Jul 17, 2024 - Aug 3, 2024
In conjunction with the NBA's 50th Anniversary in 1996, the NBA named its 50 greatest players of all time. Remarkably, 49 of these 50 legends were on hand (except Pete Maravich who died in 1988) at the 1997 NBA All-Star festivities in Cleveland to receive their personal 50 Greatest lithographs signed by all living members. The edition was limited to 250 individually numbered pieces, with the first 50 going directly to those esteemed players. Many of the remaining 200 editions were distributed to league officials. Presented here is Naismith Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes’ personal copy, labeled “Hayes 1/1” on the bottom left. The 6’ 9” power forward starred at the University of Houston and was named NCAA Player of the Year in 1968 before being selected #1 overall in the NBA Draft by the San Diego Rockets. Hayes made 12 straight All-Star squads and would lead the Washington Bullets to their only NBA title in 1978.
This classic piece of basketball history was printed on the highest quality acid-free paper and bears the likeness of the NBA’s 50 greatest players. Each player neatly autographed the litho in pencil beneath his respective image, while Commissioner David Stern added his signature on the bottom right. The NBA’s 50 Greatest Lithograph is the most desirable signed sports art print series ever created. Seldom does a player edition come up for auction, so this is a rare opportunity to acquire one. We originally sold this piece, directly from Hayes, in 2013 for $68,368. Comes professionally matted and framed for immediate wall display. Includes LOA from PSA/DNA (AH05016).
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