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Panini Obsidian has carved out a space in the hobby as one of the most visually distinct products on the market. Known for its sleek, etched designs and glossy finish, Obsidian stands apart from traditional chromium releases. The 2024-25 edition continues that tradition with a strong rookie class, inventive inserts, and premium autograph checklists that appeal to both collectors and investors. You can learn more about the players featured in this year’s rookie crop on NBA.com.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the rookies, inserts, and autographs that make this set worth chasing.
Rookies To Look For
The 2024 NBA draft class brings exciting prospects who shine in this Obsidian release. Look for these fresh faces in rookie autograph and jersey inserts:
- Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks) – Top pick with smooth scoring ability, highly appealing for collectors.
- Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards) – A long, athletic center whose upside and rare design presence give him strong chase potential.
- Reed Sheppard (Memphis Grizzlies) – A sharpshooting guard with a classic playmaking style that resonates with traditional collectors.
- Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs) – Athletic wing with buzz from summer league; part of high-profile rookie wave.
These rookies appear in premier Obsidian rookie subsets such as Rookie Eruption Autographs, Rookie Jersey Autographs, and Rookie Jersey Ink, making them top targets in your box breaks.
Inserts To Look For
Obsidian is known for inserts that emphasize design just as much as rarity. Collectors should be on the lookout for several recurring favorites:
- Color Blast Black – Among the most iconic chase inserts across Panini products, these feature a stark black background with vibrant player imagery.
- Electric Etch Variations – These numbered parallels create a striking visual effect that highlights Obsidian’s quartz-like theme.
- Magnitude and Tunnel Vision – Returning inserts that combine creative layouts with strong photography.
Autographs To Look For
Autographs are another major draw of Obsidian, and the 2024-25 checklist includes a mix of rookies, current stars, and legends. Every autograph is designed with the same premium finish that makes Obsidian distinctive.
Key autograph subsets include:
- Rookie Jersey Autographs – Featuring first-year players paired with memorabilia swatches.
- Lightning Strike and Volcanic Signatures – Bold designs that highlight veteran and star autographs.
- Matrix Material Autos – Pairing relics with signatures for a layered collectible.
With all autographs limited in print, the chase for on-card signatures from emerging rookies and established superstars is a core part of the product’s appeal.
Final Thoughts
2024-25 Panini Obsidian Basketball offers collectors a product that balances design, scarcity, and hobby relevance. With rookies like Risacher and Sarr anchoring the checklist, inserts that push creativity, and a mix of autographs from young stars and all-time greats, Obsidian continues to be one of Panini’s most distinctive basketball releases.
This product is also a featured box in eBay’s recent live events—specifically the eBay Live Bounty Program, where major hits from sets like Obsidian get spotlighted in live breaks. You can see more about that in our post: eBay Live Launches New Bounty Program to Celebrate New Releases and Major Hits.
For collectors looking to expand into other premium products, check out our guide on The Best Cards to Look For in 2025 Topps Tier One Baseball, another recent release that delivers strong design and chase value in its own right.
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