of these designers on LinkedIn or something lol

I checked out some other base from the set and it seems the skyline symbol is identical for each. Unfortunate because it would have been cool to vary it by city, but expected. I think the symbols are neat, if for no other reason than it is a unique design choice. But you've got to think there's some reason behind it that someone has figured out by now.

Got me thinking about it after that Rookie Watch card - how cool would it be to 'break the code' after all these years lol. I think we nailed the Rookie Watch one, but would be cool to uncover some cool tidbits about the ideas behind the design. Anyone know who did design for UD around that time? lol

[SacKingsCards]

Next up is the player who maybe most embodies the spirit of those late 90s, early 2000s Sacramento Kings teams, which is ironic given that he was traded away before the team really saw the height of its success. When people hear the greatest show on court, the first player they visualize is likely Jason Williams. He's remained really relevant in basketball culture, and his card and autograph values have reflected that, though I think the more recent Panini stuff has definitely made those cards more affordable and attainable. He was drafted in 1998, overlapping rookie seasons with Peja, and then was traded for 1998 draft classmate Mike Bibby after his third season with the Kings. Thus, Williams doesn't have many playing days cards in Kings uniform. I don't care about the playing days card thing but thought it might be worth noting. Onto the cards...

Rookie base (plus that Brilliants Blue parallel)


Non rookie base
These hold a sentimental value in my collection because all of these were personally pulled by my brothers and me during our days collecting sports and TCG cards in the late 90s and early 00s.


Inserts
I didn't picture this but I came across the funko pop that matches this slam magazine cover/card (along with the Duncan from the set) on clearance on Amazon, so thought that was a pretty cool little match.


And lastly...


Some context/story for this last card, along with an IP authentication question. I initially was searching for the 98-99 Stadium Club One of Kind parallel /150. I think I saw at the time one on eBay, which is still listed, for $280 OBO and a members only /250 recently sold for $52+shipping. So I thought to myself when I came across this autographed copy that it just made sense. Why would I pay $100 for a card that looks relatively similar to the base but is stamped /150 when I can get an autographed copy that the player held and signed for $30? Compound that with the fact that I didn't have a JWill auto in my collection, and this is the route I took. I'd still potentially be interested in adding a parallel, but I'm happy.

As for the IP authentication. This card is authenticated by Pristine Collectibles and I looked up the serial number when I received the card and it simply pulled up a webpage saying that the serial number is associated with a Jason Williams signed basketball card. No image of the autographed item, no record of when it was signed or authenticated, no image of the autograph occurring or anything. I just find it odd and lacking legitimacy haha not sure if anyone has any thoughts on this or other experiences with authentication.

Looking for
2000-01 Fleer Futures Copper /750
2018-19 Flawless Momentous Autographs Green /5 (or really any Flawless auto)

[AbraCalabro]

^^^ - man, I'll never understand why they traded for Bibby. I think I read on the censorship forums that they wanted someone who was more effective on the court versus flashy, but I never thought of Williams as a slouch and I never thought of Bibby as anything outstanding. He (Williams) just doesn't look right in anything other than a Kings jersey, it's like seeing Shawn Kemp, or Penny Hardaway, or Grant Hill in anything but a Sonics / Magic / Pistons jersey.

[SacKingsCards]

^^^ - man, I'll never understand why they traded for Bibby. I think I read on the censorship forums that they wanted someone who was more effective on the court versus flashy, but I never thought of Williams as a slouch and I never thought of Bibby as anything outstanding. He (Williams) just doesn't look right in anything other than a Kings jersey, it's like seeing Shawn Kemp, or Penny Hardaway, or Grant Hill in anything but a Sonics / Magic / Pistons jersey.

Interesting perspective! Hard to argue with the results right? They were arguably the best team in the league for a couple years, and aside from that WCF vs. the Lakers, it was really injuries that ended their run atop the league. I think the idea was that though White Chocolate was more flashy, Bibby was more steady and a better game manager. It would be interesting to know how the team would've fared had the trade never happened though. I agree, seeing Williams in a Grizz or Heat jersey just doesn't do it for me. Happy he ended up with a ring with Miami though!

[SacKingsCards]

So something cool to preface the Scot Pollard cards in my collection: there are 39 total cards of Scot Pollard in a Kings uni. That seems, like, really attainable. I kinda would love to catch em all. Pun intended.

I was surprised to see that Pollard was a King for 5 seasons, it felt a lot shorter. Loved his energy off the bench and has always seemed just like a genuinely good dude. He had a heart transplant last year that has been successful, thankfully.

Here are my four Pollards, 35 to go!

Obviously, none of these are all that valuable. The base version of the 2000 Autographics is my favorite from that year, the purple foil is just so pretty. Anyone know about the red foil from 1999? I've never seen one, but have been looking for it.

Looking For
Every Scot Pollard card not pictured above.

[AbraCalabro]

Those Pollard cards remind me of the '02 Kings getting cheated out of the WCF series. They totally stomped the Lakers, but the refs handed the Lakers the win. What a disgrace.

[SacKingsCards]

I try really hard not to be bitter about that series

[AbraCalabro]

I try really hard not to be bitter about that series

Even though I'm a Sonics guy, as a non-Kings guy even I was infuriated.

[SacKingsCards]

Been a couple weeks, oops!

The last member of the 98-99 Kings team of whom I have cards in my collection is Chris Webber. The best player and MVP of the Kings of the glory years, who for some reason tends to be viewed by many negatively by my measure. He seems like a really great person, and I love that he wanted to stay in Sacramento and was devastated to be traded to Philly. CWebb is really expensive to collect because of how rarely he signs, even now. I also don't feel like he has a lot of memorabilia cards out there. All that to say, my Webber collection is not one that will "ooh and ahh", but as a collector who couldn't give two s$*ts about current or future card value, I actually think Webber base and insert cards are really collectible because he was a star in a great time of card manufacturing and has great photography on many of his cards. The beauty to value of all these cards is incredible.

Okay, enough of me, my Chris Webber cards with some notes:


1. That Gold Label is such a pretty card. Cheap, pretty cards are underrated.
2. I know people don't like the Topps base with the orange border, and i don't necessarily care either way, but there needs to be more variety in designs. I'm sick of all the Hoops and Donruss base with white borders and Prizm base with those silver metallic borders.
3. Player of the game insert is such a cool concept. Love cards that commemorate specific moments.



1. Love the photos etched in foil on the gallery.
2. I like the pairing of the all star floor and the optic all star insert. I moved them together in my binder.



1. Donruss is /207, which is his career scoring average (20.7)
2. The SP Authentic and Ultimate base are from the same year and look way too similar for being from products of starkly different levels

My "biggest" and only valuable Webber card is still at COMC:


Hope you enjoyed!

Webber cards I'm searching for
1. 2001-02 Skybox E-X Essential Creentials Future /14
2. 2002-03 Fleer Premium Base Emerald /300 (last needed for the 02-03 Premium team set in all parallels!)

[SacKingsCards]

You know what I'll double up, since I have another ready to go.

Back on the train with Bobby Jax, the Kings 6th man who was signed as a free agent in 2000 and eventually won 6MOY in 2003. A fan favorite whose energy and effort off the bench was contagious. It was awesome that he came back to the Kings after several seasons to retire with the team after the 09-10 season. After being an assistant coach for many years and the head coach of the Stockton Kings for a season or two, he is now in Philly on Nick Nurse's coaching staff.

I have only a few cards of his, but I feel like they're some fan favorites, generally speaking.

2000-01 UD Base "Game Jersey Edition" - anyone know what that game jersey edition is? From my research on TCDB it seems like it has something to do with series two packs. Are those present on all base from the series two packs?


2001-02 Topps Pristine Autographs


Various golds (refractor) - anyone know what's up with the Reflections gold? It looks like there's some...greening? on it. I don't know if that's normal in general for the set? On the golds only? Do I just have a defective copy?


13-14 Totally Certified Patches Green /5


And the one non-card is a signed 8x10. Love the photo being guarded by Kobe, what a great rivalry that was. Bittersweet for sure


Cards I'm Looking For
1. 2002-03 Hoops Stars Base

I know, easily available and cheap, but I can't even get myself to shell out the $2.25 for this card that's available on COMC. Maybe the five star /299 is the way to go considering it's cheaper on ebay than the base.

[SacKingsCards]

Couple more players to share and an addition to a previous pc!

First is Hedo Turkoglu, another player who joined the team in 2000-01. A 16th overall pick who found a way to contribute to a playoff team and lift that team into a title contender. Great player whose skills would be very valuable today and only spent three impactful seasons with the Kings. I think he was 7th in 6 man of the year voting in only his second year, just to illustrate his positive impact off the bench. He was traded to the Spurs after his third season for a package that included Brad Miller, who became a really important member of the Kings for future

I know, this is not an impressive group of cards. I missed out on the Hedo version of the Pollard at the end of this post because my kids distracted me from the end of the auction...darn kids. Would be my best Hedo by far. These two cards are his SP Authentic RC and a Fleer Hot Shots base from 02-03 (actually have the Hot Hands @ comc for the rainbow!). I think the SPA is a nicely designed, different enough base card to be interesting plus it's numbered, which is always nice for a base. Also nice because I found it at a local memorabilia store for a buck (graded BGS 9).



I have a slightly more robust Doug Christie collection. Defensive stopper on the team who became a color analyst and radio guy turned assistant coach turned head coach. I love how much he seems to love the team, he is a forever fan favorite.



Another group of super cheap but nice cards. Great photography, Finite is /299. I absolutely love the back of Bowman cards:


Shares the record for steals in a half? That's gold (no pun intended) to have on the back of a card.

And love his auto. This set from preferred is beautiful. Lmk if you have any Kings.


Cards I'm looking for
1. 2013-14 Preferred Signatures Parallels

And another addition to the Pollard collection. Been looking for the MVP promo for a while, an missed out on the Hedo Lmk if you have any other Pollards. I want them all!

[darz90scardz]

I love the Bobby Jackson spread, especially the Topps Pristine auto and Finest.

You also mentioned the discoloring on the Reflections. There are a few late 90s/early 00s UD sets that fell victim to greening almost exactly like the Topps sets up until ~1998. Check out the '04 mj trilogy gold that I posted recently in the rolling mailday thread, you can see that it's slightly greened. Your Peja looks like it still has perfect color though.