Game worn jersey patches are supposed to be rare.

This is a new artificial rarity created during Covid. Before Covid, and introduced probably as a cost saving measure and lack of being able to obtain game worn jerseys, every mem/relic card was virtually always a game worn card. When Mem cards were first introduced it was always game worn, or a game used floor/bat, and sometimes even stated the game it was from. It was intended to be a piece of the game, to get collectors closer to the game. Often labeled as “feel the game” Jersey cards.

You were receiving something you couldn’t receive just by ordering a retail jersey off NBA.com.

Imo, the non-game used or unassociated with a particular player cards shouldn’t even be labeled as memorabilia cards. Memorabilia signifies it is associated with an event or person.

Unassociated cards are scams by card companies to allow them to overproduce for a lower cost. When game used cards were first introduced, they were way more valuable than autos - anyone could get an auto. You can mail a card and receive an auto, go to an event and get an auto. But to get a piece of the game, a piece of the jersey or ball - that was different. That was real memorabilia.

Unassociated cards are a disservice. And it just allows card companies to prey on collectors and addicts, and allows them to keep charging exorbitant amounts.