When the Dallas Mavericks made the bold move to trade Luka Doncic, fans and critics alike were left buzzing with questions about the future of the franchise. What would their new direction entail? Who would fill the sizeable shoes left by one of the game’s brightest stars? Those questions were answered in flamboyant fashion at the 2025 NBA Draft when the Mavericks, seizing their chance at rejuvenation, picked Cooper Flagg as the first overall draft choice. With the selection of Flagg, the Mavericks not only aimed to secure their on-court future but also ignited excitement among sports memorabilia collectors.
Why, you ask? Because alongside this momentous draft selection, the sports card industry experienced its own seismic shift. Topps NOW, the company known for capturing sports’ most iconic moments on collectible cards, wasted no time in capitalizing on the Flagg frenzy. They launched a print-to-order card that catapulted Flagg into the hearts of both Mavericks fans and serious card collectors. This wasn’t simply a card—it was an event.
In today’s sensational world of sports cards, where collectors are constantly on the lookout for the next big thing, Topps NOW cards have developed a reputation for becoming cherished keepsakes due to their ephemeral availability and the importance of the moments they commemorate. Flagg’s inaugural Topps card encapsulates his transformation from prospect to professional in a piece of glossy cardboard that promises to appreciate in both sentimental and monetary value over time.
The crown jewel of this release is undoubtedly the 1-of-1 autographed card. With an accompanying “1st Overall Pick” inscription, it’s the kind of item collectors dream about finding in their boxes. Moreover, it’s not just any autograph; it’s the gateway to a collection of increasingly rare signatures, with cards available in limited tiers of /25, /10, /5, and the singular 1-of-1. Adding an extra layer of collectible purpose, two of the /10 autos include the heartfelt note “My First Pro Auto,” linking fans directly to an irreplaceable moment in Flagg’s career.
For those who prefer to chase rarities in the base card lineup, the release doesn’t disappoint. The foil parallels, sparkling like trophies on a mantle, come in variations numbered /99, /75, /50, /25, /10, /5, and the elusive 1/1 FoilFractor. These are the cards eager collectors ogle, dreaming of acquiring a piece of sports history that could become as iconic as the player himself.
Interestingly, Flagg’s prowess in the hobby was already casting long shadows before his professional leap. He was no stranger to collectors, thanks to the buzz generated by his Bowman cards and the Topps Basketball McDonald’s All American editions. His move into the NBA merely amplified what was a growing legend in the making. Earlier this year, Flagg firmed up his heavyweight status in the collecting world by inking an exclusive deal with Topps and Fanatics. This alliance not only fortifies his place in the sports card stratosphere but also telegraphs his potential to become a cornerstone personality for the next generation of collectors.
What truly marks this card’s significance isn’t just its place in Flagg’s personal timeline. It’s its role in narrating the grand tapestry of sports history, as captured one card at a time by collectors. Each card tells a part of the tale of a precocious talent transitioning into a professional titan, and each one stamped with “1st Overall Pick” encapsulates a flicker of possibility—a moment when everything is still ahead.
Cooper Flagg’s Topps NOW card, along with the cut-throat collector drama that accompanies any limited release, is available until June 29 at 8:10 PM EST. Once the window closes, those missing out may find themselves pining for what’s shaping up to be one of the most defining collectibles of not just the 2025 draft class, but possibly of this generation of NBA hopefuls.
So while the Mavericks pin their hopes on this fresh face to launch into a new era of success, collectors are pinning theirs on a neatly printed, foil-accented card that promises to be much more than just a piece of memorabilia. It’s a tiny yet significant fragment of a promising narrative—a narrative of new beginnings and uncharted potential, just as much for the team on the court as for collectors holding a dream in their hands.
