Basketball
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Sport Jordan Origins of sports Sport Sport uniform Basketball jersey Textiles Sport document Modern sport cards Autograph Olympic Games
Chronology : 1998 2008
See also : Sport Jordan Origins of sports Sport Sport uniform Basketball jersey Textiles Sport document Modern sport cards Autograph Olympic Games
Chronology : 1998 2008
1891 Founding Rules of Basket Ball
2010 SOLD for $ 4.3M by Sotheby's
Basketball (originally spelled Basket-Ball) is a sport of flexibility and skill. It was created in 1891 in the United States, a little late compared to other competitive sports whose growth is linked to the development of transportation.
By design, it is not a rough sport. The idea of the inventor, the Canadian James Naismith, was to occupy without risk of injury the sportsmen in winter, when weather conditions do not allow to play baseball or football.
The elevated position of the baskets gives a specific interest to this sport that does not invite to physical contact. One can argue whether similar sports existed before basketball and inspired Naismith. No matter: the basketball based on his thirteen rules has become one of the most popular sports due to the simplicity of its required equipment.
Naismith had typed these thirteen rules, in two sheets that he modified by hand writing and signed. His family, who had kept this precious document, sells it at Sotheby's on December 10 , 2010 for the benefit of a Canadian foundation that spreads the ideals of sportsmanship of the inventor. It was sold for $ 4.3M from an estimate of $ 2M. Please watch the video shared by Sotheby's :
The invention of basketball was arguably a major act of modern history, one of those advances that have impacted the lives and behavior of millions of people.
By design, it is not a rough sport. The idea of the inventor, the Canadian James Naismith, was to occupy without risk of injury the sportsmen in winter, when weather conditions do not allow to play baseball or football.
The elevated position of the baskets gives a specific interest to this sport that does not invite to physical contact. One can argue whether similar sports existed before basketball and inspired Naismith. No matter: the basketball based on his thirteen rules has become one of the most popular sports due to the simplicity of its required equipment.
Naismith had typed these thirteen rules, in two sheets that he modified by hand writing and signed. His family, who had kept this precious document, sells it at Sotheby's on December 10 , 2010 for the benefit of a Canadian foundation that spreads the ideals of sportsmanship of the inventor. It was sold for $ 4.3M from an estimate of $ 2M. Please watch the video shared by Sotheby's :
The invention of basketball was arguably a major act of modern history, one of those advances that have impacted the lives and behavior of millions of people.
1972 Wilt Chamberlain NBA Finals Home Jersey
2023 SOLD for $ 4.9M by Sotheby's
In 1971 Bill Sharman was appointed lead coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. His method of game day routine including team meeting and of early morning practice including calisthenics led to immediate results. The Lakers recorded a stunning 69-13 win-loss of games in the 1971-72 NBA season including 33 straight games from November to January. The lead players were Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain.
The NBA Finals were played between the Lakers and the New York Knicks. On May 5, 1972, Chamberlain broke his right hand in the fourth Game. On May 7, he played the fifth and last game with his hand packed into thick pads, recording 24 points, 29 rebounds, 8 assists, and 8 blocked shots. He had refused a painkiller for fear he would lose his shooting touch.
With their win 114-100 in that fifth Game, the Lakers got the NBA title for the first time since they have moved from Milwaukee to Los Angeles. Chamberlain was awarded the Finals MVP for the first and last time and Sharman was named NBA Coach of the year.
A gold color # 13 Lakers jersey worn by Chamberlain is photo-matched by MeiGray and Sports Investors Authenticated with a number of games including the Western Conference Finals in April 1972 and the Games 2 and 5 of the NBA Finals. The other three games of the Finals had been played in New York. This cotton garment by Tiernan was sold for $ 4.9M by Sotheby's on September 27, 2023, lot 1.
The NBA Finals were played between the Lakers and the New York Knicks. On May 5, 1972, Chamberlain broke his right hand in the fourth Game. On May 7, he played the fifth and last game with his hand packed into thick pads, recording 24 points, 29 rebounds, 8 assists, and 8 blocked shots. He had refused a painkiller for fear he would lose his shooting touch.
With their win 114-100 in that fifth Game, the Lakers got the NBA title for the first time since they have moved from Milwaukee to Los Angeles. Chamberlain was awarded the Finals MVP for the first and last time and Sharman was named NBA Coach of the year.
A gold color # 13 Lakers jersey worn by Chamberlain is photo-matched by MeiGray and Sports Investors Authenticated with a number of games including the Western Conference Finals in April 1972 and the Games 2 and 5 of the NBA Finals. The other three games of the Finals had been played in New York. This cotton garment by Tiernan was sold for $ 4.9M by Sotheby's on September 27, 2023, lot 1.
1992 Michael Jordan Olympic Games Jersey
2023 SOLD for $ 3M by Goldin
Amateurism had been the cornerstone of the Olympic Games. Things changed after 1984 as an opposition to the Soviet practice of training full time amateurs. At the Seoul Games in 1988 professionals were authorized to play tennis. Basketball was won by the Soviets amidst the Cold War with the USA achieving a disappointing bronze.
The US basketball was convinced to present a professional team at Barcelona in 1992. 11 players were selected by the NBA and one place was left to an amateur as a reminder to the obsoleted rules.
The NBA had at that time the most talented basketball players in the world. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were selected as co-captains. The Olympic number of Michael Jordan was the 9 instead of his usual 23 within the NBA.
The result was astonishing with all games won in a mean difference of 44 points. The then nicknamed Dream Team was collectively awarded many honors.
The semifinal was won 127-76 against Lithuania. At that time basketball equipment was not considered as sports relics. After the game the 12 jerseys had been thrown on the floor. The wife of Karl Malone, one of the twelve, picked them, simply. The Malones had them signed by the respective player and collected a pair of sneakers from any of them, worn in various other games from the same Olympics.
The whole collection treasured by Malone in plain sight in his car dealership in Utah will be sold by Goldin on May 25, 2023. Nine jerseys are photo-matched. Jordan's jersey was sold for $ 3M, lot 1.
in the same sale, the pair of sneakers game worn by Jordan was sold for $ 420K, lot 2. This specific Nike Air Jordan (Jumpman) pair is photo-matched with the game against Puerto-Rico in the Pre-Olympic Tournament of the Americas. USA won 119-81.
The US basketball was convinced to present a professional team at Barcelona in 1992. 11 players were selected by the NBA and one place was left to an amateur as a reminder to the obsoleted rules.
The NBA had at that time the most talented basketball players in the world. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were selected as co-captains. The Olympic number of Michael Jordan was the 9 instead of his usual 23 within the NBA.
The result was astonishing with all games won in a mean difference of 44 points. The then nicknamed Dream Team was collectively awarded many honors.
The semifinal was won 127-76 against Lithuania. At that time basketball equipment was not considered as sports relics. After the game the 12 jerseys had been thrown on the floor. The wife of Karl Malone, one of the twelve, picked them, simply. The Malones had them signed by the respective player and collected a pair of sneakers from any of them, worn in various other games from the same Olympics.
The whole collection treasured by Malone in plain sight in his car dealership in Utah will be sold by Goldin on May 25, 2023. Nine jerseys are photo-matched. Jordan's jersey was sold for $ 3M, lot 1.
in the same sale, the pair of sneakers game worn by Jordan was sold for $ 420K, lot 2. This specific Nike Air Jordan (Jumpman) pair is photo-matched with the game against Puerto-Rico in the Pre-Olympic Tournament of the Americas. USA won 119-81.
Kobe BRYANT Rookie Jersey
1
1996 Home Jersey
2021 SOLD for $ 3.6M by Goldin
After a great high school season where his achievements had been compared with those of Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant was picked in the first round of the 1996 NBA drafts by the Charlotte Hornets acting on behalf of the Los Angeles Lakers. He will never leave the Lakers, changing his jersey number from 8 to 23 in 2006.
On May 22, 2021, Goldin sold a home jersey of the rookie Kobe Bryant for $ 3.6M, lot 10. It has been matched to a photo shoot before the opening of the 1996-1997 season and is arguably the very first Lakers jersey worn by the player.
This size 44 Lakers 8 jersey has also been conclusively matched by Resolution Photomatching to seven home games from that season, plus tentatively to two other games. This jersey is correct to the uniforms made by Champion for the Lakers in the 1996-1997 season and the autograph signature has been authenticated by Beckett. It is in a condition of an extensive game use.
On May 22, 2021, Goldin sold a home jersey of the rookie Kobe Bryant for $ 3.6M, lot 10. It has been matched to a photo shoot before the opening of the 1996-1997 season and is arguably the very first Lakers jersey worn by the player.
This size 44 Lakers 8 jersey has also been conclusively matched by Resolution Photomatching to seven home games from that season, plus tentatively to two other games. This jersey is correct to the uniforms made by Champion for the Lakers in the 1996-1997 season and the autograph signature has been authenticated by Beckett. It is in a condition of an extensive game use.
2
1997 Home Jersey
2022 SOLD for $ 2.74M by SCP
A home jersey in the purple and gold colors of the Lakers was sold for $ 2.74M by SCP on June 4, 2022, lot 1. It is illustrated in the pre sale article by Sports Collectors Daily. It bears the number 8 of Kobe Bryant. Please watch the video shared by the auction house and the pre sale video shared by TMZ.
Previously unknown, it surfaced for that auction when the consignor knew about the earlier rookie jersey of Kobe Bryant that was sold for $ 3.6M by Goldin on May 22, 2021. He claims having it presented to him directly by Kobe.
This piece of uniform has recognizable mesh holes lined up with stitching and loose threads. It has been photo-matched by three matching service providers with overall five matches of Bryant's rookie season from April 1997 ending in two NBA playoff in May 8 and 10 which were his last home games of that season.
The Lakers lost that semifinal to the Utah. In the fifth and final game in Salt Lake City, the not yet 19 year old champion performed no less than 4 jump shots during the overtime.
Previously unknown, it surfaced for that auction when the consignor knew about the earlier rookie jersey of Kobe Bryant that was sold for $ 3.6M by Goldin on May 22, 2021. He claims having it presented to him directly by Kobe.
This piece of uniform has recognizable mesh holes lined up with stitching and loose threads. It has been photo-matched by three matching service providers with overall five matches of Bryant's rookie season from April 1997 ending in two NBA playoff in May 8 and 10 which were his last home games of that season.
The Lakers lost that semifinal to the Utah. In the fifth and final game in Salt Lake City, the not yet 19 year old champion performed no less than 4 jump shots during the overtime.
1998 Michael Jordan NBA Finals Road Jersey
2022 SOLD for $ 10M by Sotheby's
The 1998 Finals were a key event in NBA history, opposing the Utah Jazz and the Chicago Bulls. Michael Jordan, who had hitherto made his whole NBA career with the Bulls, won the Most Valuable Player award of the Finals and his sixth NBA championship.
The first game was made in Salt Lake City on June 3, in a surrounding ambience hostile to the Bulls. Utah won it by a narrow margin, despite the 33 points scored by Jordan.
The road jersey worn by Michael Jordan in that Game 1 was sold for $ 10M from a lower estimate of $ 3M by Sotheby's on September 15, 2022, lot 1. It has been photo matched in game use by MeiGray.
Two days later in the same venue, Game 2 was a must win for the Bulls. Utah was so hostile to their visitors that Jordan's kids did not attend. It was won by Chicago 93-88, with Jordan scoring 37. The series was thus tied 1-1 at that time.
The current model of the Nike Air Jordan sneakers was the number XIII. The size 13 black and red pair worn by Jordan in the second half of Game 2 was sold for $ 2.24M by Sotheby's on April 11, 2023, lot 1.
After Game 5 the Bulls were leading 3-2 and Utah could expect a tie as the home team in Game 6. The game was tied 83-83 with one minute left. Utah scored with 43 seconds left and Jordan brought the victory of Game 6 and the Finals to the Bulls at 87-86 with 5 seconds and a timeout left. Jordan had scored 45 points in Game 6 where he wore a similar red and black road jersey as in Game 1.
That win was also the end of an era for the Bulls plagued by tension between manager and coach. Jordan announced his retirement but made a come back as NBA player with the Washington Wizards in 2001 after the September 11 attack.
In 2020 The Last Dance raised a worldwide attention to Michael Jordan as an all sport Greatest Of All Time. This 10-part TV documentary relied on 500 hour footage of candid film of the Bulls in that highly successful 1997-1998 season, made by an entertainment crew for use in a documentary. The project had been delayed until Jordan gave his permission;
The first game was made in Salt Lake City on June 3, in a surrounding ambience hostile to the Bulls. Utah won it by a narrow margin, despite the 33 points scored by Jordan.
The road jersey worn by Michael Jordan in that Game 1 was sold for $ 10M from a lower estimate of $ 3M by Sotheby's on September 15, 2022, lot 1. It has been photo matched in game use by MeiGray.
Two days later in the same venue, Game 2 was a must win for the Bulls. Utah was so hostile to their visitors that Jordan's kids did not attend. It was won by Chicago 93-88, with Jordan scoring 37. The series was thus tied 1-1 at that time.
The current model of the Nike Air Jordan sneakers was the number XIII. The size 13 black and red pair worn by Jordan in the second half of Game 2 was sold for $ 2.24M by Sotheby's on April 11, 2023, lot 1.
After Game 5 the Bulls were leading 3-2 and Utah could expect a tie as the home team in Game 6. The game was tied 83-83 with one minute left. Utah scored with 43 seconds left and Jordan brought the victory of Game 6 and the Finals to the Bulls at 87-86 with 5 seconds and a timeout left. Jordan had scored 45 points in Game 6 where he wore a similar red and black road jersey as in Game 1.
That win was also the end of an era for the Bulls plagued by tension between manager and coach. Jordan announced his retirement but made a come back as NBA player with the Washington Wizards in 2001 after the September 11 attack.
In 2020 The Last Dance raised a worldwide attention to Michael Jordan as an all sport Greatest Of All Time. This 10-part TV documentary relied on 500 hour footage of candid film of the Bulls in that highly successful 1997-1998 season, made by an entertainment crew for use in a documentary. The project had been delayed until Jordan gave his permission;
2003 LeBron James UD Rookie Card
2021 SOLD for $ 2.46M by Goldin
Sports card collectors have not stopped loving the old glories. The most sought-after items are rarities in their own series, like the T206 Wagner or the 1952 Topps of Mickey Mantle. The cards kept in the best condition have been attracting investors for a few years.
Modern editors such as Upper Deck and Topps add goodies that allow them to offer limited editions with a separate serialization. They may include the integration in the card of an element from another category of collectibles, such as the autograph signature of the player or a piece of his jersey. There can also be only a tiny difference in the design of the card.
The new collector-investor will want to constitute for a model of his choice a complete set of all the variants, and in the best possible condition.
Basketball has joined baseball as America's favorite sport. In 2003 Upper Deck launched its Exquisite Collection trademark without forgetting an Exquisite Rookie Patch identification for the rookies. The front side includes a photo of the player, his signature, the piece of his jersey and the serial number in the specific variant. The back includes another photo, Upper Deck's guarantee of authenticity of signature and jersey, and the NBA logo.
2003-2004 is also the rookie season of LeBron James. His Exquisite Rookie Patch is the high end of all basketball cards, especially since Upper Deck had overtaken Topps and Fleer by obtaining the exclusivity of his autograph on a card for that season.
The Upper Deck Exquisite series is made of two variants, RPA (Rookie Patch Autograph) and RPP (Rookie Patch Parallel), differentiated by the position of the piece of fabric. The RPA is edited in 99 copies and the RPP in 23 copies.
On April 26, 2021, PWCC announced that they have brokered the 07/23 for $ 5.2M. It is graded Mint 9 by BGS with perfect Centering and Surface, both graded 10. Edges are at 9.5 and corners at 8.5. This example confirms that the Surface is more important for the demanding collectors than the overall grade and the corners.
The RPA 23/99 was sold for $ 2.46M by Goldin on October 23, 2021, lot 2. It is graded NM-MT+ 8.5 by BGS with details as follows : Centering: 9.5, Corners: 8, Edges: 9, Surface: 9.5. Its signature is graded 10 by BGS. Collectors may appreciate that its serial number matches the jersey number of the champion.
Modern editors such as Upper Deck and Topps add goodies that allow them to offer limited editions with a separate serialization. They may include the integration in the card of an element from another category of collectibles, such as the autograph signature of the player or a piece of his jersey. There can also be only a tiny difference in the design of the card.
The new collector-investor will want to constitute for a model of his choice a complete set of all the variants, and in the best possible condition.
Basketball has joined baseball as America's favorite sport. In 2003 Upper Deck launched its Exquisite Collection trademark without forgetting an Exquisite Rookie Patch identification for the rookies. The front side includes a photo of the player, his signature, the piece of his jersey and the serial number in the specific variant. The back includes another photo, Upper Deck's guarantee of authenticity of signature and jersey, and the NBA logo.
2003-2004 is also the rookie season of LeBron James. His Exquisite Rookie Patch is the high end of all basketball cards, especially since Upper Deck had overtaken Topps and Fleer by obtaining the exclusivity of his autograph on a card for that season.
The Upper Deck Exquisite series is made of two variants, RPA (Rookie Patch Autograph) and RPP (Rookie Patch Parallel), differentiated by the position of the piece of fabric. The RPA is edited in 99 copies and the RPP in 23 copies.
On April 26, 2021, PWCC announced that they have brokered the 07/23 for $ 5.2M. It is graded Mint 9 by BGS with perfect Centering and Surface, both graded 10. Edges are at 9.5 and corners at 8.5. This example confirms that the Surface is more important for the demanding collectors than the overall grade and the corners.
The RPA 23/99 was sold for $ 2.46M by Goldin on October 23, 2021, lot 2. It is graded NM-MT+ 8.5 by BGS with details as follows : Centering: 9.5, Corners: 8, Edges: 9, Surface: 9.5. Its signature is graded 10 by BGS. Collectors may appreciate that its serial number matches the jersey number of the champion.
(2007)-2008 Kobe Bryant Mamba Mentality Jersey
2023 SOLD for $ 5.8M by Sotheby's
The competition passion of Kobe Bryant, who identified himself as Black Mamba, was a major inspiration for the younger NBA players and for sport and business beyond basketball. He was everyday demanding the most from himself to become and remain the best. His work ethic is identified as the Mamba mentality. A playmate wrote : "Kobe knew that to be the best you need a different approach from everyone else."
An image of Kobe is iconic and had many derivative products such as murals, posters, magazines, t-shirts, skateboards, tattoos and more. The champion is screaming his triumph and pumping his chest in elation after scoring a decisive three point shot for his Lakers against Denver on April 23, 2008. When Kobe was posthumously enshrined in 2020 into the Hall of Fame, this moment was featured on the program and VIP Passes for the evening.
The number 24 Lakers gold home jersey worn by Kobe on this image had an extensive use during the 2007-2008 season with 26 photomatchings authenticated by MeiGray from Getty images. The catalogue estimates that Kobe Bryant scored 645 points in this jersey.
It was also worn for the MVP (Most Valuable Player) trophy presentation on May 7, 2008, which was the only NBA MVP of his career.
This Adidas jersey size 54 plus 2 length was sold for $ 5.8M by Sotheby's on February 9, 2023, lot 1. The uniform is accompanied with photos of period murals in Los Angeles and with an illustrated skate deck.
An image of Kobe is iconic and had many derivative products such as murals, posters, magazines, t-shirts, skateboards, tattoos and more. The champion is screaming his triumph and pumping his chest in elation after scoring a decisive three point shot for his Lakers against Denver on April 23, 2008. When Kobe was posthumously enshrined in 2020 into the Hall of Fame, this moment was featured on the program and VIP Passes for the evening.
The number 24 Lakers gold home jersey worn by Kobe on this image had an extensive use during the 2007-2008 season with 26 photomatchings authenticated by MeiGray from Getty images. The catalogue estimates that Kobe Bryant scored 645 points in this jersey.
It was also worn for the MVP (Most Valuable Player) trophy presentation on May 7, 2008, which was the only NBA MVP of his career.
This Adidas jersey size 54 plus 2 length was sold for $ 5.8M by Sotheby's on February 9, 2023, lot 1. The uniform is accompanied with photos of period murals in Los Angeles and with an illustrated skate deck.
2013 LeBron James Home Jersey
2023 SOLD for $ 3.7M by Sotheby's
LeBron James signed with the Miami Heat in 2010. In the 2012 NBA Finals the Heat had an easy win in five games 4-1 against the Oklahoma Thunder. James had scored 30, 32, 29, 26 and 26.
The 2013 Finals were much more challenging, between the Heat and the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs were leading the series 3-2 so that the 6th game, played in Miami, would be decisive. With 28.2 seconds remaining, the Spurs were leading 94-89 but the Heat were able to tie and to win after an overtime by 103-100, now tying the series at 3-3..
In these conditions the final and 7th game, also happening in Miami, promised to be one of the most thrilling events in NBA history. It was. Miami won 95-88 including 37 points scored by James.
The jersey number 6 worn by James in the first half of the 7th game was sold for $ 3.7M by Sotheby's on January 27, 2023, lot 1. This Adidas garment is of size 2XL plus 2 length for that 2.03 m 113 kg tall guy. It is photomatched by MeiGray.
The 2013 Finals were much more challenging, between the Heat and the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs were leading the series 3-2 so that the 6th game, played in Miami, would be decisive. With 28.2 seconds remaining, the Spurs were leading 94-89 but the Heat were able to tie and to win after an overtime by 103-100, now tying the series at 3-3..
In these conditions the final and 7th game, also happening in Miami, promised to be one of the most thrilling events in NBA history. It was. Miami won 95-88 including 37 points scored by James.
The jersey number 6 worn by James in the first half of the 7th game was sold for $ 3.7M by Sotheby's on January 27, 2023, lot 1. This Adidas garment is of size 2XL plus 2 length for that 2.03 m 113 kg tall guy. It is photomatched by MeiGray.
2021 LeBron James Triple Logoman
2022 SOLD for $ 2.4M by Goldin
LeBron James aka King James is a super champion, highlighted every season since 2004-05 in the All-NBA dream Team. Panini is the exclusive card producer of the NBA.
In the 2020-2021 season with a 2021 copyright, Panini paid a tribute in its so called Flawless collection to King James with the three clubs of his NBA career : the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers.
A one of one card was issued with three patches of the NBA Logoman, each of them picked from a jersey worn by King James in another one of the three franchises. A small half length picture of the champion in action is featured below each patch.
That unique example was packed at random within a box in the usual practice of the modern sport cards. The rapper Drake aka Champagne Papi reported having purchased 10 cases of that Panini vintage in an unsuccessful attempt to make his hand on it.
The multimillion dollar card surfaced to a Whatnot breaker in May 2022 during a social media $ 3,000 box opening event. A bounty of a Lamborghini Huracan had been promised by Whatnot to the breaker for that find. Please watch the moment of that discovery in the video shared by Paul Mann.
Certified authentic by PSA, this non autographed card was sold for $ 2.4M by Goldin on June 25, 2022, lot 1. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Triple Logoman cards were a first for Panini in that season. All other one of ones from that series have references and patches from multiple players.
In the 2020-2021 season with a 2021 copyright, Panini paid a tribute in its so called Flawless collection to King James with the three clubs of his NBA career : the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers.
A one of one card was issued with three patches of the NBA Logoman, each of them picked from a jersey worn by King James in another one of the three franchises. A small half length picture of the champion in action is featured below each patch.
That unique example was packed at random within a box in the usual practice of the modern sport cards. The rapper Drake aka Champagne Papi reported having purchased 10 cases of that Panini vintage in an unsuccessful attempt to make his hand on it.
The multimillion dollar card surfaced to a Whatnot breaker in May 2022 during a social media $ 3,000 box opening event. A bounty of a Lamborghini Huracan had been promised by Whatnot to the breaker for that find. Please watch the moment of that discovery in the video shared by Paul Mann.
Certified authentic by PSA, this non autographed card was sold for $ 2.4M by Goldin on June 25, 2022, lot 1. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Triple Logoman cards were a first for Panini in that season. All other one of ones from that series have references and patches from multiple players.
