This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2018
During the 2001-03 NBA season, Seattle SuperSonics 6-foot-3-inch point guard Gary Payton averaged 22.1 points and nine assists per game. This lot features Payton’s game-worn Seattle SuperSonics home jersey from that season, one in which the Sonics finished with a 45-37 record and earned a spot in the playoffs. "The Glove" was one of the NBA's toughest defenders during his heyday, finishing at or near the top of the league in steals every season. The 9-time All-Star was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2013 on his first ballot.
On the front left tail of the two-tone jersey is a “Reebok” manufacturer’s tag alongside three more tags that read “44”, “+2 LENGTH” and “2001-2002”. There is also a special white tag that reads “Gary Payton” in black marker. The left chest has an official “NBA” red, white and blue logo embroidered, while the right chest shows a red, white and blue embroidered ribbon commemorating 9/11. On the V-neck is a “Seattle Supersonics” logo. Across the chest the jersey reads “SEATTLE” in yellow on green on yellow tackle twill. His uniform number “20” appears on both the front and on the back in white on yellow tackle twill. Across the back reads his last name “PAYTON” in white tackle twill. Payton signed the jersey on the back on the number “0” in 8/10 black marker and added the inscription “To Coby [Karl] Keep Up the Good Work Best Wishes.” This jersey shows solid wear throughout and comes with impeccable provenance through the man who coached and mentored him for the longest stretch of his career.
Includes LOA from former NBA player Coby Karl, son of Payton's longtime SuperSonics coach George Karl. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph).