It’s been many years since I’ve taken a look specifically at Michael Jordan parallel cards like the much loved Refractor. As a big fan of the parallel concept and the resulting ‘rainbows’ you can collect, I’ve featured them a number of times as a recurring series over the year. I think it’s time to reignite that series to move on now to the 96-97 Flair Showcase Michael Jordan parallels.
TL;DR - just show me the Flair Showcase Jordans!
List of the 1996-97 Flair Showcase Jordan Row 2, 1, 0 and Legacy Collection.
In our last article covering 1995-96 Michael Jordan refractors and parallels, we looked at how Topps and other brands were pushing the boundaries of design, scarcity and collector appeal. But Topps wasn’t the only player redefining premium cards in the 90s. That same season, Flair crafted one of the most elegant and tiered parallel chases in Jordan’s entire playing career - a release that combined thick card stock, layered photography and a hierarchy of parallel rarity that was sure to entice collectors into paying a premium for Flair’s boxed packs.
This set was about luxury: smooth edges, gloss that caught the light just right, elegant deep-etched, layered photos and a top-shelf feel of pure quality.
Not only do we have some beautiful and well sough-after parallels, Flair hit us with one of the decade’s most revered sets: the Legacy Collection.
The Three Rows
Flair’s 96-97 Showcase set offered three distinct ‘Rows’ for each card, each with its own design and level of scarcity. While these cards all share the same back design, they differ from true parallels in that the card fronts are all completely different.
In the top-left of the back you’ll see the row number - this indicates the scarcity of the card with 2 being most common and 0 being most rare. The ‘seat’ number, in the top-right, designates the card number. All Jordan’s are seat/number 23 with a further ‘section’ designation of 1 in the bottom-left.
Michael Jordan Flair Showcase Row 2
As mentioned, Row 2 cards are the most common ‘base’ cards as per the 96-97 Flair Showcase set. Flair used its signature elegant bold, layered photography and vibrant action on thick card stock along with ‘Style’ nomenclature on the front.
Michael Jordan Flair Showcase Row 1
The Row 1 ‘Grace’ dials up the elegance over the row 2 card through the addition of a subtle foil treatment - something we had grown to expect in the 90’s for anything with increased rarity. Row 1 cards were distributed in roughly 1:2 packs.
This mid-tier Flair Showcase card is a beautiful piece for any Jordan collection and is certainly readily available.
Michael Jordan Flair Showcase Row 0
Row 0 96-97 Flair Showcase cards represent the pinnacle of the first round of parallels we see. These cards were inserted at a rate of 1:24 packs and feature a stunning shimmering foil treatment that catches light beautifully when viewed in person. The Flair elegance is really accentuated when this foil is paired with excellent use of photography and card stock.
The Legacy Collection – Flair’s numbered masterpieces: parallels of parallels
As if three tiers weren’t enough, Flair upped the ante and added a further parallel that would standout even above the Row 0’s beauty: the Legacy Collection.
The 96-97 Flair Showcase Legacy Collection cards follow the same Row 2, 1, 0 pattern we have discussed so far. As true parallels the cards are identical except for the addition of the Legacy Collection treatment: a beautiful bright blue foil treatment and ‘Legacy Collection’ stamp on the front which shimmers beautifully under light.
Finally, they are all limited to 150 serialised copies - that makes each row just as rare as each other here: there are 150 copies of each Legacy parallel. However, collectors do tend to continue to value the cards based on the 2, 1, 0 tiering.
Michael Jordan Flair Showcase Row 2 Legacy Collection
The blue foil joins the overall feel very nicely here - it stands out really well on the darker background photo treatment. Silver foil is used on the back for the serial numbering.
Michael Jordan Flair Showcase Row 1 Legacy Collection
I like the pairing of the elegant blue foil Legacy Collection designation along with the bright red here - its a real eye catcher. Silver foil is used on the back for the serial numbering.
Michael Jordan Flair Showcase Row 0 Legacy Collection
Here’s the best of both worlds - a darker photo treatment really pops with the blue Legacy Collection foil and the use of Chicago Bulls red accentuates it even further. Of course, we also get the shimmering foil as per the regular Row 0 card - no wonder this one is considered the most sought-after in this set! Again, silver foil is used for the serial numbering.
Flair’s Elegance
Flair Showcase stands out as a set showcasing elegant design and choice of photography. The appeal is somewhat in the restraint - foil is tastefully used to accentuate the card’s already refined style and design.
Released in the year following Jordan’s leading of the Bulls to an NBA-record 72–10 season and another championship, Flair Showcase captured the moment with class. Every Row told a different visual story (Style, Grace, Showcase) and the Legacy Collection parallels locked those stories into a finite, numbered run.
If the last article was about shine and spectacle, this one is about refinement and scarcity. The 1996-97 Flair Showcase set gave Jordan collectors a premium ladder to climb, ending with one of the most important parallels of the decade.
The Row 0 Legacy in particular remains a centerpiece card for many - not just because of its rarity, but because it perfectly encapsulates Flair’s philosophy: premium design, controlled scarcity, and an elegance that’s aged beautifully.
Continuation of the legacy
This was just the start for Flair’s Row and Legacy Collection releases. Subsequent and retro sets were to follow - we will take a closer look at those in future articles.
Happy collecting!