2019 October Legends Closing October 19
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2019
In 1969, the future of the first overall pick in the NBA Draft was decided by a coin flip between the Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks. The prize? The right to select UCLA center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the most groundbreaking basketball talents to ever grace the hardwood. As history would have it, the Bucks won the coin flip, out-bid the New York Nets of the ABA for Abdul-Jabbar’s services, and won an NBA title in the 7’2” center’s second NBA season. Offered here is a plaque awarded to Abdul-Jabbar in commemoration of his Suns career that never was. The plaque reads “To Kareem Abdul-Jabbar In Commemoration of The Flip Phoenix Suns vs. Milwaukee Bucks March 19, 1969” and “A Phoenix Fan’s Lament ‘For All Sad Words Of Tongue Or Pen The Saddest Are These: It Might Have Been!’”. Displayed on this plaque is a 1964 50-cent piece, with President Kennedy’s visage presented to the viewer. This 9 x 12-inch plaque comes with a LOA signed by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Please note that this lot has a 25% Buyer’s Premium (28% if payment is made using a credit card and/or is not paid within 10 days of invoice). Goldin Auctions will be donating 5% of the winning bid price to The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.