Can you imagine members of the 1992 Olympic "Dream Team" ever putting on these skimpy khaki shirts? OK, maybe John Stockton. But Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson or Charles Barkley? If the thought doesn't make you laugh out loud, it should. From the personal collection of Christian Laettner comes this pair of U.S. Men's Basketball short shorts that each of the 11 players on the team were given to wear during the Opening Ceremony at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics. Fotunately for them, but unfortunately for us, it never happened. The players simply refused, according to Laettner, instead opting for khaki pants that would be less of a distraction (i.e. their junk popping out) to the tens of thousands in attendance and the millions at home watching on TV fixated on the NBA superstars.
The size 38 shorts, made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, were made by Sahara sportswear. They have design similar to dress slacks, with a zipper and hook-and-bar fastening system. The "U.S.A. Basketball Team" logo patch is sewn on the left leg. On the right leg, Laettner has signed his name, uniform number "4" and "92 Opening Ceremony" in bold 9-10/10 black Sharpie as a shout-out to what might have been.
The Barcelona Summer Olympics officially commenced on the night of Saturday, July 25, 1992. The Opening Ceremony was held at the Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc in Barcelona, with Spanish King Juan Carlos I officially inaugurating the Games. In adherence to the Olympic Charter, the opening ceremony was a blend of formality and spectacle. It included the traditional elements of the event such as welcoming addresses, flag-raising, and the athletes' parade. Additionally, a cultural extravaganza was staged to display the rich culture and past of the host country.
Includes LOA from Christian Laettner. His signature was witnessed by an SCP representative; we guarantee it to pass any third party authentication.