I never loved the ’86 Fleer set because so many Hall of Famers had earlier Star cards. The saga over PSA grading these was finally resolved a few years ago, and they now grade them. I had all mine graded by Beckett at the time, since that was the best option available. Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, these were mysterious grail cards for me
1983-84 Star #94 Isiah Thomas
This early Star issue captures a young Isiah Thomas in his Pistons prime, just a couple of years into his Hall of Fame career. Before his mainstream rookie in 1986 Fleer, this card served as one of the only true collectibles for fans of the fiery floor general and two-time NBA champion.
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1983-84 Star #263 Dominique Wilkins
Dominique Wilkins explodes to the rim in this iconic in-game shot from his Star rookie card. Known as the “Human Highlight Film,” Wilkins’ high-flying style made him one of the most electrifying scorers of the ’80s—and this card is a cornerstone for collectors of that era.
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1984-85 Star #235 John Stockton
John Stockton’s true rookie card comes from the 1984-85 Star set, well before his Fleer debut. This card showcases the future NBA all-time assists leader at the very start of his legendary career with the Utah Jazz. A must-have for collectors of all-time great point guards.
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1983-84 Star #100 Clyde Drexler
Clyde “The Glide” Drexler makes his hobby debut in this Star rookie card, released two full years before his Fleer issue. Sleek, smooth, and explosive, Drexler was one of the era’s most dynamic wings—and this card is the definitive start to his Hall of Fame legacy.
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1984-85 Star #101 Michael Jordan
Released after his 1984 Olympic run but before his NBA rookie season, this Star card captures a young Michael Jordan just as the legend was being born. Considered his first NBA-licensed card, it’s a grail for collectors chasing Jordan’s pre-Fleer legacy.
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1984-85 Star #202 Charles Barkley
Before Sir Charles became a household name, this Star rookie card marked his first NBA cardboard appearance. Barkley’s bruising style and outsized personality made him one of the game’s most memorable figures—and this card is the true beginning of it all.
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1984-85 Star #237 Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem’s first NBA card came in this Star release, showcasing “The Dream” in the early days of what would become a dominant Hall of Fame career. A key big man of the era and a two-time champion, Olajuwon’s Star rookie remains a foundational piece.
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1985-86 Star #166 Patrick Ewing
This Star card captures Patrick Ewing at the start of his pro journey, after an iconic Georgetown career and just before his 1986 Fleer rookie. As the centerpiece of the Knicks and a dominant force in the paint, Ewing’s Star issue holds a special place in ’80s basketball collecting.
