1996-97 Topps Kobe Bryant

This 1996-97 Topps Kobe Bryant rookie card is the first Topps card of a player who is shaping up to be one of the greatest that the NBA has ever seen. Featuring a picture of the then 18-year-old already looking like a veteran, this affordable rookie should move easily on the market for years to come. All Bryant rookie cards should be among the safer bets in card collecting for the foreseeable future. The Topps Chrome version of this card is one of the better Kobe Bryant rookie cards and one of the best contemporary basketball cards overall. It can be very expensive on the open market but it is a great buy target for any serious basketball card collector.