Bowman launched the first official basketball card set in 1948 and despite only a few cards issued in 1951 by Berk Ross, it wouldn't be until 1957 when another official basketball set was issued by Topps. Thus, pickings are quite slim for the early days of basketball cards, although it still feels like some of these cards get relatively overlooked by basketball card collectors.
Key cards include the 1948 Bowman George Mikan Rookie card, 1951 Berk Ross Bob Cousy and 1957 Topps Bill Russell Rookie Card.
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The first official full basketball release happened in 1948, with the introduction of the 1948 Bowman Basketball Set. This would be Bowman's first and only basketball issue.
The 1951 Berk Ross Multi-Sport set only featured cards of four basketball players, but with one being HOFer Bob Cousy, we felt it was worthy to include here.
In 1957, Topps issued their first basketball issue. Yes there were nine years between official basketball issues! This was the first year Topps produced card issues for all four major sports.
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1957 Topps Basketball #5 Bill Sharman RC Rookie Card PSA 3 VG Boston Celtics HOF
 | $145.00 Buy It Now for only: $145.00 Buy It Now |
1957 Topps Basketball WIN WILFONG RC #65 GREAT SHAPE
 | $19.99 End Date: Sunday May-28-2023 22:09:59 EDT Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now |
1957 Topps Basketball #77 Bill Russell PSA 6 Freshly Graded Great Condition
 | $15.01 End Date: Sunday Jun-04-2023 18:25:39 EDT Buy It Now for only: $15.01 Buy It Now |
1957 Topps basketball Syracuse Nationals Dolph Schayes #13
 | $35.00 Buy It Now for only: $35.00 Buy It Now |
1957 Topps Basketball BILL RUSSELL Rookie RC SP #77 PSA 1.5 Free Shipping
 | $12.61 End Date: Sunday Jun-04-2023 18:26:04 EDT Buy It Now for only: $12.61 Buy It Now |
1957 Topps Basketball #20 Bill Thieben Detroit Pistons PSA 7 NM
 | $93.00 (7 bids) End Date: Monday May-29-2023 22:05:01 EDT Bid |