Buzz Break: 2019-20 Panini Illusions NBA cards (mega box)

From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The box: 2019-20 Panini Illusions basketball cards (mega box)
First Buzz preview: Click here
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (for a few formats)

Keep reading for a full breakdown and gallery of what was in this one ...

Packs per box: 10
Cards per pack: 6
Cards in this box: 60
Chronicles set completion: 35 of 150 (23 percent)
Duplicates: 0

Notables on base cards – Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Devin Booker, Kristaps Porzingis, Kyrie Irving, Karl-Anthony Towns, Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, Jimmy Butler, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Jamal Murray, Vince Carter, Victor Oladipo

Inserts/short-prints: 25
Rookies (SP) (15) – Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, Darius Garland, Darius Bazley, Tremont Waters, Isaiah Roby, Sekou Doumbouya, Carsen Edwards, Romeo Langford, Tacko Fall, P.J. Washington Jr., Naz Reid, Daniel Gafford, Nicolo Melli, Luka Samanic
Sapphire parallel (5) – Coby White, P.J. Tucker, Dorian Finney-Smith, Thomas Bryant, Blake Griffin
Astounding Sapphire (1) – C.J. McCollum
Career Lineage (1) – Giannis Antetokounmpo
Instant Impact (1) – Brandon Clarke
Season Highlights (1) – James Harden
Shining Stars Sapphire (1) – C.J. McCollum

Autographs/Memorabilia: None

What's Buzz-worthy: I'll be the first to say that this brand isn't one that's high on my list -- it's got a lot of foilboard -- but the simplicity and the appearance of some notable veterans and two of the top rookies along with some strong rookie volume got me to an A grade for the box this time. Without the Rookie of the Year, Ja Morant, or the cardboard rookie of the decade Zion Williamson I might not have been as easily impressed. (And, despite this, I'm sure there are better boxes out there than mine.) Those two cards can potentially pay for the box here at SRP ($40) with the 10 packs giving you more shots at plenty of basic cardboard. The inserts are pretty light here and the Sapphire parallels only found in this format might be better named as Black or something like that ... not colorful at all. Seeing some bright colors (red, blue, green) would really make the design pop out from the mix ... and you'll get that in hobby with guaranteed ink. Some autographed sets can be found here and the lineup of stuff is pretty simple ... so if you like what you see this one should be considered. I liked the base more than I thought I would but this is perhaps one of those NBA releases where I'm content with what I pulled here. If I happen upon more boxes, I will probably bite, but this one was satisfying enough for a first bite. Hit that link up top for a few options, including this one, fresh to the site today.

Product Grade: A-
Box Grade: A- (two key rookies among heavy RC volume here feels good to me)
Fun Grade: B

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