The fact that Schofield essentially learned cursive just so that he could deliver an autograph anyone would be proud to own on his Panini America Rookie Cards is a testament. Not just to his commitment but to the undeniable importance of an event that is paramount to Panini America’s basketball business every year.
“It’s by far the most important event on our basketball calendar every year,” said David Porter, Panini America’s NBA Brand Director. “While it affords us the opportunity to capture the autographs and memorabilia that will be the focal point of our products for the entire season, it also allows us the chance to strengthen our relationships with each and every one of the players here as well as with our colleagues at the NBA and the NBPA. You simply can’t overstate how profoundly this event positively impacts our business.”
Schofield’s story was but one of the highlights of the annual extravaganza that provides Panini America – the exclusive trading card manufacturer of the NBA and National Basketball Players Association for the last decade – unparalleled face time, photography time and signing time with the newest class of NBA stars. Another highlight? As it turns out, some guy named “Zion Williamson” apparently is going to be a really big deal this season. Like . . . really, really big.
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Man Of The People
STEPH CURRY IS NOT THE BIGGEST OR FASTEST PLAYER IN THE NBA. HE’S JUST ARGUABLY THE MOST POPULAR.
All The Write Moves
ZION WILLIAMSON HEADLINES AN “EPIC” 2019 NBA ROOKIE CLASS THAT HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO ELEVATE BASKETBALL CARDS TO UNHEARD-OF HEIGHTS. AND DURING PANINI AMERICA’S 2019 NBA ROOKIE PHOTOSHOOT IN AUGUST, WE CAUGHT THE BEGINNING STAGES OF THE ASCENT.
Ready To Roar
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Finally!
Rookie Joel Embiid makes an instant impact in the hobby.
Solo Superstar
Russell Westbrook dominates despite departure of Kevin Durant
Brow Power
ANTHONY DAVIS - A TRUE HOBBY SUPERSTAR.
Freak of Nature
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Rookie Cards ready to go to the next level
Get With The Program
Panini’s NBA Player of the Day promotion returns for 2017
Ferrell Comes From Out of Nowhere
Once in a while, a hidden talent emerges to become a hobby sensation and those that did not manage to get their cards suddenly find themselves behind the pack in the chase to get that player’s cards.
Simply DeBest
DeMar DeRozan is Toronto’s all-time scoring leader – and a local legend.
The Other NBA Draft
League officials, investors, and Barack Obama are betting they can make basketball Africa’s second-biggest sport—and Africa basketball’s most valuable growth market
My Favorite Cigar
Cigar aficionados describe their smoke of choice
Secrets of the Kardashians' Hulu Show
Reality doesn’t bite for the Kardashian-Jenner family! The women were reportedly paid nine figures for their Hulu series.
NBA's Chris Paul Goes Pink With La Fête Rosé
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We're Not in Kansas Anymore
"Many years ago, I would ride my bicycle to the neighborhood record store, lean it against the window (no need to padlock), spend an enjoyable hour flipping through LPs, pick one out, and buy it (cash, of course). I would then slip it into my backpack and ride home, put the needle in the groove, and enjoy the sound of my purchase. Oh, how times have changed. In particular, the cool kids are now buying music as non-fungible tokens (NFT)."
STAPLES CENTER IS CHANGING ITS NAME TO CRYPTO.COM ARENA
Staples Center is getting a new name. Starting Christmas Day, it will be Crypto.com Arena.
RIGHT ON CUE: NBA FINDS HIGH TECH OPTION FOR VIRUS TESTING
If so inclined, an NBA player could now test himself for the coronavirus and get results on his phone in no more than 20 minutes.
RIGHT ON CUE: NBA FINDS HIGHTECH OPTION FOR VIRUS TESTING
If so inclined, an NBA player could now test himself for the coronavirus and get results on his phone in no more than 20 minutes.
DO COVID TITLES COUNT?
If a team wins Game 7 and no one is around to cheer and high five, is it still the champ?
The Case for Speed-watching
How I came to love watching TV shows really fast. (I swear I’m not a monster.)