2014-15 Panini Excalibur

We're just a couple of weeks away from the start of the new NBA season. Here's a look at one of the last products from last NBA season. These packs were a little steep for retail at $3.99 a piece, but at least you get more cards than Topps Chrome or something.

14 - Jonas Valanciunas - I hate to say this about a card that doesn't feature natural backgrounds in the photography, but I actually... (gulp)... kind of like these cards. They're kind of classy in a way that stands out from most of Panini's designs, most of which I couldn't pick out of a lineup if you removed the logos.

4 - Kyle Lowry - Back-to-back Raptors. Panini removed some of the awkwardness from how late this set was released by not including stats on the back of the cards. They can still call these 2014-15 if you don't see a 2014-15 stat line, you see.

25 - Tyson Chandler - Chandler was the 2nd overall pick in the 2001 draft. While he hasn't exactly lived up to that kind of billing, he's been around the league forever now, pissing people off with his physical play. That has to count for something, right?

16 - Nerlens Noel - Noel was a lottery pick two years ago but didn't get to make his debut until last season. The Sixers may or may not know what they're doing with their terrible play, hard luck with injuries and stockpiling of draft picks, but some of these kids will probably pan out.

115 - Anthony Davis - Great player, but if you stare at his brow for too long it has a Medusa effect. That's the real key to his success.

7 - Derrick Rose Knight Court Orange (81/99) - This is a parallel of an insert. It's not very "orange" if you ask me, but I'm just going to go with what it says on the wrapper.

1 - Pau Gasol Knight Court - Another Knight Court Bull, this one of the unnumbered variety.

124 - Tyler Zeller Orange - This one is just a base parallel. Zeller is tall. He has a younger brother who is also tall and plays NBA basketball. That must be nice.