2023-24 NBA Rookie Jett Howard is Going Viral
SPORTS / NEWS
NBA rookie Jett Howard, son of retired NBA superstar and Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard, was drafted 11th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2023 NBA draft. Recently, he has been making headlines for an unexpected reason. The 2023-24 Panini Contenders NBA Basketball set, released on June 21, 2024, featured Howard in an awkward shooting pose that has caught the internet's attention for all the wrong reasons.
The image shows Howard in a pose that looks far from what one would expect from a professional basketball player. With both hands thrusting outward and upward from his chest and his feet on the ground, it appears as if he's dragging his right toe. This contrasts sharply with the typically graceful and dynamic poses seen in basketball cards, where players are often captured mid-air, either shooting a jump shot or performing a layup or dunk. This particular shot of Howard has been criticized for not representing the athletic elegance expected of NBA players.
Historically, photos of rookies on basketball cards are often taken in out-of-game settings and staged in action shots. These posed images are intended to highlight the player's form and athleticism, aiming to make a strong impression. However, Howard's card in the Panini Contenders set deviates from this norm, resulting in a less flattering depiction.
Interestingly, Howard's cards in other Panini sets have been far more favorable, capturing him in more dynamic and representative poses. The discrepancy has sparked discussions among collectors and fans, leading to a surge in online attention and memes.
The Panini Contenders Set
The Panini Contenders Basketball set is well-known for its high-quality, collectible cards featuring both rookies and veteran NBA players. The set includes Rookie Ticket Autographs, which are highly sought after by collectors. These cards are typically designed to showcase the players at their best, making the unusual choice for Howard's card even more surprising (Checklist Insider) .
The viral nature of Jett Howard's card highlights the importance of image selection in trading cards, especially for rookies who are just beginning to establish their professional image. While this particular card might not show Howard in the most athletic light, it has certainly increased his visibility and sparked conversations within the trading card community. 👓
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