To try and narrow down a field of 50 exceptional players in any sport is not an easy task. When it comes to basketball, the pursuit seems almost impossible. But in 1996, the NBA decided to celebrate its first 50 years in existence (1946 to 1996) by selecting 50 superb players to honor. When all the factors had been accumulated, the nomination process had covered a wide array of factors: 107 NBA championship rings, more than 400 NBA All-Star Game selections, and nearly one million points scored. At the start of the 1996-97 NBA season, the 50 players had accumulated 107 NBA Championships, 49 Most Valuable Player Awards, 17 Rookie of the Year honors, 447 All-Star Game selections, 36 scoring titles, 923,791 total points and 410,327 total rebounds. So boasts the collective resume of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History as selected by a blue-ribbon panel of media, former players and coaches, current and former general managers and team executives. On Oct. 29, 1996, NBA Commissioner David Stern announced the 50 Greatest Players at a press luncheon held in New York City.
Showcasing the legendary lineup that males up the NBA's 50 Greatest, offered here is a beautiful custom framed display which showcases the autographs of all 50 players. 25 of those players have signed the lithograph showcased front and center featuring artwork from Mark Morse. Signatures from the top to bottom include Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Willis Reed, John Stockton, Hakeem Olajuwon, Dave Cowen, Walt Frazier (inscribed “Clyde”), Charles Barkley, Elgin Baylor, Clyde Drexler, George Gervin (inscribed “Ice”), Larry Bird, Scottie Pippen, Jerry West, Shaqille O’Neal, Bob Cousy, Julius Erving (inscribed “Dr. J.”), Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Nate “Tiny” Archibald, Bill Walton, Isaiah Thomas, Lenny Wilkins, Patrick Ewing and David Robinson. All of the players have signed their name in black marker and this multi-signed lithograph measuring approximately 25" x 38".
Those players who have not signed the lithograph are represented with signed basketball cards, each individually authenticated and encapsulated and skillfully matted around the lithograph. Players with signed cards include: Pistol Pete Maravich, George Mikan, Moses Malone, Karl Malone, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Dave Bing, Billy Cunningham, Dave DeBusschere, Rick Barry, Elvin Hayes, Jerry Lucas, Bob Pettit, Dolph Schayes, Bill Sharman, Robert Parish, Kevin McHale, Sam Jones, Earl Monroe, Nate Thurmond, Wes Unseld, Hal Greer, Paul Azarin, John Havlicek, and Bill Russell.
Impressively assembled into a custom matted and framed display, measuring approximately 46" x 50" overall and certain to be the centerpiece of any home, office or game room. All the cards have been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA, and the overall display itself is accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication (JSA).
Please note, shipping charges for this display will be in excess of $200+ due to the size of this display and will vary depending on your location. Please keep this in mind when placing your bids on this lot. Thank you.