Jerry Lucas NBA Top 50 Ceremony Worn Leather Jacket & Travel Bag

Jerry Lucas’s Iconic NBA 50th Anniversary Jacket

A Celebration of Basketball Excellence

In 1996, the National Basketball Association commemorated its 50th anniversary by honoring the “50 Greatest Players in NBA History.” This prestigious list was unveiled by Commissioner David Stern at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City, a location steeped in history as the site where the original NBA charter was signed in 1946. The celebration continued during the 1997 All-Star Game Weekend in Cleveland, where the legendary players were assembled, and among them was the illustrious Jerry Lucas.

The Jacket: A Unique Piece of History

This extraordinary jacket, worn by Jerry Lucas during the ceremony, is a testament to his remarkable career and the legacy of the NBA. Inside the rear collar, the “Jeff Hamilton” manufacturer’s label is prominently displayed, accompanied by a size “XXL” flag tag. A leather patch inside the jacket reads, “This is a Limited Edition of 50 Jackets designed by Jeff Hamilton commissioned by the National Basketball Association in Honor of the Fifty Greatest Players in the History of the League February 9, 1997 Jeff Hamilton.” The jacket is further distinguished by Jeff Hamilton’s signature in gold marker on this patch.

• Design Details: The left breast features the NBA “50th” Anniversary logo in a striking gold, red, white, and blue leather patch.
• Personalization: The right sleeve bears the player number “32” in orange on blue leather patches, while the back proudly displays “KNICKS” in orange on white leather patches.
• Condition: The jacket shows very light wear, maintaining a near-mint condition overall.

Accompanying Memorabilia

Adding to the allure of this lot is the inclusion of a black travel bag embroidered with “Jerry Lucas New York Knicks NBA Legends” in vibrant orange and blue stitching. This item is in excellent condition, further enhancing the value of this exclusive collection.

A Legacy of Excellence

Jerry Lucas’s illustrious career is a testament to his unparalleled skill and dedication to the game of basketball. As one of only three players to win championships at every level—high school, college, NBA, and Olympics—Lucas’s achievements are legendary. He was named one of the Top Fifty players in NBA history and one of the Top 15 All-Time March Madness Players. His career highlights include being a 7-time All-Pro, the NBA All-Star Game MVP, and the only forward in league history to pull down 40 rebounds in a game. Lucas was a key member of the 1973 New York Knicks World Championship team and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1979.

This remarkable collection, presented at our 2013 Hall of Fame Induction Auction, is a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a piece of basketball history. For those interested in exploring more basketball memorabilia, Grey Flannel Auctions offers an extensive selection of sports memorabilia from the greatest moments in sports history. Whether you wish to consign sports memorabilia or seek expert appraisals, our team is here to assist you in preserving and celebrating the legacy of the game.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.