1987 Fleer Michael Jordan #59

The 1987 Fleer Set: A Snapshot of Jordan's Early Career

The 1987 Fleer Basketball Set was released during a time when Fleer was the sole producer of licensed NBA trading cards, making it the definitive set for basketball collectors. Following the monumental success of the 1986 Fleer set, the 1987 release continued to build on its legacy with bold designs, vibrant colors, and a strong checklist featuring stars like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan. While it lacked the abundance of rookie cards that defined the 1986 set, the 1987 Fleer set remains highly collectible, with Jordan’s second-year card standing out as a key highlight.

By 1987, Michael Jordan had already established himself as one of the most electrifying players in the league. Coming off a historic 1986-87 season where he averaged an astounding 37.1 points per game, Jordan was a dominant force on the court. However, despite his individual brilliance, team success eluded him, as the Chicago Bulls had yet to make a deep playoff run. This card captures Jordan at a pivotal point in his career—before the championships and global superstardom—making it a fascinating piece of basketball history. For collectors, the 1987 Fleer Jordan is a great entry into vintage Jordan even if they can't afford the rookie card yet.