This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2011
Bob Cousy's arrival in 1950 represented a paradigm shift in the NBA. He revolutionized the pro game, bringing flash and showmanship to a league that had been, up until then, largely the domain of bruising post play and methodical set-shooters. The NBA in 1949 B.C. (Before Cousy) was struggling to survive, its teams owned by hockey men who desperately needed to fill their arenas through the winter months. Cousy changed all of that. He made people care about the game. He legitimized the sport. And above all else, he helped his team win. Red Auerbach’s arrival in Boston coincided with Cousy’s and not coincidentally, so did the changing fortunes of the Celtics. Perhaps, because of the nostalgia of their shared rookie seasons, or perhaps because of the relationship they forged over the course of 14 total seasons together, the offered piece is the lone player jersey kept amongst Auerbach’s vast collection of career mementos. It’s physical attributes, such as its wool construction, green felt lettering and numbers, and Horace Partridge tagging style inside the back tail, allow for it to only have been worn by Cousy during his first season in Boston. A size 42 flag tag adjacent to the Horace Partridge tag matches the size of other known Cousy gamers that originated from Cousy’s personal collection. Some color bleeding has occurred from the green trim around the armpit areas and a distinct team repair is apparent at the top of the left shoulder. Otherwise, the jersey remains in outstanding structural condition, completely original and unaltered. Bob Cousy has added a letter of acknowledgement regarding his wearing a jersey matching this style and “itchy” wool construction during his rookie season. Includes an additional Auerbach estate letter of provenance.