Michael Jordan Signed Spalding 1985 Rookie Official NBA Game Basketball UDA COA

Despite the emergence of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, the NBA was still battling its way out from the down decade of the 1970s. By 1984, both Johnson and Bird had won two NBA Titles and the game was becoming more popular. The Chicago Bulls were given the gift drafting behind two teams that were in desperate need of centers. The Houston Rockets selected Hakeem Olajuwon with the first overall pick and the Portland Trail Blazers selected Sam Bowie. Left waiting at the number three pick was Michael Jordan, a guard from North Carolina, who bypassed his senior season. Jordan, unlike any player in the history of the league, propelled not only the Chicago Bulls into prominence, but ushered in a new era of aerial basketball and marketing. Nike, recognizing the talents and marketability of the young charismatic player, signed Jordan to a shoe contract. Jordan would average an astounding 28.2 points per game on 51.5% shooting and earned the 1985 NBA Rookie of the Year Award for his stellar debut season.

Presented here is a limited-edition, 70 out of 123 Spalding commemorative basketball signed by Hall of Famer Michael Jordan. SPALDING is imprinted on the ball on two panels. The NBA Logoman, OFFICIAL GAME BALL and the facsimile signature of late NBA Commissioner David J. Stern appear on a panel below SPALDING and are imprinted in black. MICHAEL JORDAN 23 1985 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR with an image of a player dunking appear imprinted in black on a panel between the SPALDING imprinted panels. Jordans bold signature in black ink appears above a SPALDING panel. The basketball is in great condition and the item comes with a hologram and COA from Upper Deck Authenticated (BAM16019).

Bag #16

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