This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2003.
Red Auerbach, who coached a slew of Hall of Famers with the Boston Celtics, rated Oscar Robertson as the best, most versatile player he had ever seen. Most other basketball experts agreed that the "Big O" could do it all. He was an unstoppable offensive player, one who could score from every spot on the court and in any manner he saw fit. Robertson's offensive prowess changed the point guard stereotype from simply a passer and "floor general" to a scorer and offensive weapon. In sum, Robertson truly had a presence on the court. These Robertson Cincinnati Royals blue satin-like shorts are from the early 1960s and have red and white trim along with the original belt attached. In the waistband is the "Wilson" label with the size "36" and below this is a blue felt tag with the player number "14" in white chain stitch. The shorts show game use and appear to have no alterations of any kind. They have impeccable provenance as they come with a letter of authenticity from the man who originally took the shorts, with an accompanying jersey, from the Royals' locker room when he snuck in after a Royals/Warriors game in the early 1960s. According to the letter, he wore the jersey for many years and gave the shorts to his mother, who gave them back to him earlier this year.