Panini Contenders Historic Draft Class brought a fresh approach to basketball card collecting in 2023 by celebrating the league's most impactful draft classes. The set captured a moment when nostalgia and contemporary collecting interest aligned, offering fans a chance to revisit transformative moments in NBA history through modern card design and production standards. Yao Ming's inclusion here honors one of basketball's most significant international players and his revolutionary impact on the sport. Collectors are drawn to cards featuring Ming across all eras and releases, recognizing both his Hall of Fame legacy and his role in expanding the NBA's global reach during his playing career.