Iconic Sets (Post-1990 Edition)

2003-04 Topps Chrome Basketball

Number of Cards: 165

Key Rookies: #111 LeBron James. #113 Carmelo Anthony, #114 Chris Bosh and #115 Dwyane Wade

Key Hall of Famers (or Future Hall of Famers): #1 Tracy McGrady, #3 Allen Iverson, #4 Chris Webber, #5 Jason Kidd, #9 Tony Parker, #11 Yao Ming, #13 Steve Nash, #14 Paul Pierce, #15 Vince Carter, #19 Pau Gasol, #20 Gary Payton, #21 Tim Duncan, #31 Reggie Miller, #32 Karl Malone, #34 Shaquille O’Neal, #36 Kobe Bryant, #41 Dirk Nowitzki, #48 Ray Allen, #49 Scottie Pippen, #95 Manu Ginobili, and #100 Kevin Garnett

In terms of overall quality, 2003-04 Topps Chrome is in the running for the best checklist ever.  At only 165 cards, it is comprised of 110 established veterans and 55 rookies, making it a good mix between young unknowns and stars.  The checklist construction is appealing as numerous modern sets are bloated with mediocre bench players.  This set also benefits from the inclusion of one of the best NBA rookie classes from the last twenty years.  As with most sets of this era, refractors are highly desirable, and LeBron’s refractors from this set are some of the most sought-after cards in the hobby.