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TOPPS BASKETBALL CARDS (U.S.A.)
Topps first set dedicated exclusively to basketball was a major milestone. Although the 1948 Bowman set was a national release of strictly basketball, the 57' Topps set was the first major release (not just regional) to follow, and the first to feature players from the NBA which had formally formed in 1949. There was a large gap between the two major manufacturers releases, so there are 20 Hall of Fame players first/rookie cards in the 1957 release. The most desirable of these being Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, Bob Pettit, Nat Clifton and Tom Heinsohn; although any of HOF'ers are desirable - especially those in higher grades. There were 80 total cards in the set featuring players from 8 NBA teams (10x players per team). Measurements: 2.50" x 3.5"
1957
