The 2023-24 Donruss Optic Basketball set has something for every kind of collector. From visually stunning parallels to rookie autographs, the set promises to delight with every pull. In this guide, we will break down what to expect from the release and look at a few of my favorite cards.
Quick Hit
- UPC: 746134157530
- 2023 Donruss Optic Basketball Card Set Release Date: 5/17/2024
- Product Sku: 23PAKDO-FB(C)
My Thoughts
Let’s talk about the freshly dropped 2023-24 Donruss Optic Basketball card set that’s got everyone hyped up. It’s the kind of set that’ll make you wanna rush to the nearest hobby shop faster than you can say, “Antetokounmpo!”
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The base set? It’s enormous—250 cards. You’ve got 200 vets who bring the heat and 50 fresh-faced Rated Rookies ready to take the league by storm.
But more than the exciting athletes featured on the cards, it’s also about the visual design choice. This is where the parallels come: Holo, Photon, Jazz, and colors that sound like a Skittles pack—aqua, Orange, Lime Green, and so much more!
Each shade is rarer than the last, with gold vinyls being the ultimate find, as they are one of a kind. If you get your hands on it, you could have insane value on your hands in so many ways.
For those into Fast Break boxes, they’re bringing their A-game with a circular pattern that’s straight-up hypnotic. The parallels get even wilder with colors like Neon Green and Black, as rare as a snow day in June.
Meanwhile, the choice boxes are like the secret menu at your favorite burger joint. They feature exclusive geometric designs that make the cards look like modern art pieces. Dragon, Red and Green, and Nebula are just a few of the rare finds that’ll have you feeling like you struck gold.
Now, let’s talk about the real MVPs of the set – Autographs. Rated Rookies Signatures are where it’s at, with on-card signatures that are the real deal. Plus, this year, there’s a tag team with Rookie Dual Signatures making their big entrance, which is exciting.
However, Donruss Optic isn’t just throwing down dope designs with Elite Dominators or Lights Out, and they’re going full-on supernova with Rising Suns and Red Hot Rookies. Additionally, for the first time, Slammy inserts are crashing the party with caricature vibes that’ll have you double-taking.
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The Hobby box packs 20 inserts or parallels, Fast Break boxes go for 18, and Choice boxes serve up 7 parallels alongside an autograph. Whichever path you choose, it’s gonna be wild.
So, mark your calendars for May 1, 2024 – this set drops like a hot new sneaker release. Whether you’re in it for the thrill of the chase, the glory of the pull, or to stock up on some future legends, 2023-24 Donruss Optic Basketball is the game to beat.
Start saving that allowance, prepare those trade lists, and prepare for the card chase of the year!
2023-24 Donruss Optic Basketball Break Down + Parallels
Overview
- Cards per pack
-
- Hobby: 4
- Fast Break: 9
- Choice: 8
- Packs per box
-
- Hobby: 20,
- Fast Break: 10
- Choice: 1
- Boxes per case
-
- Hobby: 12
- Fast Break: 20
- Choice: 20
- Set size: 250 cards
- Release date (tentative): May 1, 2024
Base Parallels
- Holo
- Jazz
- Photon
- Aqua – /249
- Orange – /199
- Lime Green – /149
- Red – /99
- Pink Velocity – /79
- Blue – /49
- Black Velocity – /39
- Gold – /10
- Green – /5
- Gold Vinyl – 1/1
Fast-Break Parallels
- Holo
- Purple – /99
- Red – /75
- Blue – /49
- Pink – /25
- Gold – /10
- Red and Yellow – /7
- Neon Green – /5
- Black – 1/1
Choice-only Parallels
- Dragon
- Red and Green
- Red – /88
- Blue – /24
- Black Gold – /8
- Nebula – 1/1
What to expect in a hobby box:
- Autographs: 1
- Inserts or Parallels: 20 Total
Fast Break box:
- Autographs: 1
- Inserts or Parallels: 18 Total
Choice box:
- Autographs: 1
- Parallels: 7
Cards to Watch
Now, let’s take a moment to discuss a few particularly exciting cards in this set. From the athletes they feature to their stunning visuals, these beauties will undoubtedly stand out in your card binders!
Kobe Bufkin Rated Rookie
Firstly, we have the young shooting guard from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Kobe Bufkin is captured in a moment of focused intensity during a game, eyeing down the court as he’s about to make a play. Clad in the Atlanta Hawks’ vibrant red and yellow uniform, he’s crouched in readiness, ball in hand, signaling he’s about to drive down the lane.
The card bursts with color, with the Hawks’ red popping against the aqua and neon graffiti-like backdrop. The Rated Rookie logo sits at the bottom left in blue, while the iconic Donruss Optic logo rests in the upper right corner, its silver sheen adding a touch of quality.
Standing at 6’4 and 195lbs, Bufkin was the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. He spent most of the season in the G League with the College Park Skyhawks. However, with Trae Young recently sidelined due to injury, Bufkin has been getting more minutes on the court as a Hawks player. He is averaging 3.7 points and 1.6 rebounds in the regular season.
Cason Wallace Rated Rookie Signatures
Now, we turn our attention to a Rated Rookie Signatures card—OKC Thunder fans will particularly like this one! In this card, point guard Cason Wallace is in motion during a game, dribbling forward, muscles tensed, and clearly on the attack.
He sports the Oklahoma City Thunder jersey in cool, crisp blue, which stands out emphatically with the reflective, almost holographic, pattern swirling in the background.
Front and center, the card features a bold blue border that frames Wallace, with his autograph taking center stage in a sharp, contrasting blue ink. Next to him, the Rated Rookie badge shines in white and blue, markedly signaling his new entry into the league.
The 6’3 guard is enjoying an awe-inspiring run of form with the Thunder, especially after his 27-minute masterclass against the Grizzlies. Wallace bagged 22 points, two rebounds, four assists, and one block to guide his team to a thumping victory!
Stephen Curry Slammy!
Finally, I want to discuss the debuting Slammy inserts and their cartoonish depictions. In this specific card, we can see Steph Curry sporting his signature megawatt smile. He’s decked out in the iconic Golden State Warriors blue and gold, which significantly pops against the striking yellow border framing the top of the card.
The bold “SLAMMY” title at the bottom, in a chunky blue font, particularly jumps out against the design. Meanwhile, the background buzzes with the excitement of a packed arena. The Donruss Optic logo, placed at the top left, is neat and unassuming.
Stephen’s name and team banner in crisp white font sit neatly below him, ensuring no mistaking the superstar this card celebrates. This Slammy card is a fun, vibrant tribute to one of basketball’s greatest sharpshooters!
2023-24 Donruss Optic Basketball Checklists
Check back once the set is released.