NBA Players to Buy Now & the Power of Narrative in Sports
In this episode of Sports Cards Are Dope, Dr. Tyler Tarver breaks down how to spot players before they explode in value. We’re not chasing hype, we’re finding smart buys before the market catches up. From Cooper Flagg to Jordan Poole, from losing teams to playoff sleepers, we’re talking player movement, market psychology, and real stories from the trenches of the hobby.⏰ Timestamps:0:00 – What up, chicken nuggets0:46 – Why Cooper Flagg may already be overpriced2:15 – The “Young Star Dip” is real (Wemby, Zion, Ja)3:54 – Situation is greater than Talent: The Austin Rivers Rule6:01 – Jordan Poole, Wizards bias & false narratives9:45 – Players to watch after trades (LaRavia, Hachimura)11:00 – Buy these types of players now12:18 – Final thoughts: sleeper teams, your comments matter!
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12:32
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12:32
The Real Grading War in 2025 & How Pokémon Outsold the Big 3 Combined
In this episode of Sports Cards Are Dope, Dr. Tyler Tarver breaks down the Gym Rate data and the crazy grading trends from June 2025. From Pokémon outpacing ALL major sports combined to the possible downfall (and potential Fanatics acquisition) of Beckett—this one’s got it all. Plus, how TCG may be the Fortnite gateway into our sports card Call of Duty world.⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 – Welcome, Chicken Nuggets 🍗1:10 – PSA Still King, But CGC Is Climbing Fast3:00 – Beckett Down BAD: 30% Drop in Grading4:50 – TCG vs Sports Cards: Who's Really Winning?7:15 – Is Pokémon the Taylor Swift of the Hobby?9:00 – Why Fanatics Might Buy Beckett11:45 – Rage Baiting, Social Media, and the Hobby14:10 – How We Should React to the TCG Takeover16:05 – Outro: “Be kind, have fun, and never stop collecting.”
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16:29
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16:29
Fanatics Fest Review: How They're Going to 10x The Hobby
What up chicken nuggets! I just got back from Fanatics Fest with my son Finn and we’ve got thoughts. Big ones. We talk about the real purpose of this event, the strategic media machine behind it, and why sports cards may just be the Trojan horse of the whole thing.We also break down what Fanatics got right… and where they totally dropped the ball by not using card creators to host athlete experiences. This episode blends content strategy, card culture, and Kevin Durant dodging my autograph attempt.Timestamps:(0:00) Intro + Kid's POV: Meeting Speed, the Rizzler, and Joey Chestnut(1:50) Was this actually a card show?(3:40) The genius FOMO social media strategy(5:50) “Trojan Horse” approach to card exposure(7:30) Missed opportunity: no card creators hosting athletes(11:15) The power of collab culture—why cards need a Travis Scott moment(13:45) Security drama: Almost met KD, then got kicked out 😂(18:00) What Fanatics should absolutely do next year(21:30) Final thoughts from Finn + peace out
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32:16
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32:16
I Lost $1,500 on This Sports Card 🤦🏼♂️ MY BIGGEST CARD LOSS EVER
What’s up, chicken nuggets! In this episode of Sports Cards Are Dope, I open up about the biggest loss I’ve ever taken on a sports card — a 2003 Topps Chrome LeBron James. It’s a tale of crossover grading, market timing, and a $1,500 dip in value. Learn what happened, what I’d do differently, and why I’m still happy to own the card.🕒 Timestamps:0:00 – Intro & group therapy vibes1:30 – Mount Rushmore of PC: Jordan, LeBron, Steph, Pool2:30 – Why LeBron has to be in your Top 55:45 – Buying the card at $3,2007:00 – The failed PSA crossover (+$300)9:00 – Current value = $2,100 🤕10:15 – What I could’ve bought instead11:00 – The real lesson: Buy what you don’t mind keeping12:30 – Wrap-up + call for your worst hobby losses
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13:53
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13:53
Don’t Fall for This Vintage Sports Card Dealer Trick
Description:What up chicken nuggets! In today’s episode of Sports Cards Are Dope, we’re talking vintage cards—specifically, the unspoken red flags when dealers price raw cards based on “what they’ll grade.” I share a few personal mistakes, like the infamous Jackie Robinson color-added situation, and break down how YOU can avoid the same traps.🕒 Timestamps:0:00 – Intro & why vintage still rules1:33 – My Jackie & Hank personal collection2:30 – The raw card pricing trap5:00 – Why grading before selling matters6:55 – Real SGC grading example: my Hank Aaron “2”8:45 – Set break vs. comp confusion9:55 – Final takeaways & call for community advice
Welcome to the Sports Cards Are Dope podcast, hosted by Dr. Tyler Tarver (@tarvercards)—an aggressively average dude with an above-average obsession for those glorious, four-cornered lil treasures we call sports cards!
This isn’t just a podcast; it’s a celebration of sports, pop culture, and the universal joy of pulling a card so dope you immediately start calculating how many shares of Apple you can buy with it. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, a curious rookie, or someone who just wants to hear how Michael Jordan, Marvel movies, and Saved by the Bell all connect through cardboard, you’ve found your proverbial home.
Here, we keep it (mostly) positive as we dive into the wild world of collecting—rookie chases, market trends, and how these little slices of nostalgia tie into fandom, investing, and, yes, incredible relationships! Also, expect plenty of stories, pop culture tangents, and more than a few questionable analogies.
So grab your penny sleeves, settle in, and let’s talk sports cards more than your spouse would ever allow! SPORTS. CARDS. ARE. DOPE. (and so are you 🎧✨)!
Now quit reading, hit follow, and let’s dance you beautiful chicken nugget.
México