A landmark card from the 2009 Panini set—Stephen Curry's rookie year—showcasing the nascent talent of a future NBA icon.
TCR 67
Story of the Piece
The 2009 Panini set marked a significant entry into the basketball card landscape, notable for its clean design and comprehensive rookie class. This particular card, #357, presents Stephen Curry in his inaugural professional season. As Panini's first fully licensed NBA product, the 2009 release holds historical importance, capturing a pivotal moment in the sport's trading card evolution. The card features a vibrant action shot, characteristic of the era's design, and remains a touchstone for collectors interested in the early career representations of future legends. The production values of this set ensured a consistent aesthetic across its run.
Stephen Curry's 2009-2010 rookie season with the Golden State Warriors offered glimpses of the revolutionary talent he would become. He quickly demonstrated his scoring prowess, averaging 17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting. That year saw Curry establish himself as a primary ball-handler and an immediate offensive threat, culminating in a season where he led all rookies in assists and steals. His remarkable accuracy from beyond the arc, a hallmark of his eventual MVP campaigns, began to take shape during this formative period, foreshadowing the seismic shift he would bring to modern basketball.
On Stephen Curry
“Steph Curry is the greatest shooter that I've ever seen. I am having more fun watching him than anybody since Michael Jordan.”
— Barack Obama, 44th President of the United StatesTIME magazine interview · 2016