In the star-studded drama of the NBA Draft, few stories captivate more than that of a young phenom stepping onto the hardwood with the weight of boundless expectations. Witnessing the Dallas Mavericks hit the “reset” button by drafting the highly-touted Cooper Flagg first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft stirred more than just basketball punditry—it left the collecting world abuzz. The catalyst? The release of Flagg’s first professional card under the prestigious Topps NOW banner.
Flagg’s selection was no ordinary pick. It was the move that Dallas Mavericks fans hoped for—something beyond the realm of expectation, especially in light of their seismic decision to part ways with Luka Doncic earlier in the season. The Mavericks, dealing with the proverbial dust of one of the league’s boldest trades, found their balm in Flagg, widely lauded as a talent capable of altering the trajectory of a franchise.
While the draft had its electric moments, the excitement wasn’t confined to the confines of televised events. The intersection of top-tier athletic prowess and the world of sports memorabilia came into sharp focus with Flagg’s first Topps NOW release. It’s not every day that collectors get to witness the fusion of imminent star power and the intricate beauty of card collection.
Topps NOW, renowned for their print-to-order model tied to pivotal sports milestones, released Flagg’s card with remarkable tact. Intriguing sports enthusiasts and collectors alike, the card features an image of Flagg donned in his brand-new Mavericks threads. Available for a limited time until June 29 at 8:10 PM EST, collectors know—this is not just a card; it’s a piece of history in the making.
The crown jewel of the collection is undoubtedly the 1/1 autographed version, etched with the hallmark “1st Overall Pick” inscription. As if that weren’t enticing enough, the release is punctuated by various redemption autographs tiered to scarce numbers: /25, /10, /5, and the sought-after 1-of-1. Noteworthy among these are two /10 versions inscribed with “My First Pro Auto,” a treasure for those with an eye for long-term investment and posterity.
The release doesn’t stop there; it extends with intrigue through numbered foil parallels of the base card. Spanning from /99 down to the singularity of a 1/1 FoilFractor, each variation adds a shimmer and desirability that only deepens the allure.
Flagg isn’t new to the stage of card frenzy—a veritable rising star even before his NBA debut, he already ignited a spark in the card world. His ventures into Bowman and Topps Basketball McDonald’s All American cards have already become clutch additions for any serious collector. Earlier in the year, Flagg further solidified his relationship with the hobby by securing an exclusive agreement with Topps and Fanatics. This partnership not only affirms his presence in the memorabilia landscape but marks him as a linchpin in the future of sports card relevance.
It’s in this vibrant ecosystem that Flagg’s Topps NOW card makes its entrance—more than just a collectible; it’s the onset of what many anticipate to be an illustrious cardboard journey. Whether it’s destined for the personal collection (PC) of a devoted fan or elevated to a prized component of speculative trading, this inaugural NBA card of Flagg is rife with potential, forecasting both cultural and financial gains.
As the clock ticks and the deadline to secure this piece of basketball artistry approaches, collectors and basketball enthusiasts stand poised. The excitement of Flagg’s professional debut through the lens of a trading card brings a modern vitality to a time-honored pastime. An era of new beginnings for Dallas Mavericks and an exhilarating chapter for the hobby—that’s the beauty of Cooper Flagg’s entry into the NBA card collection narrative.
With the Mavericks’ dramatic draft move resonating with echoes of past greats, and Topps NOW immortalizing it with an iconic release, the stage is set. All that remains is to watch Flagg as the spotlight finds him, igniting new chapters of basketball heroics and hobby marvels alike.