Auction Block: Collecting Pro Hoops

NBA memorabilia fans have plenty to look forward to

Uhh...Anyone for a pair of really game-worn shorts?

When we think of professional basketball memorabilia from our vantage point in the 21st century, we tend to focus on the NBA.

But Rich Russek, owner of Grey Flannel Auctions, says that the most exciting item his company has ever handled harkens back to the bright colors and bushy hair of the ABA.

"We had Dr. J's full game-worn uniform from the 1976 ABA all-star game," Russek says. "He won the first-ever slam dunk contest that year."

The bicentennial-year treasure went for $188,320. But how did it get into circulation in the first place?

"He gave it to the ballboy after the game, to thank him for helping out," Russek recounts. "Isn't that amazing?"

Grey Flannel's current auction serves up more Dr. J in the form of a home Sixers uni from the days following the NBA/ABA merger. And that's not even the most hotly anticipated item. The economy-be-damned special is a vintage 1973-74 Knicks jersey worn by none other than the great Willis Reed. Three bids in, that piece of history is already over the $30,000 mark.

Russek's company sells items culled from all of the major spectator sports, including golf and tennis, but he says some of the traditional powers have faltered along with the Dow. Not so with pro hoops gear, which is the hottest, fastest-growing division of his memorabilia empire. There are different angles that hoops junkies can pursue when building a collection. The challenge of acquiring game-worn jerseys from each of the NBA's top 50 players is the well-heeled completist's fantasy. To Rich Russek's knowledge, only one bidder has managed to complete the collection, upping the stakes for those who are one player, or five players away from joining him.

With the modern era's influx of high-quality players from overseas, Grey Flannel has recently seen the hoops market go global.

"We have customers from all over the world who buy from us," Russek says. "The Japanese and Chinese are very interested-- China is growing hugely."

Today's triumvirate of superstars--Kobe, LeBron, and D-Wade--drive much of the current interest, but NBA mania is flying especially high in anticipation of this year's upcoming Naismith Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Legendary coaches Vivian Stringer and Jerry Sloan will be going into the hoops hall, as will David Robinson and John Stockton.

Oh, and also some bald dude named Jordan.

Grey Flannel has a long-term contract with the Naismith Hall, which allows them exclusive rights to host a live auction at each year's induction ceremony. With the high-profile class going in this year, the company is pulling out all of the stops. Completists will want to be there, as several top-50 jerseys will hit the block. There will be Michael Jordan's first Bulls jersey, authenticated by the team. Similarly iron-clad authenticated items will follow, including a game-worn Larry Bird jersey from his rookie year, Dave DeBusschere's hard-to-find Knicks togs, and Nate Thurmond's Warriors gear. Whether you're buying or selling, or just watching and admiring, September 12th will be a big day for basketball nuts.

That's just the beginning. Check out these other high-end pieces from Grey Flannel and others:

Michael Jordan's Locker: Hunt Auctions comes out swinging with this amazing item. His Airness used this locker at the Bulls' practice facility in Deerfield, IL. Pony up, and he'll sign it for you in person.

Bulls' Locker Room Chair: If you're going to spring for the locker, you might as well throw in the chair. Supply your own Hanes briefs and cigar, however.

Patrick Ewing Autographed Jersey: For those who want to remember the good old days of the Knicks. This one dates from 1988, when the 'bockers had a 26-game winning streak.

Signed "Redeem Team" Basketball: Signed by the coach and players who gave the country back its swagger.

Charles Barkley 76ers Jersey: The Round Mound of Rebound signed this one from the early '90s.

Meadowlark Lemon's Full Uniform: It might inspire you to hit a back-to-the-basket, one-handed, halfcourt shot. Or it might inspire you to throw a bucket of confetti on an unsuspecting referee. Do what you feel.

LeRoy Neiman Wilt Chamberlain Poster: Neiman painted on large canvases, but even the mustachioed one couldn't get all of the Stilt into one frame without scrunching him a bit.

Artis Gilmore 1986 All-Star Jersey: A nice memento of Gilmore's final All-Star Game appearance.

Iron Hoop, circa 1920s: We still haven't found anyone who claims to have an original peach basket, but this stiff iron rim definitely recalls the days of barn-burning 5-2 victories before dribbling and shot clocks were invented.

Celtics Shorts: The idea of buying some game-used 1979 short shorts gives us the willies. Apparently, we're not alone. Let's just say the bidding hasn't been fierce on this item.

Bob Christian Atlanta Hawks Jersey: This early-70s-era uni looks so radically different from what the Hawks wear now, it deserves a look. The retro green and blue striping on the tank and shorts is so old it's cool again.

Hunt Auctions is accepting pre-bids for their live auction, which will take place on Saturday, April 18th at the Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame in Chicago. Grey Flannel's online bidding process comes to a close on April 29th, and they are still accepting consignments for the September 12th live event at the Naismith Hall of Fame.

If you know of a unique auction event coming up, drop us a line at collectespn@gmail.com

Print Article . Email Article. Subscribe to The Magazine