Even before the season starts, hobbyists are already targeting cards of the hottest rookies for their collection. This makes Panini responsible to deliver this demand and ensure there is enough supply to go around. Fortunately, the card company locked the top pick in this year’s NBA Draft Class – Cade Cunningham.

In a statement released days before the draft occurred, Panini said that they have signed the Oklahoma State standout to an exclusive contract. This means they have the sole authority to manufacture and release Cunningham’s trading cards to the market, specifically the autographed ones.

Similar to previous seasons, Panini has always targeted incoming rookies that show a lot of potential. For his part, Cunningham proved he is one of the draft’s top prospects by averaging 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in his lone season in Oklahoma State. The young guard also bagged major collegiate awards, such as the Big12 Player of the Year, NABC Freshman of the Year, and Sporting News Freshman of the Year awards.

In the coming months, Panini will feature Cunningham as the centerpiece of their upcoming card products for the 2021-22 NBA Season. Collectors can expect the Detroit Piston’s young guard to be featured in the brand’s biggest products, like Prizm and Select.

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Reed Sheppard, Zaccharie Risacher and Rob Dillingham wearing Pistons jerseys

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Mikal Bridges in a Pistons jersey with Cade Cunningham

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In the same statement, Cunningham said that he is honored to be part of Panini’s team. He added that they are the only company he would trust to create his trading cards.

Like most young stars before him, Cunningham is about to become one of the hottest names in the market. And with Panini locking him in, it’s only a matter of time before his cards are seen in the market.