After leading the Chicago Bulls to a record 72-win regular season and their 4th NBA title Michael Jordan entered the 1996-97 campaign eager to add to his legacy. He averaged 29.6 points 5.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists as the Bulls nearly matched their previous win output with a 69-13 record. They eventually defeated the Utah Jazz 4 games to 2 in the Finals highlighted by MJ's instant classic "Flu Game" in Game 5 that gave the Bulls a decisive 3-2 lead in the series. MJ wore the Air Jordan XII in black and red colorway for that legendary game but for most home games during the regular and post-season he sported the black and white colorways presented here. The Bulls hosted the Phoenix Suns on November 11 1996 at the United Center and these are the Air Jordan XII's MJ wore in that game. The Bulls cruised to a 97-79 victory and Jordan tallied an efficient 26 points on 12-21 shooting. After the game Jordan gifted them to Suns forward Chucky Brown who grew up in North Carolina like Jordan and played his college ball close to home. Chucky played at North Carolina State from 1985-89. Shortly after as his letter states Chucky gifted them to "someone I knew would appreciate them even more: my old equipment manager during college Kirk 'KB' Brown who is still going strong at NC State after almost 30 years."

Another Tinker Hatfield creation the Nike Air Jordan XII has a clean and simple design inspired by the Japanese flag. The rich leather upper is stitched to resemble a rising sun while the toe and accent overlays are made of faux reptile leather. The Jumpman logo and the slogan "TWO 3" runs down the tongue. It also features golden metal lace loops with Jumpman logos and an elongated pull tab on the heel labeled with the Jumpman logo "JORDAN" and "QUALITY INSPIRED BY THE GREATEST PLAYER EVER." Jordan's No. "23" is stamped on the rubber heel base that connects to the outsole. These particular shoes are properly labeled size "13" on the interior tag with "960810 LN2" coding to verify that they were player-issued for the '96-97 season. Jordan has signed in 8/10 thick black marker over the outside ankle of each. Both shoes display light to moderate game use with minor stretching in the faux leather and some dark contact marks in the toe areas. Getty image 346033 shows MJ wearing them game action on 11/11/1996. Original laces remain intact and all elements come completely as issued. AJ XII's were made to last and these have certainly held up extremely well. What an awesome pair of Michael Jordan gamers for the hobby from his 5th Championship season and with impeccable NBA player provenance to boot!

Includes Letter of Authenticity from Chucky Brown.

Full LOA for each shoe from PSA/DNA.