I’ve been shopping for Cooper Flagg inventory since we first began filming the first decide of the 2025 NBA Draft throughout his freshman yr of highschool. That loopy yr was 2021, when gamers wore masks throughout video games and collectors spent tens of millions on fashionable playing cards throughout the insane sports activities buying and selling card growth.
The growth was so insane {that a} 2018 Panini Nationwide Treasures Luka Doncic rookie card bought for $4.6 million!
It was so insane that digital playing cards bought for lots of of hundreds of {dollars} by way of NBA Prime Shot (which I nonetheless think about a rip-off that Adam Silver proudly promoted).
Although the pandemic and sports activities card growth have been only a few years in the past, it looks like a lifetime in the past, truly, extra like another lifetime in the past.
Highschool gamers are not required to put on masks, NBA gamers are not competing for a championship in a bubble, and Panini is not the unique licensee to provide probably the most boring NBA playing cards (wow, a red-tiger-stripe-prizm rookie) within the historical past of buying and selling playing cards. They not have this license as a result of Topps is again!
The corporate behind the well-known Magic Johnson and Larry Hen rookie card with Dr. J within the center is right here to avoid wasting Wal-Mart and Goal clients from seeing a wall stuffed with basketball containers that no person needs.
Identical firm behind the 1992 Topps Stadium Membership Beam Workforce playing cards, which I spent all of my childhood allowance cash on, is right here to provide me a motive to spend my grownup paycheck cash.
The corporate can be right here to make me..
FEEL OLD AS $HIT!
Cooper Flagg tries to acknowledge gamers from the 2006 NBA… pic.twitter.com/t9av3RdaPd
— Topps (@Topps) October 2, 2025
Topps launched this video of canopy athlete Flagg opening a pack of 2006 basketball playing cards, which is the yr he was born. As he went via the pack, he talked about which gamers he’s heard of.
Hedo Turkoglu (2008 MIP) – No
Juwan Howard – Sure
Michael Finley (Beer Thief & Mavs assistant GM) – Sure
Eric Snow – No
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (2x All Star) – No
Rasual Butler – Perhaps
Antoine Walker – Sure
Antoine Wright – No
Rashad McCants (first hooper thus far Khloe Kardashian) – No
If he’s on social media, I’m sure he’s heard of or seen BIG3 legend Rashad McCants share his scorching takes on Gilbert Arenas’ podcast, however he may not have realized it’s the identical McCants. Or, the Duke in him refused to acknowledge a participant from North Carolina.
McCant’s response on Twitter: “Yall know I’m on Dwell all season lengthy!!!!! It’s BALL UP TOP!!! Cooper higher play very effectively”
In honor of Topps changing into the official licensed NBA buying and selling card supplier and making me really feel previous as $hit, I’m going to checklist 20 of my FAVORITE Topps playing cards. To be clear, this isn’t the 20 costliest, historic, important, or influential Topps playing cards, however 20 playing cards that I personally love for one motive or one other.
1992 TOPPS STADIUM CLUB SHAQUILLE O’NEAL
What is going to it value you in 2025? $200 (Ungraded), $500 (Members Solely), $20,000 (PSA 10)
Due to Shaq’s unique take care of a younger Ken Goldin at CLASSIC, not one of the main NBA card firms (Fleer, Hoops/Skybox, Topps, Higher Deck) have been allowed to launch a Shaq rookie till 1993. The workaround to encourage extra folks to purchase their Shaq-less Sequence One merchandise was to insert redemption playing cards. The chase for Shaq rookies and trade-in playing cards was the catalyst for a historic yr within the buying and selling card world.
Essentially the most sought-after and costly (apart from the overvalued promo playing cards given out at conventions) of those Shaq playing cards was the Stadium Membership Beam Workforce insert from Topps, which was making its return after a 10-year hiatus. I nonetheless bear in mind attending numerous card reveals and seeing this holy grail with a $300 price ticket, pondering, ‘I can’t consider a brand new card may value $300.’ These days, a Gelo Ball autographed card will value you $300 (I picked this instance as a result of I truly bought two of them).
It was additionally at considered one of these card reveals that I traded a 1987 Michael Jordan Fleer card for a $100 Traditional LP Shaq card. That 87 MJ card goes for $300 right this moment whereas that Shaq card will be purchased for $10.
2003 Topps TJ Ford Rookies
What is going to it value you in 2025? $5-10
Ford is a private pal of mine, so I’ll hold the jokes to a minimal. I’m certain you may have seen pictures of the 5’10” Texas legend sporting shorts that Shaquille O’Neal must be sporting. Topps used a couple of hilarious footage from that notorious photoshoot for all of his rookie playing cards. The funniest one must be his Pristine, which reveals him doing his finest Air Jordan impersonation. It additionally has the next quote on the again: “You’ve obtained to love somebody who’s at all times looking and on the lookout for methods to get higher.” I agree. And too dangerous no person was in a position to search and discover becoming shorts, so he didn’t should put on ones that even the Professor, throughout his And1 days, would say are too lengthy.
TJ Ford explains why his shorts within the Rookie shoot have been so lengthy. pic.twitter.com/JLMraCitwg
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 24, 2019
1996 STADIUM CLUB SPIKE SAYS: MICHAEL JORDAN
What is going to it value you in 2025? $13
This is the kind of stuff I liked within the 90s. Nowadays, we all know each opinion about the whole lot from everyone. Again then, it was uncommon to come back throughout celeb opinions on random issues. Fortunately, in 1995, Topps requested the nice filmmaker and Knicks superfan Spike Lee to write down about a couple of gamers for an insert set known as SPIKE SAYS. The MJ one was my favourite. It begins with him saying, “My major man Cash ‘Brookyln Born’ is the KNICK CRUSHER.” He then talks about MJ dropping 55 on the Knicks after which giving his autographed footwear to Spike’s daughter.
A number of different nice quotes from the set.
Scottie Pippen – He has rabbit ears and thinks he has by no means dedicated a foul in MSG, particularly in opposition to Hubert Davis.
John Starks – The one Knick who will get extra boos than me in Chicago
Reggie Miller – He solely rips his mouth when his shot is dropping. But he nonetheless requested me to write down the foreword to his e book.
Kobe to Spike Lee: “Reggie Miller, your fault! MJ 55, your fault! 61, your fault!” 😂
pic.twitter.com/TP9HB6ltI2 https://t.co/y7EEDNrYMx
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) Could 7, 2025
1997 TOM GUGLIOTTA ROCK STARS DIE CUT
What is going to it value you in 2025? $10, $100 (refractor)
Nothing says late 90s like a barbed wire armband tattoo. Pamela Anderson had one as a result of she was the lead character in a film (that bombed) known as BARB WIRE. Tom “The Bomb” Gugliotta had one as a result of he truly thought it was cool. And that throwback tattoo is on clear show on this lovely die-cut Rock Stars insert from 1997, when Googs completed seventeenth in NBA MVP voting.
Do you know the Enjoyable Police member was initially on the 2000 Dream Workforce and changed by Vince Carter? That signifies that if Googs had been wholesome, then the best dunk of all time wouldn’t have occurred.
1998 REDEMPTION CARDS NO. 1 & 9
What is going to it value you in 2025? $25 (unredeemed), $120 (redeemed)
Talking of Vince Carter, his rookie season stays probably the most thrilling rookie season I’ve ever witnessed. And we have been robbed of 32 video games due to the NBA lockout. It was so thrilling that Vince had extra fan websites (bear in mind Geocities and Angelfire?) than even Michael Jordan. By far, the perfect and hottest of these websites was one known as GOT VINSANITY? And I’m not simply saying that as a result of I created it.
In any case, I’m saying all of this to say the pastime was loopy for playing cards of Vince and a few different nice and thrilling rookies, akin to White Chocolate and Paul Pierce. That meant you needed the redemption playing cards for draft picks 5, 7, and 10. What you didn’t need have been the playing cards for 1, 2, and three, particularly 1.
It’s not typically you’ll be able to say you don’t need a card of the first general decide, however that decide was NBA bust Michael Olowakandi, who one way or the other made one or fewer subject targets in 11 video games throughout his rookie yr. The 7-footer even had a recreation with simply two rebounds in 25 minutes, and he was enjoying for the brick-laying Clippers.
One other amusing story concerning the redemption playing cards from this season was No. 9 was in all probability thrown in a whole lot of cut price bins in 1998. That redemption card was for some unknown German child that Bucks traded to the Mavs Tractor Traylor. The Bucks additionally despatched nineteenth decide Pat Garrity, who was then traded to the Suns for Steve Nash.
2005/06 Topps Chrome Jay-Z JEANS
What is going to it value you in 2025? $75, $500 (Refractor /99)
The primary amusing factor about this set was Raymond Felton was on the pack. It’s humorous now, however again then, folks have been genuinely debating the rankings of level guard rookies Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Raymond Felton. In addition to these rookies, Topps inserted playing cards of “hottie celebs” Shannon Elizabeth, Carmen Electra, Chrstine Brinkley, Jenny McCarthy…and JAY-Z?!?
Sure, the minority proprietor of the Nets was on this set. And when you have been fortunate, you pulled a card with a chunk of his “celebrity-worn denims.”
Does anybody bear in mind when Kanye was mad at Kris Humphries for relationship Kim Kardashian and rapped, “Fortunate I didn’t have Jay drop him from the workforce”? FYI: Jay owned .067 p.c of the Nets, which meant he had completely no say within the roster.
2009/10 JAMES HARDEN ROOKIE
What is going to it value you in 2025? The value of a dance at Harden’s favourite membership
Does anybody bear in mind when The Beard didn’t have a beard? When you don’t, then take a look at James Harden’s rookie card that includes a younger, beard-less Harden on the entrance. The again is all about how he wasn’t that athletic in highschool, however when you occur to come back throughout his senior yearbook, you will notice an much more clean-shaven Harden being voted “Most Athletic.”
A humorous factor is, we filmed Harden in highschool, and he appeared extra athletic again then than he ever did within the NBA.
1972/73 JOHN BRISKER
What is going to it value you in 2025? $2
Harden was the primary draft decide ever by the OKC Thunder franchise, which was my beloved Seattle Supersonics a yr earlier. Lots of my favourite gamers wore the Sonics inexperienced. This checklist contains Shawn Kemp, Gary Payton and John Brisker. You may not be acquainted with Brisker, and if I informed you about him, you’ll in all probability assume I’m mendacity.
Earlier than I checklist a couple of random bullets concerning the participant who allegedly at all times carried a gun with him, I need to point out a dialog I had with George Gervin. I began to inform the legend, “I’ve heard a whole lot of wild tales about John Brisker” and earlier than I may end my sentence, the Iceman says, “They’re all true.”
Despatched two law enforcement officials to the hospital over a cab
Broke the jaw and knocked out the enamel of a teammate in observe
Slapped one other teammate in observe for blocking his shot
An ABA coach as soon as provided a $500 examine to any participant keen to “take Brisker out tonight”
Rumored to be working from the mob
Declared legally lifeless in 1985 after disappearing in Uganda, the place he was rumored to be a mercenary
I guess you weren’t anticipating it to get that wild.
He additionally averaged 29.3 factors within the ABA whereas averaging a league-high 1.1 threes a recreation.
1994/95 ORLANDO MAGIC SUPERTEAM
What is going to it value you in 2025? $5
In addition to the Sonics, my different favourite workforce ever was the mid-’90s Orlando Magic, that includes Shaq, Penny, and the knuckleheads. You would possibly consider Darius Miles, Q-Wealthy, and the 2000 Clippers because the knuckleheads, however Shaq’s magic teammates have been the originals. The very best picture of them doing the knuckles to the pinnacle was on the entrance of the 1994 Orlando Magic Superteam card (shout-out to Anthony Bowie and Litterial Inexperienced).
The best way Superteam playing cards labored was if the workforce received the Division Title, Convention Championship, or NBA Championship, you may redeem the cardboard for particular prizes, which included a gold foil model of the set. This workforce received the division and convention however obtained swept within the NBA Finals.
It was the largest heartbreak of my sports activities life. I even informed Robert Horry once I met him that he and Nick Anderson have been the 2 folks I hated probably the most on the earth in 1995. A number of months later, Horry and I have been enterprise companions.
2008 OBAMA DEMOCRAT
What is going to it value you in 2025? $100-500
The enterprise I had with Horry within the late 2000s was a advertising one which centered on social media. One of many greatest inspirations for our companies was Barack Obama and his efficient use of social media throughout the 2008 election.
One other cool factor that Obama did throughout his marketing campaign was seem in a Democrat set present in Topps baseball and basketball packs. The basketball quick print confirmed the long run President taking a soar shot with a giant smile on his face.
Obama’s runs have been legendary and he as soon as hosted probably the most fascinating pick-up video games within the historical past of pick-up video games.
If I may play in any pickup recreation, it will be this one. pic.twitter.com/VpTmAdiJoh
— David Astramskas (@redapples) Could 6, 2021
Listed here are 15more of my favourite Topps playing cards
1993 RICK FOX FINEST STRATACHROME 3D PROTOTYPE
What is going to it value you in 2025? $300
I like this expertise and want that they had truly launched a set. I’m certain a child who grew up on James Cameron’s 3D in AVATAR movies would snigger at these.
1997/98 PENNY INSIDE STUFF TOP 10
What is going to it value you in 2025? $5
When you grew up within the 90s, then you definitely in all probability liked NBA on NBC, NBA INSIDE STUFF, and Penny Hardaway. This card has all of it, together with disturbing proof that Googs wasn’t the one NBA participant with a barbed wire arm tattoo.
2002 YAO MING ROOKIE GIVEAWAY
What is going to it value you in 2025? $2,000
Can NBA groups please begin gifting away extra playing cards and fewer bobbleheads? And Yao made that shot over Shaq and blocked the MDE’s first three photographs on this recreation.
1994/95 EMBOSSED NICK VAN EXEL
What is going to it value you in 2025? $1, $2 (Gold)
I like playing cards with texture, and earlier than the web, we relied on playing cards like these to inform us info, akin to “Nick Van Exel’s full identify is Nickey Maxwell Van Exel, and he idolized Reggie Theus.”
1998 KEVIN JOHNSON MILK /SI FOR KIDS CARDS
What is going to it value you in 2025? $229,999 lower than the previous Mayor’s settlement settlement with a younger woman in 1997
I additionally love uncut sheets and these have been included with SI FOR KIDS journal.
1996/97 STICKY FINGERS GARY PAYTON
What is going to it value you in 2025? $4
My favourite card of one of many best trash talkers and defenders in NBA historical past. He’s additionally been considered one of my favourite folks to interview over time.
“If I knew one thing about an individual’s mom, I knew one thing about his sister. If he had simply obtained a drunk driving cost, I might go on the scenario. It is perhaps merciless to some folks, however I might go at it.”
1997 CREATE YOUR OWN CARD/REUSABLE STICKERS
What is going to it value you in 2025? $12
I used to be at all times on the lookout for NBA stickers within the 90s to stay on the edges of TVs, audio system, computer systems, and just about in every single place, however not on the background playing cards they have been alleged to be placed on. A cooler concept would have been playing cards with Patrick Ewing underneath the rim, and each sticker was a participant going up for a dunk.
1993 MICHAEL JORDAN STADIUM SLU
What is going to it value you in 2025? $25, $60 (with toy)
Do you see what I imply? Each picture of a participant making an attempt to dunk on Patrick Ewing seems nice. And this Michael Jordan card was included along with his 1993 Beginning Lineup toy.
2004/05 BAZOOKA ADVENTURES TIM DUNCAN
What is going to it value you in 2025? $20
My favourite card of Mr. Basic comes from this enjoyable Bazooka set. I used to be actually hoping somebody would make a Duncan card that had a chunk of his game-worn jorts that he wore whereas holding his MVP trophy and sporting Birkenstocks subsequent to David Stern.
1996/97 KOBE STADIUM ROOKIE
What is going to it value you in 2025? $20
I bear in mind pulling this card and pondering how odd it appeared and why would Kobe have his left arm behind his again. A decade later I came upon that he was sporting a forged within the photoshoot . He broke his wrist making an attempt to dunk at Venice Seashore after the Lakers informed him to not play there. Kobe even hid his forged on the well-known “Prepared of Not” cowl of SLAM MAGAZINE.
1993/94 SCOTTIE PIPPEN STADIUM FREQUENT FLYER UPGRADE
What is going to it value you in 2025? $2
I like mail-in playing cards. The best way the frequent flyer playing cards labored is you collected the purpose playing cards till you had 50, despatched them to Topps, they usually mailed you a chrome model of that participant’s card. The Pippen one was my favourite as a result of it featured his dunk on Oliver Miller. A humorous factor about this set is that many of the pictures used weren’t dunk ones.
1992/93 ARCHIVE CHARLES BARKLEY
What is going to it value you in 2025? $1
One in every of my favourite units of the early 90s was the 1993 Topps Archive one. The product featured “rookie playing cards” of gamers who made their NBA debut throughout the time Topps didn’t have a license. Since Topps had an MLB license throughout these years, they used these designs for the NBA gamers. My favourite participant from these years was the Spherical Mound Of Rebound, who had among the most spectacular rebounding video games ever whereas being simply 6’6″ on the most.
Right here is considered one of my Barkley mixtapes
Younger Charles Barkley – Welcome To The Terrordome
Chuck x @MrChuckD pic.twitter.com/dT0SeIDCtK
— David Astramskas (@redapples) February 20, 2023
2023 CHROME JUJU WATKINS “HEY DAD”
What is going to it value you in 2025? $2,000+
I wasn’t planning on together with any Topps playing cards from the Panini period however as a father of two daughters and a fan of JuJu Watkins, I needed to embody this superior autographed McDonalds All-American card that claims “Hey Dad.”
We have been additionally in attendance when JuJu dropped 60 factors and 21 rebounds on senior night time.
2006 MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICAN KEVIN DURANT
What is going to it value you in 2025? $20, $30 (Field set)
Talking of the McDonald’s recreation, Highschool All-American video games used to actually imply one thing. And we try our greatest to make them imply one thing once more. These nice playing cards got out throughout the 2006 McDonald’s one in San Diego.
We could also be giving out Topps playing cards on the subsequent Ballislife All-American Recreation.
