The annals of basketball are adorned with legends whose prowess on the court remains undiminished by time. While contemporary stars steal today’s limelight, there’s an echoing reverence for titans such as Kareem-Abdul Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and Bill Russell. Yet, preceding these luminaries was a trailblazer that shaped the game: George Mikan.
Emerging from Joliet, Illinois, Mikan carved his early legend at DePaul University, later redefining NBA’s play during its formative years in the late 1940s and ’50s. With a towering presence at 6-10, Mikan not only dominated games but also charted a new course for the role of centers. His stellar averages, peaking around 28 points during 1948-1951, are a testament to his impact. By the end of his NBA journey, he had impressive career averages of 23.1 points and 13.4 rebounds.
Coinciding with Mikan’s ascendancy, 1948 witnessed Bowman’s maiden foray into basketball card releases. Though fleeting, this collection has, over time, assumed the status of a collector’s holy grail.
Topping this trove is none other than Mikan’s rookie card. Its collectible clout was underscored when one, graded PSA 9, was snapped up for an eye-watering $800,000 on eBay, setting a new benchmark in card auctions.
This allure hasn’t waned. At the recent Goldin 100: Part 2 auction, a pristine 1948 Mikan rookie card, with a singular SGC MINT 9 grade, was auctioned for a significant $228,000. As Goldin’s archives reveal, such a card, with its unique grade, is unparalleled in its rarity.
Yet, the Goldin auction was replete with other gems. A 1984-85 Star #101 rookie card, capturing a young Michael Jordan in action, achieved $144,000. Infusing a classic touch, a 1916 M101-4 Blank Back #151 Babe Ruth baseball card fetched an astounding $288,000, a record for its category.
These auctions, transcending mere monetary transactions, underscore the timeless admiration for sports legends. It’s a heartening sight: amidst emerging stars, old guard figures like Mikan continue to command respect. In these cards, collectors find more than just souvenirs. They are tangible links to eras gone by, echoing the legacies of athletes who’ve left an indelible mark on their sport.
