The phrase references a specific subset of basketball memorabilia: trading cards featuring the legendary Earvin “Magic” Johnson, produced under the “NBA Hoops” brand. These cards, particularly those from the early 1990s, hold significance within the sports card collecting hobby, representing a confluence of a popular athlete and a widely distributed card series. A typical example would be a 1991 NBA Hoops Magic Johnson card, depicting him in action with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Their importance stems from a combination of factors. Johnson’s iconic status as a player, his impact on the game, and the wide distribution of the NBA Hoops brand contribute to their collectibility. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the sports card market experienced a boom, making cards from this era readily available yet still valued for the player they feature. This accessibility allows many collectors to engage with a piece of basketball history, while rarer or graded versions can command higher prices due to condition and scarcity.