Amid the echoing cheers and swirling confetti at the 2025 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks took a leap of fate designed to etch their name in the annals of basketball history. In a storyline almost scripted by the basketball gods themselves, the Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg as the first overall pick, a move as anticipated as it is game-changing. The decision comes on the heels of their controversial trade of Luka Doncic—a move that left analysts and fans alike scratching their heads and wondering about the future of the franchise. However, the unveiling of Flagg marks not just a new chapter for Dallas, but also a captivating new saga for collectors.
Topps NOW, renowned for capturing pivotal sports milestones, launched Flagg’s first professional card, marking his official entry into the professional sports collecting universe. This is not just another card; it is a piece of history. An artifact that fans and collectors have eagerly awaited, heralding the arrival of a player many have touted as a revolutionary force in the NBA. Much like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Dallas grabs headlines once more, offering hope in the form of a dynamic young talent whose mere presence could redefine the future of their purple and neon-lit court battles.
Flagg’s draft night exhilaration was matched by an equally thrilling announcement from Topps NOW, unveiling a limited series of print-to-order cards featuring Flagg decked out in his crisp new Mavericks gear. These cards, already considered futuristic pieces of memorabilia, are celebrated for their exclusive nature, tied intimately to the immediacy of sports’ biggest moments. Their scarcity and historical significance often make them cherished gems within collectors’ treasure troves.
Topps has gone all out for this unique release. Topping the wish list is a rare 1/1 autographed card complete with a “1st Overall Pick” inscription, already whispered about in hushed, reverent tones among serious collectors. These cards represent the apex of desirability, where dreams of owning a slice of sports history culminate. Available via redemption, the autographs are tastefully tiered in increasingly scarce forms, numbered to /25, /10, /5, and a singular, coveted 1/1. Not summer blockbuster variants, but these, two allure /10 autos bear the charmingly personal inscription “My First Pro Auto,” promising collectors a slice of personal engagement with Flagg’s budding career.
Adding to the frenzy, collectors can also hunt for foil parallels of the base card, available in a kaleidoscope of numbered variations: /99, /75, /50, /25, /10, /5, and an elusive 1/1 FoilFractor. Each glistens like diamond stars in the clear night of any collector’s meticulously organized display, a badge of prestige earned through patience and impeccable timing.
Even before he made his way across the NBA Draft stage, Flagg already ignited flames of excitement across the card world. His previous Bowman releases and the Topps Basketball McDonald’s All American issues have been darted in snatches from dealers’ tables like sunlit fish in a shallow stream, having already gained substantial traction, roaring from obscurity to prized possession. Earlier this year, Flagg penned an exclusive deal with Topps and Fanatics, knitting him into the rich fabric of the sports card dynasty.
The release of Flagg’s Topps NOW card heralds more than just a young player’s leap into professional collecting; it marks the beginning of a legacy. Whether you’re a collector tightly guarding your cherished personal collection or one embarking on new speculations about long-term potential, this card is the sacred introduction to his NBA career. It stands poised as the initial thread in what promises to be an intricately woven tapestry of achievements and milestones.
This item of memorabilia, cast onto collectors’ wishlists far and wide, is only available for a brief time, running through June 29 at 8:10 PM EST. With each passing day, it grows closer to being a rare and defining collectible of the much-acclaimed 2025 draft class. As collector’s shelves worldwide await to host this potential jewel, be sure to grab it while it lasts, for the hype engine is already at full steam. A generational talent like Cooper Flagg doesn’t come along every draft class, nor does the opportunity to hold a relic from the dawn of what promises to be a storied and illustrious career.