Michael Jordan’s game-worn Chicago Bulls jersey and shorts from the 1992 – 93 season are expected to sell for over $2 million at an auction next month.
Heritage Auctions list the red number 23 uniform in their spring sports sale from May 16th to 18th with an estimate of $2 million and up
It was a standout season for Jordan, among many. In it, he was the league’s top scorer for the seventh year running.
Then he took it a stage higher, scoring over 25 points a game in the playoffs and 41 points per game in a six game final.
Definitely worn, the jersey was used in at least 17 games. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
As Heritage say: “Jordan earned his third straight NBA Finals MVP Award, and then shocked the sports world by announcing his first retirement, citing personal reasons and the recent loss of his father.
“So if you’re looking for high drama and a legend at the absolute pinnacle of his powers, you’ve found it here.”
The outfit has been photo-matched to 17 games in this triumphant year, including wins over the New York Knicks with 17 points, the Washington Bullets with 28 points, and the 76ers with 30 points.
Heritage say that when Jordan came back from what turned out to be a temporary retirement, he changed his uniforms much more often, so this kit is the last to carry such extensive use.
“The jersey exhibits monumental game wear far exceeding any Jordan gamer we have previously encountered,” they say.
Photo-matching is a key part of the provenance for game-worn jerseys. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
Perhaps the greatest ever basketball player sweated, shot, turned, tackled and triumphed in this uniform.
So much so, that the red dye has run into the white cloth in some spots, turning it pink.
Basketball is extremely valuable at the moment.
A Jordan NBA debut jersey made $4.2 million a few weeks ago. A Kobe Bryant debut season uniform attracted a $5.7 million bid as soon as it opened for sale.
Last year, LeBron James’ high school jersey auctioned for $1.3 million.
Will this Jordan example, with its hard-worn wear and tear make even more?
