1970 Topps #123 Pete Maravich PSA 8

1970 Topps #123 Pete Maravich PSA 8 - The Birth of “Pistol Pete” in One of Basketball’s Boldest Designs

There are few players in basketball history whose names evoke the same kind of flair, unpredictability, and raw artistry as Pete Maravich. With his floppy socks, no-look passes, and infinite range, "Pistol Pete" arrived in the NBA in 1970 not just as a player, but as a phenomenon. Drafted third overall by the Atlanta Hawks after a staggering collegiate career at LSU—where he averaged over 44 points per game—Maravich brought the streetball imagination of a jazz soloist to a sport still learning how to swing.

His 1970 Topps rookie card captures the moment right as that legend begins—an elongated "tall boy" format emphasizing his wiry frame and unmistakable style. The design is gloriously retro: oversized, vibrant, and unmistakably ‘70s. In PSA 8, this card presents beautifully, with strong centering, crisp edges, and bold color contrast that brings out every detail of the vintage aesthetic. The tall-boy structure makes this a condition-sensitive card by nature, so examples at this level remain in high demand.

But this card is more than a collector’s item—it’s a moment suspended in time. Before the injuries, before the Jazz, before the mustache—it was just Maravich, a basketball, and a sense of wonder. For fans and collectors, this PSA 8 serves as the cardboard gateway to one of the most creative forces the game has ever seen. It’s not just a rookie—it’s Pistol Pete's first shot in the pros, and it still echoes loudly.