Michael Jordan, the basketball legend revered as the GOAT, is once again making headlines in the sports memorabilia world with the upcoming auction of his iconic 1998 NBA Finals shorts. These home white Chicago Bulls shorts hold a special place in basketball history as they adorned the legendary player during a series of crucial games that culminated in his sixth and final NBA championship with the Bulls.
The 1998 NBA Finals not only marked the end of Jordan’s illustrious career with the Bulls but also solidified his status as a basketball icon. Despite his later stint with the Washington Wizards, it was his time with the Bulls that captured the hearts of fans worldwide. The series saw the Bulls facing off against the Utah Jazz, ultimately claiming victory with a 4-2 win. Jordan’s performance in Games 3, 4, and 5 at the United Center in Chicago, where he wore these very shorts, was instrumental in securing the championship for his team.
These historic shorts, slated to be part of SCP’s Fall Premier Auction, have been meticulously authenticated and photo-matched to the pivotal games in Chicago by both MeiGray and Sports Investors. Jordan’s scoring prowess during these games, with point totals of 24, 34, and 28 respectively, underscore the significance of these shorts as they represent a crucial juncture in NBA history. Notably, Game 5 saw the Bulls fall short, but they ultimately clinched the championship in Game 6 in Utah, making these shorts the last worn by Jordan in a Bulls home game.
The auction for these prized shorts is set to commence on November 6 and will run through November 23. Sporting a pre-auction estimate of $500,000, these shorts are poised to shatter records for game-worn basketball attire, setting a new benchmark in the world of sports collectibles, as predicted by SCP Auctions.
Jordan’s memorabilia has consistently commanded staggering prices at auctions, with a notable example being a game-worn jersey from Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals, which fetched a staggering $10 million at Sotheby’s in 2022, marking a milestone in basketball memorabilia sales. Earlier this year, a set of six sneakers worn by Jordan during the same Finals raked in an impressive $8 million at auction, further emphasizing the enduring allure of items linked to His Airness.
As these iconic shorts represent one of the final chapters in Jordan’s legendary Bulls journey, they are expected to attract fervent interest from collectors and fans eager to own a piece of basketball history. With their connection to Jordan’s historic feats on the court and their symbolic value in commemorating his unparalleled legacy, these shorts promise to add another remarkable chapter to the enduring saga of “His Airness” in the NBA.
