The Rochester Royals’ defection from the NBL to the more professional NBA in 1948 marked the beginning of a string of successful seasons for the club. Unfortunately, the Royals were placed in the same division as the George Mikan-led Minneapolis Lakers, and the two teams would spend the next half decade battling for the division crown. The one season in which Rochester was able to beat Minneapolis was 1950-51. The Royals, led by center Arnie Risen (“Stilts”), forwards Arnie Johnson and Jack Coleman, and guards Bob Davies and Bobby Wanzer, with a key reserve guard named William “Red” Holzman, took advantage of their division victory by beating the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, 4 games to 3.
This wonderful 8x10 team photo belonged to Red and is signed in blue and black ink (8/10 average) by each of the ten players along with owner/coach Les Harrison. Everyone present – Bill Calhoun, Joe McNamee, Risen, Coleman, Johnson, Davies, Wanzer, Paul Noel, Frank Saul, Holzman and Coach Harrison – has signed directly on their picture. This rarely encountered piece of early NBA history is well-preserved under Plexi, nicely matted and framed and ready to display. Includes LOA from the Holzman family. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autos.).