My modern collecting bug goes to about the mid-1990s. After that it is strictly random. I will buy a box or two and hold the cards for several years, see if anyone emerges. Favorite modern players to collect are Jeter, Magic and Kobe, and some MJ. I really appreciate the art and photography on some of the sets. Objectively speaking, these are really nice cards:
My real modern buzz these days is buying the odd box of cards at a flea market or swap meet. They aren't in packs but they are new to me so it feels like I am busting packs anyway.