This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2025
The 1992 NBA Finals was the championship series of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) 1991–92 season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. The defending NBA champion and Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls took on the Western Conference champion Portland Trail Blazers for the title, with Chicago having home court advantage, as they had the best record in the NBA that season.
The two teams appeared headed to face each other for most of the season and comparisons were made between Clyde Drexler and Michael Jordan throughout the season. A month earlier Sports Illustrated had even listed Drexler as Jordan's "No. 1 rival" on a cover the two appeared on together before the playoffs. The media, hoping to recreate a Magic Johnson–Larry Bird type rivalry in Jordan-Drexler, compared the two throughout the pre-Finals hype.
The Bulls went on to win the series in six games, becoming the fourth NBA team to win back-to-back championships after the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, and Detroit Pistons. Michael Jordan was named Finals Most Valuable Player for the second year in a row, to go with his sixth straight regular season scoring title.
Offered are a pair of size 13 Nike Air Jordan VII sneakers donned by Chicago Bulls high flyer Michael Jordan during Game 1 on the 1992 NBA Finals on June 3rd. Each shoe has been signed on the heel by Michael with heavy fading to the autographs and a full JSA letter attending. A Chicago Bulls letter stating they were worn on June 3rd 1992 also included.
It read (Official Bulls Stationary):” …the shoes were worn by Michael Jordan on June 3rd, 1993 while playing against the Portland Trailblazers. Michael Jordan donated these shoes to Johnny Kerr to be auctioned at the John Red Kerr Golf Classic to benefit Northeastern Illinois Special Olympics.” Our consignor was a big support of the charity and was the successful bidder. They have remained in their possession ever since.
Although not ideal is the fact the autograph is light. It is theorized that due to the fact these shoes were earmarked for the charity, they were signed immediately after game 1, still bearing sweat, thus rejecting the selected ink pen chosen for the signature. PSA/DNA did deem the signatures as authentic, which supports the practice of Jordan signing item designated for charity.
The style of the shoes have been photo matched. One image was used to compare the shoes to game 1 and determined not to be a photo match. An interview with the Chicago Bulls confirmed that Jordan regularly switched shoes during games, and these may from a period that images clear enough for a distinct photo match was not available. The provenance is strong and attributes the shoes to game 1. Heavy wear overall game wear. (03B0182) (MEARS Auction LOA)
(MEARS Auction LOA)