This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/28/2013
The Seattle Supersonics enjoyed the greatest year in the club’s storied history in 1979, winning the only major professional championship (MLB, NFL, NBA or NHL) in the city’s history and cementing the brash squad in the lore and legend of the NBA. This ring was presented to Sonics star Gus Williams, who was the leading scorer in the Finals at 28.6 ppg and likely would have been the Finals MVP if not for the heroics of a certain Dennis Johnson. Known as the “Wizard”, Williams finished his career with a 17.1 points-per-game average in a career spanning 12 years from 1975 to 1987. In 2004 the Sonics retired Williams’ #1 jersey.
The size 10 3/4, 14k gold players ring weighs 35 grams. The top panel reads “NBA WORLD CHAMPIONS” surrounding a large .60-carat round-cut diamond that sits atop a white-gold basketball. The left shank reads “1979” and features a cast image of the official NBA logo; the right shank features a banner engraved with the player name “Williams” above a cast gold and green enameled Seattle Supersonics logo. The inside of the ring is stamped “Balfour 14K.” The ring is in superb condition, showing little evidence of wear. This is only the second 1979 Sonics championship ring we have seen at public auction with the other being that of Freddy Brown which sold for $115,000 in 2011.
Comes with a Letter of Authenticity from Gus Williams.