1997 Metal Universe Tracy McGrady #42

Set Information

1997-98 Metal Universe basketball received lukewarm feedback upon release. But things sure have changed over the past few decades. Sticking to the trend of unusual and innovative base set designs that characterizes the mid-late 90s, the base cards feature a cropped action shot set against an intricate, cartoonish etched foil backdrop. It seems silly to think of these cards as "base" cards; each card in the 125-card set boasts meticulous, unique design aesthetics. At the time of release, packs retailed for $2.49 and contained 9 cards. Those packs contained hobby gold: collectors could pull the elusive PMG red and green parallels, gorgeous matrix-etched Platinum Portraits inserts, and other coveted chase cards. Be sure not to confuse this set with its sister product, 1997-98 Metal Universe Championship, which has its own unique place atop the 90s set hierarchy.