Topps Releases Rare Sneaker Card Featuring Flagg and Knueppel
Topps has revealed a solitary 1-of-1 dual autograph trading card containing pieces of game-worn sneakers from NBA rookies Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel. This unique collectible commemorates the first professional meeting between the former Duke Blue Devils teammates, which took place on Thursday when Knueppel’s Charlotte Hornets defeated Flagg’s Dallas Mavericks.
The card is not available for direct purchase. Instead, it serves as a “chase” element attached to the Topps NOW Card #152 release. Collectors who purchase the standard print-on-demand base card from the company’s website before the sales window closes on Sunday at 4 p.m. are automatically entered for a chance to receive this singular item. The base card captures the historic duel where Flagg scored 49 points—setting a record for a teenager—while Knueppel contributed a career-high 34 points and sealed the victory with late free throws.
This release highlights the Topps NOW platform’s strategy of capitalizing on immediate game moments. While the base cards are printed to order based on demand, Topps includes randomly inserted parallels to drive sales volume. In this instance, the 1-of-1 redemption card features autographs from both players alongside the sneaker relics.
However, the distribution method faces scrutiny from some in the hobby. Critics often argue that the “lottery ticket” style of selling low-value base cards—in hopes of hitting a high-value rarity—can encourage excessive spending without guaranteed return. Furthermore, while the 1-of-1 card holds immense potential value, the thousands of base cards generated during the sale typically hold little resale value on the secondary market due to high population counts.
Flagg and Knueppel have emerged as frontrunners for the Rookie of the Year award, driving significant interest in their memorabilia. This specific card represents one of the first major memorabilia combinations of the two stars since their transition from the NCAA to the NBA.
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