1986-87 Fleer #116 Mel Turpin
1986-87 Fleer #116 Mel Turpin
About Mel Turpin
A 6'11" center out of the University of Kentucky, Mel Turpin was a two-time first-team All-SEC pick and a consensus second-team All-American in 1984, starting for the Wildcats' Final Four team that same season. Washington took him sixth overall in the star-studded 1984 NBA Draft - the class that produced Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon and Charles Barkley (both of whom share this set as rookies) - then immediately traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers, making this his rookie card. Turpin spent five NBA seasons with the Cavaliers (1984-87), Utah Jazz (1987-88) and Bullets (1989-90), with a year in Spain in between, averaging 8.5 points over 361 games. Persistent weight struggles saddled him with the unkind nicknames "Dinner Bell Mel" and "The Mealman" and left him remembered as one of that legendary draft's biggest busts. He died by suicide in 2010 at age 49.
Sources: Wikipedia · Basketball-Reference
About this card
The 1986-87 Fleer Mel Turpin is card #116 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 Mel Turpin. He is pictured with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 1-6 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 2,733 | 220 | 957 | 1,032 | 283 | 241 | 0 |
| SGC | 136 | 7 | 39 | 61 | 17 | 12 | 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 Mel Turpin card?
It is card #116 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 Cleveland Cavaliers Mel Turpin, and is his recognized rookie card.
Is the 1986-87 Fleer Mel Turpin 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. Mel Turpin 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 Mel Turpin 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.