Michael Jordan is synonymous with greatness on the basketball court, and now fans and collectors have the chance to own a piece of his iconic legacy. A pair of home white Chicago Bulls shorts worn by Jordan during the 1998 NBA Finals is set to hit the auction block at SCP Auctions. The significance of these shorts lies not only in their association with Jordan but also in the pivotal role they played during his final season with the Bulls.
The 1998 NBA Finals marked the culmination of Jordan’s historic tenure with the Bulls, a season that culminated in his sixth NBA championship. Facing off against the Utah Jazz, Jordan led the Bulls to a 4-2 series victory, securing their sixth title since 1991. The home white shorts up for auction were worn by Jordan during Games 3, 4, and 5 at the United Center in Chicago, carrying the weight of that historic achievement on the court.
These iconic shorts, which will be part of SCP’s Fall Premier Auction, have been meticulously authenticated and photo-matched to the three games in Chicago by both MeiGray and Sports Investors. In these games, Jordan displayed his unparalleled skill and determination, scoring 24, 34, and 28 points, respectively. While the Bulls emerged victorious in Games 3 and 4, they faced a setback in Game 5 before ultimately clinching the championship in Game 6 in Utah, making these shorts the last home trunks ever worn by Jordan as a member of the Chicago Bulls.
Bidding for these historic shorts is slated to open on November 6 and will continue through November 23. With a pre-auction estimate of $500,000, the shorts are anticipated to set a new record for game-worn basketball shorts, reflecting the enduring value and significance of Jordan’s memorabilia in the sports collectibles market.
Jordan’s game-worn items have consistently commanded top dollar at auctions, with a game-worn jersey from Game 1 of the same 1998 Finals fetching $10 million at Sotheby’s in 2022, setting a record for basketball memorabilia. Earlier this year, a collection of six sneakers worn by Jordan during the Finals sold for $8 million, underscoring the enduring popularity and allure of his memorabilia among collectors and fans.
As one of the final pieces of Jordan’s historic legacy with the Chicago Bulls, these shorts represent a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to own a tangible piece of basketball history. The auction is expected to draw significant interest from collectors and fans alike, further solidifying Jordan’s legacy as “His Airness” and commemorating his iconic run in the NBA.
