A piece of basketball history is set to hit the auction block this fall as SCP Auctions prepares to offer a pair of iconic home white Chicago Bulls shorts worn by the legendary Michael Jordan during the 1998 NBA Finals. The Finals marked the culmination of Jordan’s final season with the Bulls, ending his tenure with a memorable sixth NBA championship.
Jordan, often hailed as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, donned these historic shorts during Games 3, 4, and 5 at the United Center in Chicago, playing a pivotal role as the Bulls clinched their sixth title since 1991. The significance of these shorts lies in their connection to Jordan’s last season with the Bulls, highlighting a momentous period in NBA history.
Photo-matched to the three games in Chicago by both MeiGray and Sports Investors, these shorts carry the weight of Jordan’s impressive performances, with point totals of 24, 34, and 28 in each respective game. While the Bulls secured victories in Games 3 and 4, ultimately losing Game 5, they emerged triumphant in Game 6 in Utah to claim the championship, making these shorts the final home trunks worn by Jordan as a Chicago Bull.
The highly anticipated bidding for these historic shorts is scheduled to open on November 6 and conclude on November 23, with experts estimating a pre-auction value of $500,000. If the projections hold true, the sale of these game-worn shorts would establish a new record for basketball memorabilia at SCP Auctions.
Known for his enduring impact on the basketball world, Michael Jordan’s game-worn items have consistently fetched staggering prices at auctions. Notably, a jersey worn by Jordan in Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals sold for a groundbreaking $10 million at Sotheby’s in 2022, setting a remarkable benchmark for basketball collectibles. Earlier this year, a selection of sneakers worn by Jordan during the same Finals commanded an impressive $8 million at auction.
As collectors and fans eagerly anticipate the opportunity to own a tangible piece of Jordan’s historic Bulls legacy, the upcoming auction of these iconic 1998 NBA Finals shorts is expected to generate significant interest. The sale of these shorts promises to add yet another chapter to the enduring legend of “His Airness” and his unparalleled impact on the basketball world.
