1986-87 Fleer #123 Buck Williams
1986-87 Fleer #123 Buck Williams
About Buck Williams
Born Charles Linwood Williams, "Buck" was a 6'8" power forward out of the University of Maryland whom the New Jersey Nets took third overall in the 1981 NBA Draft. He was an immediate force, averaging 15.5 points and 12.3 rebounds as a rookie and winning the 1982 NBA Rookie of the Year award. Over a 17-season career with the Nets (1981-89), Portland Trail Blazers (1989-96), and New York Knicks (1996-98), he made three All-Star teams (1982, 1983, 1986), earned All-NBA Second Team honors in 1983, and was named to four NBA All-Defensive teams. A relentless, efficient interior player, he averaged 12.8 points and 10.0 rebounds on 54.9% shooting, and his 13,017 career rebounds rank among the top 20 in NBA history. His nickname traces to childhood, when a family friend said "that kid is as big as a buck" and the name stuck. He reached two NBA Finals with Portland (1990, 1992) but never won a title. This is his rookie card, issued in Fleer's landmark first modern NBA set.
Sources: Wikipedia · Basketball-Reference
About this card
The 1986-87 Fleer Buck Williams is card #123 in Fleer's landmark 'Premier' issue - the first nationally-distributed NBA set since 1981-82 Topps and, for many collectors, the start of the modern era of basketball cards. Because of the multi-year gap, it is the recognized Rookie Card for Buck Williams. He is pictured with the New Jersey Nets.
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 1-6 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 2,825 | 121 | 971 | 1,204 | 328 | 201 | 0 |
| SGC | 192 | 4 | 56 | 81 | 23 | 25 | 3 |
Graded population — a scarcity guide, not a price. Snapshot 2026-06-26. Half-grades fold down (8.5→8).
Find this card
Search T206 Cards Find on eBay
As an eBay Partner Network affiliate, T206Cards.com may earn from qualifying purchases.
More New Jersey Nets cards
Frequently asked questions
What is the 1986-87 Fleer Buck Williams card?
It is card #123 of 132 in the 1986-87 Fleer Basketball set - Fleer's 'Premier' issue and the first nationally-distributed NBA set since 1981-82 Topps. It pictures the New Jersey Nets Buck Williams, and is his recognized rookie card.
Is the 1986-87 Fleer Buck Williams his rookie card?
Yes - the hobby treats 1986-87 Fleer as the Rookie Card for any player whose first nationally-distributed (pack-issued) card it is. Buck Williams had no Topps card before the set, so this is his recognized RC. (Limited-distribution Star Company cards from 1983-86 are classed as Extended Rookie Cards.)
Is the 1986-87 Fleer Buck Williams valuable?
Value depends heavily on grade and centering. Use the links above to check current T206 Cards inventory and live eBay listings.
Sources: the Trading Card Database, Basketball-Reference, and PSA & SGC population reports. Card data & population compiled and maintained by T206Cards.com. Page last updated 2026-07-01.