2023-24 Panini Donruss Basketball

This was the final hurrah for Panini's NBA license before the shift to other manufacturers, and Donruss carried that weight with a straightforward, classic design that collectors either love or find dated depending on who you ask. The set features rookie cards of Paolo Banchero, Jabari Smith Jr., and Paolo Banchero alongside stars like Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum. Base cards stick to the traditional Donruss formula, which means clean photography and minimal frills. What really matters here is that this is the last Panini basketball release, so there's a nostalgia factor for anyone who grew up with their products. The real draw comes from the parallel ecosystem and what sits in the high-end boxes. Chase the Rated Rookie parallels, especially numbered versions like the Donruss Optic inserts that show up sporadically in packs. You want the red, blue, and purple parallels of the big rookie names, particularly Banchero and Smith Jr., since they hold value better than the base versions. Donruss Optic appeared in some configurations and is where the short print action happens. Hobby boxes have better odds for parallels than retail, though retail still exists and costs less upfront if you're building sets casually. Look for the stars in different parallel tiers, but keep your expectations realistic. This isn't a premium release by modern standards, so hitting big money cards is rarer than it sounds. This works best for collectors who want a decent break on budget, like nostalgia, or are hunting specific rookies without spending on higher-end products. If you're serious about Banchero or Smith Jr., buying singles beats ripping packs on a per-card basis. The set itself is solid for set builders who appreciate the traditional Donruss look, but it doesn't compete with modern Optic or Prizm releases in terms of eye appeal or resale potential. Hobby packs are your best shot if you're opening, but singles are the smarter long-term play for most collectors.