The world of professional basketball took a significant turn recently, and as usual, there’s an exciting ripple effect in the domain of sports collectibles. Cooper Flagg, a name synonymous with promise and potential, has added another notch to his skyrocketing trajectory. When the Dallas Mavericks called his name as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, it was a moment that felt as inevitable as it was thrilling. After the seismic shake-up that saw Luka Doncic leaving the Maverick’s lineup, they needed a peg of hope, a fresh cornerstone to rebuild their ambitions around, and that peg is Flagg.
As Flagg steps onto the court donning the iconic blue and green of Dallas, there’s an equally significant buzz reverberating among collectors. Topps NOW, ever the opportunist in capturing sports history in physical form, has released Flagg’s very first professional basketball card. This isn’t merely a piece of cardboard—it’s a tangible slice of sports history in the making, capturing a young star at the cusp of his professional journey.
The Topps NOW initiative thrives by honing in on pivotal sports events, offering on-demand cards finely tuned to these moments, much like a well-timed three-pointer at the game buzzer. As with other key occasions immortalized by Topps, Flagg’s debut card is set to sparkle in the collections of eager aficionados.
This card series carries several pedigree features that are sure to excite collectors and investors alike. Front and center of this release is the highly coveted 1/1 autographed card. As if having a piece of Flagg’s inked signature wasn’t enough, it’s coupled with a “1st Overall Pick” inscription. A master stroke by Topps, this feature ensures this collectible isn’t just another card—it’s a trophy. The autographs, available through a coveted redemption process, come in tiers of scarcity: /25, /10, /5, and the rare 1-of-1 editions. Remarkably, two of the /10 autos bear the unique “My First Pro Auto” inscription, an added flourish for those eyeing long-term investment potential.
For those whose tastes lean towards variety and intrigue, the card also enjoys foil parallels in numerous numbered editions: /99, /75, /50, /25, /10, /5, and a singular 1/1 FoilFractor. It’s a kaleidoscope of opportunities for collectors hoping to secure a piece of the magic.
Ironically, the buzz surrounding Flagg’s entry into the hobby predates this professional debut. His appearances in Bowman cards and Topps Basketball McDonald’s All American releases have already marked him as a hot ticket item, and he’s not even dribbled his first NBA-accessorized ball on-court yet. Earlier this year, a pivotal moment saw Flagg enter an exclusive agreement with Topps and Fanatics, effectively staking his claim as a pivotal figure in the emerging sports card landscape.
This Topps NOW release represents more than just another card on the wall. For some, it’s an easy addition to a personal collection—an affectionate memento, if you will. For others, especially those with a speculative eye, it’s an opportunity to position themselves for potential gains. As Flagg forges his path in the NBA, those cards could appreciate in lockstep with his career.
But time waits for none, and neither do collectibles of this stature. With Flagg’s inaugural NBA card available only until June 29 at precisely 8:10 PM EST, it becomes a thrilling race against the clock for die-hard collectors and savvy investors alike. As the hands of the clock march steadfastly towards the deadline, the fervor surrounding this card’s release shows no sign of waning.
Collectibles, much like the sporting achievements they commemorate, are defined by unique moments and narratives. Each card tells a story, and with Flagg stepping into the professional sphere, it’s a story just beginning. This Topps NOW card is an emblem—a confluence of youthful potential and collectible heritage.
So, grab your proverbial jersey, dust off your collector’s gloves, and stake your claim in this piece of Maverick – and indeed NBA – history. Just as the Dallas Mavericks bet on Flagg’s talent to usher in a new era, collectors are placing their bets on this card as a hallmark of the 2025 draft class. A moment such as this comes rarely, and once it sails by, all we can do is look back and cherish the relic of its existence.
