1977 Berlyn Hodges Portland Trail Blazers World Championship Ring
(Hodges LOA) (Extremely Rare)
1976-77 Portland Trail Blazers Championship Ring: A Testament to Triumph
A Historic Season for the Trail Blazers
The 1976-77 NBA season was a landmark year for the Portland Trail Blazers, a team that etched its name into the annals of basketball history. Under the leadership of Bill Walton and the newly-acquired Maurice Lucas, the Blazers compiled an impressive 49-33 record, securing a 3-seed in the playoffs. Their journey to glory was marked by a series of formidable challenges, including a sweep of the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers, led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, in the Western Conference Finals.
This victory set the stage for a thrilling NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, featuring the legendary Dr. J. Despite losing the first two games, the Blazers mounted a remarkable comeback, becoming only the second team in NBA Finals history to overcome a 2-0 series deficit. Bill Walton’s extraordinary performance, averaging 18.7 points, 19 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 3.7 blocks per game, earned him the Finals MVP title and secured Portland’s only NBA Championship to date.
The Championship Ring: A Symbol of Excellence
This exquisite championship ring, presented to Berlyn Hodges, a front office executive with the Blazers in the 1970s, is a tangible symbol of the team’s historic triumph. Crafted in size 10, 14k gold, and weighing 40 grams, the ring is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship.
- Top Panel: The words “NBA WORLD CHAMPIONS” encircle a silver basketball, adorned with a .75-carat round-cut diamond at its center.
- Right Panel: The name “HODGES” is inscribed above “PORTLAND,” with the Blazers’ team logo enameled in red and “trailblazers” in relief.
- Left Panel: The year “1977” is prominently displayed, surrounding the official NBA logo enameled in black.
- Interior Stamping: The inside of the ring is stamped with “LGB 14K,” attesting to its authenticity and quality.
Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from Berlyn Hodges, this ring is in Near Mint (NRMT) condition, making it a coveted piece for any collector of basketball memorabilia.
A Rare Opportunity for Collectors
This championship ring is the first of its kind from the Blazers’ historic victory to be offered to the public, presenting a unique opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts of sports memorabilia. Its rarity and the story it represents make it an invaluable addition to any collection.
For those looking to consign sports memorabilia or explore more NBA auctions, Grey Flannel Auctions offers a platform to connect with a community of passionate collectors. This ring is not just a piece of jewelry; it is a testament to a season of resilience, excellence, and triumph, encapsulating the spirit of the 1976-77 Portland Trail Blazers.
* This text was generated from the original auction listing.