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Bob D’Angelo

Bob is a longtime member of the Florida sports media, having served as a reporter and copy editor for more than 30 years. His true sports passion, however, is the history of the various games, exhibited by his in-depth book reviews and hobby of collecting cards and other sports memorabilia. He blogs for TBO.com on both subjects, transferring his work for the Tampa Tribune to the realm of cyberspace.

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Linsanity in the Knick of time for Panini

Posted Feb 14, 2012 by Bob D'Angelo

Updated Feb 14, 2012 at 01:09 AM

It’s no secret that as hot as Jeremy Lin has been on the court this season, his rookie cards have been even hotter. You might remember last week’s news of the high prices his rookie autograph relic cards were fetching.

Well, it looks like the NBA lockout was a blessing in disguise for Panini America. Because of the lockout, the Feb. 29 release of the 2011-12 Hoops Basketball set enabled Panini to rush a Lin card into production that shows him in his New York Knicks uniform.

It will be Lin’s first card in a New York uniform; all of his rookie cards last year show him wearing Golden State Warriors garb. There will be a base card and an autograph card of the point guard who has led the Knicks to five straight wins since becoming a starter

It’s only the start. You can be certain that Panini will push Lin hard in its other NBA product this year. Preferred will be the next card set after Hoops. If Lin continues to shine, his marquee — and market value will continue to climb.

It’s the kind of boost that both the NBA and Panini didn’t expect, but are more than happy to play up.