Cooper Flagg: A Rookie Making Waves On and Off the Court
Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg spent Saturday night connecting with fans at Indy Sports Card as part of Fanatics Collectibles’ annual Topps Rip Night. This global event brought together collectors from over 800 hobby shops across 20 countries, highlighting the vibrant community around sports memorabilia.
Flagg, already in Indianapolis for the Mavericks-Pacers matchup, greeted fans who waited eagerly for more than three hours. Tens of thousands of collectors participated worldwide, making it one of the hobby’s most significant events. Kids and longtime collectors alike enjoyed photos, questions, trades, and pack openings alongside athletes at various locations.
Engaging with Fans and Embracing the Hobby
During the event, Flagg added excitement by opening Topps packs and pulling a rare Dylan Harper Chrome NBA Delight card, numbered out of 10. This added to the buzz among collectors.
He also purchased trading cards of Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Kneuppel, a former Duke teammate, with Topps estimating their value at over $7,000. This move underscored Flagg’s reputation as both a marketable NBA star and an enthusiastic collector.
Expanding Commercial Footprint
Flagg’s involvement in such events highlights his growing commercial appeal. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, his memorabilia is in high demand. His debut NBA jersey reportedly sold for about $1 million, a rare feat for active rookie memorabilia, showcasing the immense interest in his career.
On the court, Flagg has been a force to reckon with. At just 18, he set an NBA record for most points scored in a game by a teenager with a 49-point, 10-rebound performance against Charlotte.
This surpassed the previous teenage mark and was the highest-scoring game by a rookie since 2019. He became the youngest player to record a 40-point, 10-rebound game and has consistently delivered impressive performances, including four consecutive games with at least 32 points.
A Rising Star's National Profile
Flagg's off-court visibility is rising alongside his on-court achievements. He’s set to appear on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, adding another national platform to his remarkable rookie season.
Though currently sidelined due to a left midfoot sprain, his presence at Saturday’s event in Indianapolis highlighted his growing influence. Whether on the court or in a hobby shop, the demand and excitement surrounding Cooper Flagg continue to soar.