2024-25 Panini Origins Basketball: Storytelling and… Outer Space?

Panini’s Origins Basketball returns for the 2024-25 NBA season, offering collectors a product that blends artistic design with a focus on the league’s top rookies and stars.

Known for its abstract aesthetics and premium content, Origins continues to carve out a unique niche in the basketball card market. But is this set, which has sets inspired by space, animals and more, a good buy and hold? Or should you steer clever? 

Here’s our insight. 

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An Introduction to 2024 Panini Origins Basketball

Releasing on March 21st at $270/box, the 2024-25 Panini Origins Basketball set maintains its reputation as a premium, hit-heavy product, with a strong emphasis on storytelling (hence the name) for the latest NBA rookie class alongside a curated selection of veterans and legends.

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This year Origins is coming in hobby boxes and H2 boxes.

• Hobby boxes deliver a compact seven-card pack (one pack per box), averaging:
  
  • Two autographs or memorabilia cards
  • Two base cards
  • Two parallels
  • One insert

• H2 boxes, aimed at a broader audience, include six packs per box (six cards per pack) but skip the hits in favor of:
  
  • 14 rookies
  • Two parallels
  • Five inserts on average

This dual-format approach ensures Origins appeals to both high-end collectors chasing autographs and casual hobbyists looking for variety and affordability.

While the exact set size remains unconfirmed, this set usually rolls with a concise checklist (likely 100-150 cards), blending rookies and established stars. Unlike mass-produced sets like Hoops or Donruss, Origins‘ limited base card output (just two per hobby box) enhances their scarcity and secondary market value.

Parallels: A rainbow of rarity

Parallels are a cornerstone of Origins, with hobby and H2 boxes each guaranteeing two per box. And for a non-optichrome set, they do a pretty good job with them. Here’s what you can expect:

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Hobby-Exclusive Parallels

• Red – A staple parallel, likely /149 or /99, offering a vibrant but accessible chase.
• Blue – Expected at /99, providing a cool-toned, moderately rare option.
• Orange – /75, bringing fiery contrast and increased scarcity.
• Turquoise – /25, with a distinctive aqua shimmer and a sharp drop in availability.
• Gold – /10, a luxurious centerpiece for high-end collectors.
• Green – /5, ultra-rare and highly sought after.
• Black – 1/1, the ultimate Origins grail for any serious collector.

Additional Hobby-Only Parallels:

• Tessellated – A new geometric pattern, possibly /49 (returning from 2023-24).
• Neon Stripes – Another recent addition, likely /49, featuring a dynamic, streaked design.

H2-Exclusive Parallels

• Black and White – Limited to /15, this stark, monochromatic finish offers a bold contrast.
• Amethyst – /8, a stunning purple-hued rarity exclusively for H2 collectors.

While H2 parallels provide an affordable chase, the higher pack count (six per box) dilutes their per-pack hit rate, making them a lower-risk, lower-reward alternative to hobby boxes.

A breakdown of cards in 2024-25 Panini Origins Basketball

For those considering investing in 2024-25 Panini Origins Basketball, here’s what else to expect:

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Autographs and Memorabilia Cards

Each hobby box guarantees two autographs or memorabilia cards, with a focus on rookies and established stars.

Autograph Subsets:

• Rookie Jersey Autographs – On-card rookie autos paired with jersey swatches.
• Elevation Signatures – Featuring top rookies in a vertical design.
• Universal Autographs – A mix of current and retired NBA stars.
• Six Star Signatures – Booklet cards featuring six autographs.
• Rookie Auto Booklet Patch – Booklet cards with rookie autographs and jumbo patches.

Each subset offers a range of low-numbered parallels, including 1/1 versions.

Investing in sealed boxes of Origins Basketball

Origins Basketball is a high-risk, high-reward product, meaning sealed boxes have the potential to appreciate—but only if demand remains strong, and that largely depends on the rookie class. 

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But is the price right? Here’s the price for past releases of Origins as of 3/10/25.

• 2024-25: $275
• 2023-24: $295
• 2022-23: $290
• 2021-22: $350
• 2020-21: $290

For investors, waiting to see the secondary market reaction before committing to sealed boxes might be a smart approach. My guess? Without a breakout rookie star, this is a set to avoid at release day price. 

Investing in singles of Panini Origins Basketball

Given Origins’ high-risk structure, singles may be the safest play for collectors.

• If you’re chasing specific rookies or parallels, buying singles ensures you get what you want without the risk of an underwhelming box.
• Numbered parallels and autographs from standout players could hold long-term value.

With Origins, picking your spots is key—especially with the rookie auto uncertainty.

In conclusion: Rip, hold or pass on Panini Origins Basketball 2024-25

2024-25 Panini Origins Basketball offers one of the most visually unique products on the market, blending artistic backgrounds, premium parallels, and top-tier rookie cards.

However, the limited autograph checklist and high-risk nature of the product might make some collectors hesitate.

• Rip? – No. Unless you’re absolutely in love with Origins’ abstract aesthetic and are willing to take a gamble on rare hits.
• No? — Not at release day price. 
• Pass? This is the safest choice with Origins. At the $300ish price point, there are more attractive options. 

What do you think? Share your thoughts on 2024-25 Origins or show us your hits on X @card_lines. We also have a newsletter, sent twice a week. Subscribe to it right here. We’re working hard on our YouTube, too! Check it out right here.

Shop for 2024-25 Panini Origins Basketball boxes on eBay