Grey Flannel Rolls Out Basketball HOF Auction

While baseball memorabilia has gotten a lot of attention the past few months, basketball memorabilia – specifically game-used jerseys and championship rings – are about to take center stage.

One of the most anticipated auctions of the year will finish up Sept. 7 in a live session – the 7th Annual Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Auction hosted by Grey Flannel Auctions at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

The 120-lot, high-end auction features some of the most desirable jerseys offered to date. Leading the way thus far are the 1991 All-Star Game-used jerseys of Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. Both have opened at $25,000. Lots 1-9 in the auction were obtained in a 1991 NBA charity auction following the All-Star game to benefit “Operation Family Shield,” an organization in North Carolina that provided financial assistance for the families of reservists called for active duty and also helped the families from the six military bases in the state with members serving in the Gulf.

Other 1991 All-Star Game jerseys featured are Alvin Robertson, Ricky Pierce, David Robinson, Joe Dumars, John Stockton, Karl Malone, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish.

An early 1960s Los Angeles Lakers jersey of Jerry West, also signed, is No. 3 on the list currently, with a 1967-68 Connie Hawkins ABA Pittsburgh Pipers and an early 1950s Minneapolis Lakers Vern Mikkelsen worn road shooting shirt rounding out the top five game-worn pieces of memorabilia at press time.

Championship and Olympic hardware is also making a strong showing. Already above $10,000 is the 1976 Olympic gold medal of Walter Davis. Championship rings drawing a lot of attention are Robert Parish’s 1983-84 Celtics ring, Vern Mikkelsen’s 2002 Los Angeles Lakers championship ring and Mikkelsen’s 1995 Hall of Fame induction ring.
Dr. J fans will once again get the opportunity to own one of his game jerseys, with this auction featuring Erving’s 1987 Eastern Conference All-Star Game jersey, which would be Erving’s last appearance in the showcase event.

Boston Celtics fans should be foaming at the mouth as to what’s available in the Grey Flannel sale. Heading the list might be Sam Jones’ 1964-65 Boston Celtics championship trophy. This will be joined by a 1950s Celtics fleece home jacket worn and signed by Bob Cousy, circa 1968 Dave Cowens Florida State shooting shirt, circa 1974 Don Nelson Celtics signed road jersey and game jerseys from Larry Bird, Earl Monroe, Bill Bradley, Dennis Johnson and Pete Maravich.

The list of game-used jerseys from basketball’s elite in this sale is too long to mention in full, but other examples include those worn by Rick Barry, Elvin Hayes, Artis Gilmore, Nate Archibald, Dave Bing, Bill Walton, Charles Barkley and Dan Issel.

Modern players are represented with game jerseys of Kobe Bryant (rookie season), Kevin Durant (rookie season) and the 2001-02 St. Vincent-St. Mary’s Irish High School jersey of LeBron James.

Bidding is live now on www.greyflannelauctions.com, with the sale concluding Sept. 7. For more information on this annual event, call (631) 288-7800.