Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals Game-Worn Shorts Headed to Auction at SCP

• Posted: October 17, 2024, 12:14 pm
• in Sports Card News
• by bionic

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A pair of game-worn Chicago Bulls shorts from Michael Jordan’s iconic 1998 NBA Finals run is set to go up for auction at SCP Auctions this fall. These shorts, worn by Jordan during Games 3, 4, and 5 at the United Center in Chicago, hold a special place in basketball history as part of his legendary final season with the Bulls, where he secured his sixth NBA championship.

The 1998 NBA Finals are etched in basketball lore, with Jordan leading the Bulls to a 4-2 series victory over the Utah Jazz, capturing his sixth title and third consecutive championship for the second time in his career. The Bulls won two games in Chicago during the series, and the shorts up for auction were worn by Jordan during those pivotal home victories in Games 3 and 4, as well as the Game 5 loss. Jordan’s performances were as dominant as ever, scoring 24, 34, and 28 points in those games.

This auction, set to run from November 6 through November 23, offers collectors the opportunity to own the last pair of home shorts Jordan ever wore as a Chicago Bull. The shorts have been authenticated and photo-matched by MeiGray and Sports Investors to the three home games, making them an extraordinary piece of Jordan memorabilia. SCP Auctions has set a pre-auction estimate of $500,000, and they anticipate that these shorts could set a new record for game-worn basketball shorts.

Jordan’s memorabilia has consistently commanded premium prices at auction. In 2022, his game-worn jersey from Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals sold for an astonishing $10 million, setting a new record for game-worn basketball memorabilia. Earlier this year, a collection of sneakers Jordan wore during the 1998 Finals sold for $8 million at Sotheby’s.

As one of the final relics of Jordan’s Bulls career, these shorts are expected to attract significant attention from collectors, particularly given their association with his historic final championship run. With Jordan’s legacy as one of the greatest athletes in sports history, this auction promises to be a major event for fans and collectors looking to own a piece of basketball history.