SCP Auctions, Inc.
Timed Auction

Mid Summer Classic Auction 2016

Tue, Mar 8, 2016 04:00PM EST - Sat, Aug 20, 2016 11:00PM EDT
Lot 143

12/31/2002 YAO MING DUAL SIGNED & INSCRIBED PAIR OF (ROOKIE SEASON VS. MIL) GAME WORN NIKE 'SHOX' SIGNATURE MODEL SHOES

Sold for
$1,651.20
Sold Price includes BP

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$30,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$200,000 $25,000
$500,000 $50,000
$1,000,000 $100,000
$1,500,000 $150,000

Presented here is a scarce pair of Yao Ming’s game-worn and signed signature model sneakers from his fantastic 2002-03 rookie season. The 7’6” 310-pound center from China captivated basketball fans worldwide in an 8-year career spent entirely with the Houston Rockets. Unfortunately injuries to his feet cut his NBA career short. Known for an arsenal of offensive moves on the block and an uncannily soft shooting touch for a man his size Yao was pretty much un-guardable in the post when healthy. Even Shaq admits that Yao was the toughest center he ever had to defend. Fittingly both giants will be elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame this September as part of Naismith’s 2016 induction class. Yao finished with career averages of 19 points 9.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks and was an All-Star every season. As a rookie in 2002-03 he put up 13.5 points and 8.2 boards per night and finished a close second in Rookie of the Year voting behind Amar’e Stoudemire.

These Nike ‘SHOX’ mid-tops come in white with blue outsoles and a red Swoosh to match the Rockets team colors. They have Nike’s innovative SHOX in place of the common air bubble on the midsoles a more shock-absorbing support system for a man of Yao Ming’s stature. “YAO 11” is stamped on each tongue with “11” on the rear heel to denote his uniform number. They come with their original white laces. The insoles have been removed likely for custom orthotics inserts Yao was required to use. The size 18 shoes are appropriately tagged on the interior with "SEASON H02" indicating they were player-issued for 2002-03 use. Yao has autographed the outside of each shoe with the dated inscription“12-31-02” in 7-8/10 black marker. The date matches a December 31 2002 Houston Rockets home game in which Yao can be seen wearing these very shoes. The Rockets won 103-80 over the visiting Milwaukee Bucks as Yao tallied 16 points and 8 boards. Both shoes display solid game use with significant scuffing on the inner ankles (esp. the left) and plenty of heel drag on the outsoles. A tremendous pair of rookie gamers worn by one of the largest men ever to play professional basketball and a true global ambassador of the game to this day.

Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph & inscription).

Payment for your invoice must clear in full prior to shipping. All items will be shipped from SCP Auctions’ Laguna Niguel, CA office in the order that payments are received. Please allow up to three business days following clearance of payment for items to ship. All items will be shipped UPS/FedEx Ground unless you contact us to discuss an alternative shipping method. If you would like your items shipped in a different method, such as UPS/FedEx Next Day or UPSFedEx 2-Day, you must contact our Post Sale Services Manager Veronica Rodriguez by emailing customerservice@scpauctions.com to discuss alternative shipping instructions. Prior to bidding, please be aware of estimated shipping costs, especially for large or heavy lots. You may contact SCP Auctions for any shipping estimates lots you are bidding on or interested in bidding on. If you intend to pick up your items in person at the SCP Auctions office, please call us to schedule. Payment must clear prior to items being available for pick-up.