1986-87 Fleer #4 Danny Ainge
About Danny Ainge
A two-sport standout, Danny Ainge won the 1981 John R. Wooden Award as college basketball's best player at BYU while simultaneously playing Major League Baseball as an infielder for the Toronto Blue Jays (1979-81). He chose the hardwood after the Boston Celtics drafted him in the second round (31st overall) of the 1981 NBA Draft and bought out his baseball contract. A 6'5" shooting guard, Ainge played 14 NBA seasons (1981-1995) for the Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, and Phoenix Suns, averaging 11.5 points per game. He was a key backcourt piece on Boston's championship teams of 1984 and 1986 and earned his lone All-Star selection in 1988, the same season he set a then-NBA record with 148 made three-pointers. His fiery reputation was cemented in the 1983 playoffs, when a scuffle with Atlanta's Tree Rollins ended with Rollins biting Ainge's finger, producing the famous "Tree Bites Man" headline. After retiring, Ainge became a respected executive, named 2008 NBA Executive of the Year for building Boston's title team. This is his rookie card in the 1986-87 Fleer set.
Sources: Wikipedia · Basketball-Reference
About this card
The 1986-87 Fleer Danny Ainge is card #4 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 Danny Ainge. He is pictured with the Boston Celtics.
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 1-6 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 3,582 | 162 | 1,208 | 1,449 | 466 | 297 | 0 |
| SGC | 293 | 3 | 70 | 132 | 54 | 33 | 1 |
Graded population — a scarcity guide, not a price. Snapshot 2026-06-26. Half-grades fold down (8.5→8).
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Frequently asked questions
What is the 1986-87 Fleer Danny Ainge card?
It is card #4 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 Boston Celtics Danny Ainge, and is his recognized rookie card.
Is the 1986-87 Fleer Danny Ainge 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. Danny Ainge 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 Danny Ainge 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 2026-08-23.