This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
Since April 8, 2001, a nine-foot-tall statue of basketball legend George Mikan shooting his trademark hook shot graces the entrance of the Minnesota Timberwolves' Target Center. Standing 6’ 10” tall himself, the late Mikan was the National Basketball League’s original big man in 1946 who earned the nickname “Mr. Basketball” based on his ability to take over games and lead all scorers. A graduate of DePaul University, Mikan played his first professional season with the Chicago American Gears of the NBL before switching to the then-Minneapolis Lakers. It was in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” where Mikan became a household name after leading the newly formed NBA in scoring for three consecutive seasons (1949-51). Note: The NBL merged with the rival Basketball Association of America (BAA) on August 3, 1949, and officially was renamed the National Basketball Association.
This lot features a beautifully crafted and limited edition (#1/20) bronze statue of Mikan that’s a miniaturized version of the much larger statue at the Target Center. Standing 15” tall on a two-inch white marble base, the bronze statue captures the bespectacled Mikan launching one of his patented hook shots with his left arm while wearing his trademark Lakers No. 99 uniform. This particular version was one the Mikan Family has held on to since the statue’s unveiling. On the front of the marble pedestal, which is 12 inches wide, is an engraved gold plaque that reads: “George Mikan Statue Dedication, April 8, 2001, Grateful Appreciation to ‘Mr. Basketball.’” Mikan signed the top of the marble base in black marker and inscribed it “’99’ Mr. Basketball.” The statue plus pedestal weighs a total of 17 pounds.
Includes LOA from the Mikan Family. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.