In a remarkable and buzzworthy moment that has fans and collectors abuzz, Cooper Flagg has officially been anointed as the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by none other than the Dallas Mavericks. This strategic move marks a pivotal turn for the franchise, especially following their headline-grabbing decision to trade away Luka Doncic earlier this season. It’s a dramatic shake-up that signals the Mavericks are swinging for the fences to reset their star-studded roster.
Simultaneously, the collectible world has been set ablaze as Topps NOW seizes the moment with the release of Flagg’s first professional basketball card. This is not just a feather in the cap for Flagg, but a monumental occasion for both basketball aficionados and card collectors who thrive on capturing history in the palm of their hands.
As part of the Mavericks’ master plan, landing Flagg was a gamble they were willing to take—a roll of the dice they’re hoping will pay off as Flagg is widely anticipated to become a transformative force for the team. His exceptional skills on court aren’t the only winning aspect; the draft night buzz extends into the world of trading cards, where anticipation mingles with the scents of fresh print and limitless potential.
Topps NOW quickly capitalized on this significant sports moment, rolling out a print-to-order card that immortalizes Flagg clad in his fresh Mavericks gear. These cards are crafted to commemorate significant athletic milestones and have consistently emerged as collector favorites due to their fleeting availability. For Flagg’s card, that translates to a frenzy of demand and a surge of desirability in the card-collecting universe.
So what’s behind this brilliant launch? At the pinnacle of this release lies an exclusive 1/1 autographed card, bearing a notable “1st Overall Pick” inscription. The selection process becomes akin to a treasure hunt, with autographs available via redemption, organized into scarcity stages numbered to /25, /10, /5, and tantalizingly, a singular 1-of-1. One of the striking details includes the existence of two special autos among the /10 groupings, marked with “My First Pro Auto,” which further cements their cachet for serious collectors focusing on long-term gain.
But the chase doesn’t end there. Collectors are also vying for sensational foil parallels of the base card, each being released in distinct numbered versions: /99, /75, /50, /25, /10, /5, and an elusive 1/1 FoilFractor. These cards add layers of excitement, crafting an intricate tapestry within the collector’s market.
Before the draft news ever broke, Flagg was already radiating heat in the card collection arena. His Bowman releases and Topps Basketball McDonald’s All American cards have skyrocketed in demand, inflating their status to that of treasure troves. Earlier in the year, Cooper Flagg inked an exclusive deal with Topps and Fanatics, further solidifying his position as a key figurehead in what could be seen as the budding renaissance of sports card mania.
This Topps NOW launch catapults Flagg into the professional collection domain, ushering in waves of enthusiasm from collectors ready to tuck these iconic pieces into their personal collections or skillfully speculate on their long-term value trajectory. His NBA journey might have just started, but in the world of trading cards, this Topps NOW release is tantamount to planting a flag at the summit of Mount Everest.
Flagg’s inaugural professional card is accessible for a tantalizingly limited timeframe, up to June 29 at 8:10 PM EST, challenging enthusiasts to act fast. Given its potential to become the standout piece from the 2025 draft class, the clock is ticking for those determined to claim their piece of history. As the hype train shoots ahead full throttle, both the Mavericks’ and collectors’ stakes couldn’t be higher. In this reckoning of sports excellence and collecting dynamics, it seems clear: it is Flagg’s moment, both on court and within the collector’s sacred halls.