Topps isn't holding anything back this year in basketball. It's the 50th anniversary since they 1957-58 set and it's also one of the strongest draft classes in a long time. Greg Oden and Kevin Durant have been labeled "can't miss" prospects and collectors are excited about the upcoming season and it's card releases. Topps has signed Oden and Brandan Wright (No. 8 pick) and launched four Draft Day Autograph cards on it's site (topps.com).

Oden was limited to 50 and sold out quickly at $500 per card. Yi JianLian is limited to 100 and sells for $200, Wright is limited to 100 and sells for $150, while Nick Young is limited to 100 and sells for $100. The latter three are still available. While it's difficult to compare these to the famed Rookie Photo Shoot cards, I think it's safe to say these cards aren't going down in value any time soon.

In addition, they are determined to make a major splash with the first two products of the season. Topps will be loaded with things reminding us of the 50th anniversary, but I'm more excited about Topps Echelon Basketball, which will sell for $125 per pack (actually more of a box), with four packs per box.

The coolest thing I found out when talking to brand manager, Don Wang, on my recent trip to NYC was that there are two rookie cards of everyone. Both are numbered as base cards and both are numbered to the same quantity so it will be tough to determine whether to call them both rookie cards or try to identify which one is the real rookie. Five rookies will have an autographed quad relic card numbered to 199 in the base set, while 10 players will have an autographed dual relic numbered to 399.

They also have plenty more, including a Bill Russell instant win card, which has been autographed, graded and encased. Tons of other rookies autographs, veteran and retired players patches, relics and autographs are available, including a five-piece autographed relic card from five 2007 draft picks, who played in the McDonald's All-American Game, with a super size version numbered to just 25. Echelon is scheculed to ship the week of Oct. 1.