1986-87 Fleer #103 Derek Smith
1986-87 Fleer #103 Derek Smith
About Derek Smith
A 6'6" guard-forward out of the University of Louisville, Derek Smith helped the Cardinals win the 1980 NCAA championship (a 59-54 win over UCLA) before the Golden State Warriors took him in the second round of the 1982 NBA Draft, 35th overall. This is his rookie card. Over nine seasons (1982-1991) he played for five teams - the Warriors, San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics - finishing with a 12.8 points-per-game career average. His signature year was 1984-85 with the Clippers, when he broke out for 22.1 points per game; Michael Jordan called him "the most underrated player in the NBA" and predicted an All-Star nod, though Smith was never actually selected. A serious knee injury early the following season derailed a career that had seemed bound for stardom, and he retired before age 30. Smith later served as an assistant coach for the Washington Bullets before dying of a heart attack aboard a cruise ship in August 1996 at just 34. His son Nolan Smith went on to win the 2010 NCAA title at Duke, echoing his father's 1980 crown.
Sources: Wikipedia · Basketball-Reference
About this card
The 1986-87 Fleer Derek Smith is card #103 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 Derek Smith. He is pictured with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 1-6 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 3,160 | 254 | 1,316 | 1,153 | 290 | 147 | 0 |
| SGC | 160 | 8 | 57 | 61 | 25 | 9 | 0 |
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 Derek Smith card?
It is card #103 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 Los Angeles Clippers Derek Smith, and is his recognized rookie card.
Is the 1986-87 Fleer Derek Smith 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. Derek Smith 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 Derek Smith 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.