Even in Retirement, Michael Jordan Continues to Drive Basketball Collecting
The Chicago Bulls took an expected tumble from the top of the sports world when Michael Jordan retired for the second time, and final as a Bull, on January 13th, 1999. Although he would return to the NBA to play for the Washington Wizards, he did not display the same dominance he showed during his tenure with the Bulls. The Bulls, meanwhile, did not make the playoffs for six consecutive seasons after Jordan's departure and have not come close to another championship until this year on the back of NBA MVP, Derrick Rose.
Just because Jordan retired, it does not mean that his following has subsided. He still has many endorsement deals and his memorabilia is some of the most sought-after in the sports world. Heritage Auctions recently brought attention to several of his items that were sold through their auction in the past few years:
A game worn uniform from his 1987-88 season in Chicago sold for $17,925 in May of 2005; a pair of his game worn and autographed sneakers from his second NBA season sold for $8,365 in October of 2007; a game-worn jersey from his 2002-03 season with the Wizards sold for $10,755 in May of 2008; and his Fleer rookie card from the 1986-87 season (Graded SGC 98 Gem Mint 10) sold for $7,170 in May of 2008.
Ebay is another place that shows the premium his memorabilia, cards and autographs carry, as fierce bidding and high prices follow all of his items. Michael Jordan is a true basketball legend and has risen to such a level of fame that even casual and non-fans are aware of him. His memorabilia will always be a treasured and valuable commodity.
Visit Heritage Auctions for more information on upcoming sports auctions.
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