1986-87 Fleer #109 Isiah Thomas
1986-87 Fleer #109 Isiah Thomas
Hall of Fame rookie. The Bad Boys' floor general and back-to-back champion (1989, 1990).
About Isiah Thomas
Isiah Lord Thomas III led Indiana to the 1981 NCAA title before the Detroit Pistons took him 2nd overall in the 1981 draft. A 6'1" point guard, he spent his entire 13-year career (1981-1994) in Detroit, earning 12 straight All-Star selections (1982-1993), five All-NBA nods (three First Team), and two All-Star Game MVPs (1984, 1986). He led the NBA in assists in 1985 and retired with 9,061 assists (9.3 per game) and 18,822 points (19.2 per game). As the Bad Boys' floor general he won back-to-back championships (1989, 1990) and was named 1990 Finals MVP. His signature moment came in Game 6 of the 1988 Finals, when he scored an NBA Finals-record 25 points in the third quarter despite a badly sprained ankle. Known as "Zeke," he was a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2000. Note: though a set spotlight, this is not his rookie card - Thomas debuted in 1981-82, years before 1986 Fleer.
Sources: Wikipedia · Basketball-Reference
About this card
The 1986-87 Fleer Isiah Thomas is card #109 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 Isiah Thomas. He is pictured with the Detroit Pistons.
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 1-6 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 7,769 | 201 | 1,530 | 3,149 | 1,737 | 1,150 | 2 |
| SGC | 947 | 13 | 108 | 308 | 294 | 216 | 8 |
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 Isiah Thomas card?
It is card #109 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 Detroit Pistons Isiah Thomas, and is his recognized rookie card.
Is the 1986-87 Fleer Isiah Thomas 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. Isiah Thomas 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.)
How do I spot a fake Isiah Thomas 1986-87 Fleer card?
1986-87 Fleer is the most counterfeited basketball set. Genuine cards are crisp and dark with an intact micro-dot print pattern; fakes look fuzzy or flat. Check the Fleer 'Premier' logo (the arrow is a darker gold than the yellow box) and, on the back, the NBA Players Association basketball, whose seam lines are visible on a real card and filled solid on a fake. For high-value copies, buy professionally graded (PSA/BGS/SGC) and verify the cert.
Is the 1986-87 Fleer Isiah Thomas 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.