Michael Jordan needs no introduction in the basketball realm, and a piece of his iconic history is about to make waves in the sports memorabilia world. SCP Auctions is gearing up to auction off a pair of home white Chicago Bulls shorts worn by the legendary player during the 1998 NBA Finals. The significance of these shorts lies not only in their association with the unparalleled Michael Jordan but also in the historic events they witnessed during his final season with the Bulls.
The 1998 NBA Finals marked a bittersweet end to Jordan’s illustrious career with the Bulls, a team he led to numerous victories. Although Jordan would later return for a brief stint with the Washington Wizards, his time with the Bulls is etched in basketball history. The Finals saw the Bulls triumph over the Utah Jazz with a 4-2 series win, clinching their sixth NBA championship since 1991. Jordan’s stellar performance during this series, particularly in Games 3, 4, and 5 at the United Center in Chicago, is encapsulated in these very shorts.
The authenticity of the shorts is undeniable, as they have been photo-matched to the three pivotal games in Chicago by both MeiGray and Sports Investors. Jordan’s impressive point totals of 24, 34, and 28 in these games respectively underscore his invaluable contribution to the Bulls’ success. While the team faced a defeat in Game 5, they ultimately emerged victorious in Game 6 in Utah, making these shorts the final pair of home trunks ever worn by Jordan as a Chicago Bull.
Collectors and fans eagerly anticipating the chance to own this treasured piece of basketball history will have their opportunity when bidding opens on November 6 and concludes on November 23. With a pre-auction estimate of $500,000, these shorts are poised to shatter records for the value of game-worn basketball apparel, according to SCP Auctions.
This auction continues the trend of Jordan’s memorabilia fetching staggering prices in the market. In a recent sale, a game-worn jersey from Game 1 of the same Finals commanded a jaw-dropping $10 million at Sotheby’s, setting a new benchmark for basketball collectibles. Similarly, a set of six sneakers worn by Jordan during the 1998 NBA Finals garnered an impressive $8 million earlier this year.
As a significant artifact from Jordan’s historic tenure with the Chicago Bulls, these shorts are expected to attract intense interest from die-hard collectors and devoted fans alike. The opportunity to own a piece of the legacy left by “His Airness” and his unparalleled NBA journey is a rare and coveted one, promising to add another illustrious chapter to the legend of Michael Jordan.