Random Wax: 2022-2023 Contenders Basketball Blaster with Relic

22-23 Contenders: Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns struggled to a first-round loss this year.  The big three of KD, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal haven't lived up to the hype yet.  Like the T-Wolves, maybe year two will work out better for the team under new coach Mike Budenholzer.

The small base set size means you'll normally get a good pull.  And we see that here with three more of the best from the league.  None are still in the playoffs but there's no doubting their star power.

Big man Jalen Duren averaged a double double for the Pistons this season while Moore Jr. and Wesley are still finding their footing.  I like the look of both the Rookie Stallions and Draft Class cards.

Jaylen Brown and the Boston Celtics are my pick to win it all at this point.  I'm curious what Dallas has for them, but the Celtics have so much talent especially in their starting five.

I really enjoy seeing the retired greats on these inserts.  Hakeem is a favorite of mine.  Cade Cunningham had another good season for the Pistons averaging 22+ points per game.

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Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell and James Harden aren't 100% sure to play for their current teams in 2024-2024.  Even Towns has heard rumors of a possible change of location.  All great players but movement is common in the NBA.

BREAKDOWN:

40 – Total Cards

2 – Red Parallel

1 – Draft Class

1 – RC

1 – Rookie Stallions

1 – Game Night Ticket

1 - Rookie Ticket Swatch

 

2022-2023 Contenders Basketball Blaster with 1/1

 

22-23 Contenders Basketball: These hit the shelves last week so I grabbed a couple of blasters.  This first one delivered well with a 1/1 I'll show off below.  We'll kick it off with Paul George who is an amazing player at both ends of the court.  Unfortunately, injuries have robbed him over the years of way too many games and hasn't played more than 56 games in any of his four seasons with the Clippers.  Still the six-time All-NBA and four-time All-Defensive player can still be a game changer on the court.

Similar to the 2022 Contenders Football I'm good with the design but I'd still like a bit more ingenuity for this brand.  I like Contenders but they need to think outside the box.  Really happy to see two of my favorite players here in Dame and Domantas Sabonis.  No complains with any Luka pull of course.

Rookies show up in inserts.  I like the Rookie Stallions inserts.  Would have been nice if the muted photo in the background was different from the color photo but still a good look. I like the Draft Class cards as well.

This set has a 100 base card set so you should get a good pull in most packs and boxes.  My second blaster was loaded compared to this one but still no complaints here.

That Rookie Swatch of Christian Braun is a 1/1 Tag parallel.  I didn't realize that until after I did the scan.  One/One is written out next to his left arm.  That Markelle Fultz is a red parallel though it doesn't show.  Game Night Tickets show off great nights by players.

The backs are fine sans the lack of more stats.

Sec = Weight/Sec = Heigh in Inches/Seat = Uni#.  Love the Historic Draft Class.  Retired Greats are always welcome and showing off their being drafted is fun.  And who doesn't like Chuck?  I really enjoyed this box.  Really enjoying the NBA playoffs right now so this find was exciting and timely.

BREAKDOWN:

40 – Total Cards

2 –Red Parallels

2 – Rookie Stallions

1 – RC

1 – Draft Class

1 – Retired Great

1 – Game Night Ticket

1 – Historic Draft Class

1 - Rookie Ticket Swatch Tag 1/1