Picture this: the roaring crowd, the thudding heartbeat of a sports fan, and the whirlwind of trades and drafts that can alter the course of a franchise’s history. This year’s NBA draft brought us all the drama and excitement one could hope for—headlined by none other than Cooper Flagg. In a move perhaps more long-anticipated than surprising, the Dallas Mavericks snagged the first overall pick to draft the promising phenom that is Cooper Flagg. For Flagg, the journey to this moment has been a fantastic fusion of hard work and skill, combined with the weighty expectations of a franchise looking to reclaim its glory days.
The Mavericks, having made waves earlier this season with the much-talked-about trade of their star Luka Doncic, found themselves with a gaping need for a new cornerstone. Enter Cooper Flagg: a name already whispered with respect and excitement among scouts and fans alike. It’s often said that for great change, you need a spark, and Flagg just might be that much-needed catalyst. His skills, tenacity, and potential have not only Giants’ dreams riding on his shoulders but their loyal fans’ hopes as well.
On the sidelines, while the Mavericks celebrate their potential next big thing, a different kind of excitement brews. This time, within the world of sports collectibles. Enter Topps NOW—capitalizing on this headline-making moment with the release of Flagg’s very first professional basketball card. For collectors who live for these iconic moments, it’s the intersection of two worlds they cherish: basketball and the art of collection. And they’ve made it an affair to remember.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the release. Topps NOW, known for its exquisite taste in crafting on-demand print cards commemorating milestone moments in sports, unveiled what might become quintessential collectibles from the year 2025. Featuring Flagg, freshly minted in his Mavericks attire, the release encapsulates the night that could pivot a team’s fortune and a player’s legacy in tandem.
For those coveting the rarest of treasures, the collection centerpiece is a one-of-a-kind autographed card commemorating his draft night as “1st Overall Pick”, elevating it from a mere piece of memorabilia to a potential artifact of NBA lore. But that’s not all—there are redemption cards for autographs tiered for additional scarcity and allure, distinctly marked to numbers as low as /25, /10, /5, and the gilded one-of-one. An added delight comes with the “My First Pro Auto” inscription featured on some, a kiss of significance for all the shrewd long-term speculators.
Parallels, which are to sports cards what limited-edition prints are to art collectors, come in a variety of numbered versions, dazzling with foil glamour anywhere from 1/99 to the ultimate 1/1 FoilFractor. These variations boost the chase, helping ramp up the fervor among dedicated hobbyists.
Long before Flagg wore the Mavericks cap, he was already a name that collectors kept rolling off their tongues. His previous Bowman cards and the Topps Basketball McDonald’s All American issues had collectors searching high and low. And then came his exclusive deal with Topps and Fanatics—further solidifying his hefty influence on the future of sports collectibles. This new release holds even more weight as it places him centrally on the professional collecting stage.
Available only until June 29 at 8:10 PM EST, Flagg’s Topps NOW card represents more than mere cardboard and an image; it’s about staking a flag (if you’ll pardon the pun) on the evolving narrative of both this young star and a storied team rebuilding their legacy. As intense competition brews in sports memorabilia and Flagg’s stock soars, here lies an opportunity to join the beat of the auction gavel before it hammers too late.
Imagine in decades to come, telling stories of the night you watched Flagg rise or held his “first Pro Card” in your hands—a tangible memory of a movement, a youthful jedi ready at the helm of a Mavericks renaissance.
The hype train’s indeed at full throttle, and as it barrels onward, it’s doing so with Flagg at the helm. Whether this proves transformative for the Mavericks, a defining career for Flagg, or a crown jewel for collectors—only time will tell. Yet in this moment, excitement reigns supreme. The cards, much like the player they celebrate, are poised for greatness. So, are you in?
