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MJ’s Shoes Sell for $33K

Written by: Darren Rovell of ESPN

A pair of Converse shoes that an auction house says Michael Jordan wore when he played at the University of North Carolina sold for $33,387 on Thursday morning.

Grey Flannel Auctions, which sold the shoes, said they were consigned by a high school teammate of Jordan. The auction house said the winning bidder prefers to remain anonymous.

Game-used Jordan shoes have commanded some serious dollars in recent years.

Last year, Grey Flannel sold an autographed pair of shoes Jordan wore during his famous “Flu Game” in the 1997 NBA Finals for $104,765. A pair of shoes that Jordan wore in his rookie season with the Bulls sold for $31,070 in 2013.

Grey Flannel executives held back a pair of 1984 Converse shoes that Jordan wore for the Olympic gold-medal game for a future auction.

Jordan wore Converse throughout his days at North Carolina because, at the time, the company was paying UNC coach Dean Smith about $10,000 a year to have his players wear its shoes. Converse made a pitch to Jordan when he turned pro after the 1984 Olympics, but its $100,000 a year offer fell $400,000 short of Nike’s deal. The rest is history. Nike’s Jordan brand sells more than $2.5 billion worth of sneakers annually.

Other highlights in the auction included a Babe Ruth game-used Tour of Japan hat, which sold for $303,277, a record for a non-Yankees cap; a 1937 Joe DiMaggio game-used Yankees hat ($151,652); a 1932 Yankees team-signed ball ($115,242); and a Dr. J game-used Philadelphia 76ers road uniform ($44,428).

 


Basketball is Back!

As one sport ends, another begins.  While the country was captivated by an awesome World Series last week, we now turn our attention to the hardwood.  So what should we be looking out for in the 2014-2015 NBA season?

  • How can the Oklahoma City Thunder cope with injuries to Durant & Westbrook?
  • Can Derrick Rose stay healthy and lead the Bulls?
  • How will the new “Big 3” of LeBron James, Kevin Love & Kyrie Irving fare?
  • Can the Warriors “Splash Bros” Thompson & Curry take the next step?
  • Will the Spurs repeat? Can they keep their legs fresh?
  • Can the Hornets, Raptors or Wizards contend in the East?
  • Will Kobe Bryant  play up to the level we are accustomed to?
  • Can Anthony Davis win the MVP Award at 21? He’s that good.
  • Will top picks Wiggins & Parker be difference makers?
  • Can CP3 & the Clippers get past the hump?
  • After LeBron’s departure, can the Heat contend for a title?
  • Who will hoist the trophy in June?

Should be an entertaining 2014-2015 NBA Campaign.  Be sure to take a look at our NBA collection http://www.sportscollectibles.com/nba_memorabilia_c1351.htm