1986-87 Fleer #96 Jeff Ruland
1986-87 Fleer #96 Jeff Ruland
About Jeff Ruland
A bruising 6'11" center-forward out of Iona College, where he starred under coach Jim Valvano, Jeff Ruland was drafted 25th overall in the second round of the 1980 NBA Draft by Golden State and immediately traded to the Washington Bullets. He spent his first pro season with FC Barcelona in Spain, then debuted for Washington in 1981-82, making the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Ruland developed into one of the league's best-passing big men, earning back-to-back All-Star selections in 1984 and 1985 and averaging 17.4 points and 10.2 rebounds over his career. Paired with the equally physical Rick Mahorn, the two became known as the "Beef Brothers" for their punishing interior play. Chronic foot injuries cut his prime short, forcing a five-year layoff before brief comebacks with the Bullets, 76ers (his team on this card) and Pistons. This is Ruland's rookie card in the set; he later coached his alma mater, Iona.
Sources: Wikipedia · Basketball-Reference
About this card
The 1986-87 Fleer Jeff Ruland is card #96 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 Jeff Ruland. He is pictured with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 1-6 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 2,697 | 110 | 988 | 1,178 | 286 | 135 | 0 |
| SGC | 146 | 1 | 57 | 57 | 17 | 13 | 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 Jeff Ruland card?
It is card #96 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 Philadelphia 76ers Jeff Ruland, and is his recognized rookie card.
Is the 1986-87 Fleer Jeff Ruland 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. Jeff Ruland 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 Jeff Ruland 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.