SPALDING BASKETBALL

Circa 1993

Offered in this lot is a basketball signed by members of the 1992–1993 Chicago Bulls, painted with the inscription “Chicago Bulls 1993 World Champions.” Chicago finished the regular season 57–25, led by the duo of Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan, who had guided the team to the top of the league over the previous two seasons.

Pippen was a key contributor, anchoring the defense, facilitating the offense, and allowing head coach Phil Jackson’s system to operate at its best.

The Bulls carried their regular-season form into the playoffs. After sweeping the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, Chicago overcame a determined Cleveland Cavaliers team in the semifinals and then faced the New York Knicks in a hard-fought Eastern Conference Finals. In the NBA Finals, the Bulls met a resilient Phoenix Suns team led by league MVP Charles Barkley. Chicago prevailed in six games, securing its third straight championship.

This basketball is signed by Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, B.J. Armstrong, Ricky Blanton, Bill Cartwright, Joe Courtney, Jo Jo English, Horace Grant, Stacey King, Rodney McCray, Ed Nealy, John Paxson, Will Perdue, Trent Tucker, Darrell Walker, Corey Williams, and Scott Williams. The ball comes directly from the Collection of Scottie Pippen.

The basketball is accompanied by a letter from James Spence Authentication in regards to the signatures.