Raising the Bar: Panini America Previews 2011 Preferred Basketball’s Silhouettes

Panini America spent most of this week previewing the throwback brilliance of 2011 Preferred Basketball’s Panini’s Choice and Crown Royale die-cut inclusions. But today, the company plans to raise the bar — and collector expectations — even more with the first extended look at the set’s stunning Silhouettes.

The absolutely beautiful die-cut, prime-piece memorabilia cards that collectors fell in love with in Crown Royale Football and Crown Royale Hockey make their long-awaited basketball debut in 2011 Preferred. And they might just be the greatest-looking basketball cards ever made. Period.

Epic? No question. Sick? Absolutely. And that’s before the autographs that will be added to every last one. Indeed, every non-booklet card in 2011 Preferred Basketball will be autographed on-card. But with all due respect to the other portions of the set, it’s likely that none will look as pristine perfect as Silhouettes.

The cards arrived at Panini America HQ on Friday morning to be counted, quality controlled and ogled. Then, they were packed with kid-glove care so that they could be expedited to the appropriate players for signing. Luckily for all of us, Panini America marketing comrade Chris Reed was there to document the process.

Here’s what he saw . . .