Michael Jordan, the basketball legend himself, is making waves once again in the sports memorabilia world. This time, it’s not about another breathtaking buzzer-beater or a gravity-defying dunk; it’s about his iconic 1998 NBA Finals shorts that are about to hit the auction block at SCP Auctions.
These aren’t just any shorts; they are the home white Chicago Bulls shorts worn by Jordan during his last season with the Bulls, a season that ended with his sixth and final NBA championship. The 1998 NBA Finals were a monumental moment in Jordan’s career, marking the end of an era with the Bulls before his brief stint with the Washington Wizards.
During the historic 1998 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, Jordan wore these very shorts in Games 3, 4, and 5 at the United Center in Chicago. The Bulls emerged victorious, winning the series 4-2 and securing their sixth title since 1991. Jordan’s unparalleled talent and leadership shone brightly throughout the Finals, with memorable performances in each game while sporting these now-legendary shorts.
Photo-matched to the three games in Chicago by both MeiGray and Sports Investors, these shorts come with a provenance that adds to their allure. Jordan’s scoring prowess was on full display as he notched 24, 34, and 28 points in Games 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Although the Bulls stumbled in Game 5, they clinched the championship in the decisive Game 6 in Utah, making these shorts the symbolic end to Jordan’s era in Chicago.
If you’re a die-hard Jordan fan or a collector of basketball memorabilia, mark your calendars for the SCP Fall Premier Auction starting on November 6 and concluding on November 23. The pre-auction estimate for these historic shorts is a staggering $500,000, potentially setting a new record for game-worn basketball shorts in the collecting world.
This isn’t the first time Jordan’s memorabilia has fetched astronomical prices at auction. In 2022, a game-worn jersey from Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals sold for an eye-watering $10 million at Sotheby’s, establishing a new benchmark for basketball collectibles. Earlier this year, a set of six sneakers worn by Jordan during the same Finals commanded a hefty $8 million price tag, underscoring the enduring appeal of His Airness and his legacy.
As the final vestige of Jordan’s tenure with the Chicago Bulls, these shorts represent a unique opportunity to own a tangible piece of basketball history. Whether you’re a serious collector looking to add a prized possession to your collection or a devoted fan eager to own a piece of Jordan’s unparalleled career, the auction for these iconic shorts is sure to captivate audiences and stir excitement among sports enthusiasts worldwide. Get ready to witness history in the making as “His Airness” continues to soar in the hearts of basketball fans everywhere.
