Etan Thomas may not have become an NBA superstar, but he left his mark on the league during his time with the Dallas Mavericks. And although he may not be a household name, his rookie card from the 2000-01 Fleer Rookie & Star New set is certainly a coveted item among collectors.
Thomas was selected with the 12th overall pick by the Mavericks in the 2000 NBA Draft. He quickly made an impact as a strong, athletic power forward with a versatile game. In his rookie season, he averaged 3.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, showing potential for a promising career.
His rookie card features a classic design with the Mavericks’ team colors of blue and silver, and a picture of Thomas posing with the ball. The card also includes his signature and a rookie logo, making it a true collector’s item.
But what sets Thomas’ rookie card apart from others is its scarcity. There were only 500 produced, making it a rare find. In addition, only 150 of those were autographed, making it an even more valuable piece for collectors.
The Fleer Rookie & Star New set is known for its high-quality cards and Thomas’ is no exception. The card is printed on premium cardstock and features a glossy finish, giving it a modern and professional look. It also includes his player profile on the back, with his stats and achievements from his college career at Syracuse University.
Thomas’ rookie card is not just a valuable item for collectors, but it also holds sentimental value for fans of the Mavericks and Thomas himself. Although his career was cut short due to injuries, he made a lasting impression on the team and its fans during his time in Dallas. Owning his rookie card is not just about adding to a collection, but also about preserving a piece of Mavericks history.
In addition to his time with the Mavericks, Thomas also played for the Washington Wizards, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Atlanta Hawks during his 9 years in the NBA. He also used his platform as an athlete to advocate for social justice and speak out against racism, making him a respected figure both on and off the court.
Now retired from basketball, Thomas continues to make an impact as a motivational speaker, activist, and author. But his rookie card serves as a reminder of his days with the Mavericks and his potential as a rising star in the NBA.
For collectors, the Etan Thomas Rookie Card from the 2000-01 Fleer Rookie & Star New set is a valuable and rare item that represents the early days of a promising career. And for fans of the Dallas Mavericks, it is a coveted piece that holds both sentimental and historical value. Whether you are a die-hard collector or a fan of the team, this card is a must-have for any NBA memorabilia collection.