This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/28/2013
Willie "Rainbow" Sojourner became a New York Net on August 1, 1973, picked up in a trade with the Virginia Squires for George Carter, the rights to Kermit Washington, and $800,000 cash. Oh, yeah, the Nets picked up another player in the trade—Julius Erving. Sojourner was assigned number 40 (Carter's old number) and played for the Nets the next two seasons including the Nets' ABA title in 1975/76. This home white Nets jersey was worn by Sojourner during those two seasons. This heavy polyester jersey, similar in feel to the 1970's baseball jerseys, is heavy compared to the mesh uniforms of today. The team name, "NETS," is across the chest with the number "40" below. Along the side is the red, white and blue American flag design, complete with three embroidered white stars. This design is likely the result of the Nets' prior nickname, the "Americans," which was changed to the Nets after their first season in the League. The reverse has "SOJOURNER" across the back with the number "40" below. Both the name and number on the reverse have been changed during the period. After the trade for Sojourner, Carter's name and number were removed, and when the jersey was reissued to Sojourner, his name and the same number "40" were added. The outlines of the name Carter and the original "40" are clearly visible. It should be noted that issuance of the same jerseys was common practice in the old ABA. Inside the reverse tail is the "Rawlings 44" size tag plus a small strip tag which is blank. This is an all original New York Nets jersey aside from the previously mentioned period changes, with an interesting connection to the franchise's greatest player ever, Julius Erving.