In conjunction with the NBA's 50th Anniversary in 1996, the NBA named its 50 greatest players in history. Remarkably, 49 of the 50 players selected were alive and present (all but Pete Maravich) when they were honored as part of the 1997 NBA All-Star Game festivities. A magnificent creation was unveiled during that event in the form of a series of 25” by 39” multi-signed lithographs. The edition was limited to 250 individually numbered pieces, with the 50 most valuable “Player” editions presented to the players themselves. Most of the 200 other editions were distributed to league officials. These incredible pieces were printed on the highest quality acid-free paper, bearing the likeness
of each of the 50 greatest players as selected by the NBA. Upon signing each litho neatly in pencil beneath his respective image, each player was given his own personal 1 of 1 copy. Rarely do player editions become available in the hobby.Featured here is Bill Sharman’s personal copy numbered "Sharman 1/1" on the bottom left. From 1951-61, the shooting guard starred alongside Bob Cousy and drove the Boston Celtics to four NBA titles. Many still consider them the greatest backcourt ever. As a player, Sharman was the game’s first true marksmen, known for his high shooting percentages from the field and the foul line. As fate would have it, Sharman went into coaching and wound up leading the rival L.A. Lakers to their only championship (1971-72) during the Wilt/West era. He added five more rings as a Laker executive in the 1980’s to become the first North American sports figure to win titles as a player, coach and executive.
All of the greatest players that followed the path Sharman laid are featured on this lithograph including Jordan, Russell, Chamberlain, Magic, Bird, Kareem, West, Oscar, Shaq, etc. The NBA's 50 Greatest litho is easily the most coveted signed print series ever created in any sport. This is certainly one of the more coveted player examples to own. The only other time this piece was offered publicly was in 1998 when Sharman auctioned over 200 items from his personal collection. It remains in Mint condition and comes displayed to museum standards within a thick 36” by 50” wooden frame that weighs 20 lbs.
Full LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from Bill Sharman. “The Bill Sharman Sale” catalog from 1998 is also included.