The Greatest Dwyane Wade Rookie Card Ever?

Not since the draft of Michael Jordan--which produced future hall of famers: Charles Wade Barkley, Chris Mullin, and Hakem Olajuwon--has there been an NBA draft class with so much talent. The 2003 draft class has already paid dividends with such notable stars and names as LeBron James, Darko Milicic, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Chris Kaman, Kirk Hinrich, T.J. Ford, David West, 05'-06' Most Improved Player Boris Diaw, Leandro "The Brazilian Blur" Barbosa, Josh Howard, Kyle Korver, and Dwyane Tyrone Wade, Jr.

With these developing talents and the full support of media and mass marketing, these players have become household names with the likes of LeBron, Melo, and Dwyane leading the way.

Getting Down to Business

According to Beckett Basketball Magazine, the card on the top of every Wade collector's wish list is the 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection #74 Dwyane Wade (JSY AU RC) (Pictured above). I have seen this card's value range from 3000 USD to 6000 USD on eBay, and that is already supposed to be a good deal as if you were to open these very, very pricey Exquisite Collection packs, you will be very, very, poor before you would be able to pull anything substantial--and realistically speaking, it may not be the Dwyane Wade card which you were hopping for.

That's what everyone wants.

But what about this?

2003-2004 Dwyane Wade Fleer Authentix Jersey Authentix Autograph (AJADW) numbered to 100. Unlike the Exquisite Collection which patch features your typical red, black, white, or combination of the three swatches; this particular card distinguishing quality is a Nike Swoosh Logo from the manufacturer's patch on each NBA jersey during that time. This would make it a relative 1 of 1 since Nike gave way to Reebok as the official outfitter of the NBA a year later.

Now which one would be more valuable?

A card that is atrociously expensive to begin with or one that: a) has a patch of a manufacturer that was the official apparel endorser of the NBA in 2003-2004, b) the patch has most of the Nike Logo on it (I've only seen two so far and the other card only features the tip of the tail of the Nike Swoosh), c)this is one of the last basketball card sets that Fleer produced prior to filing for bankruptcy in 2005, and d) its autographed.

Can you say, the greatest ever?

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If the Cleveland Cavaliers don't improve...would LeBron James blot for greener pastures?

The thought has entered my mind.

After all, the Cavs forward LeBron James didn't sign a long-term extension in 2006 (instead opted for a 3 year; $60 million dollar deal) unlike his good friend Carmelo Anthony who agreed to a 5-year; $80 million dollar contract with the Denver Nuggets that same year.

Wikipedia.org offers a plausible explanation for James reluctance to ink a 5-year deal (the maximum allowable years for a pro with three years experience). By signing for fewer years and less money, LeBron puts himself in the position to seek a new deal that would be "worth more money (as an unrestricted free agent)" following the 2010 season.

Makes sense. But of course, there will always be two sides to the story.

By virtue of having a shorter deal, James can assess (in time) if the Cavaliers are able to compete for a championship. And with the Varejao and Pavlovic negotiations going at a snail's pace--the future doesn't look too bright--at least this late into the pre-season.

It would be imprudent and financial suicide for Cavs GM Danny Ferry and the Cleveland Cavaliers to overspend on Varejao and Pavlovic. They are good. But not that good.

In fact, MSNBC contributor Bob Cook put it best:

What insane person would give a six-year, $60 million deal to a player whose most marketable skill is flopping? (Varejao)

Enough said.

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