Mid Summer Classic Auction 2016
Tue, Mar 8, 2016 04:00PM EST - Sat, Aug 20, 2016 11:00PM EDT
Timed Auction
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 |
|---|---|
| $0 | $10 |
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $30,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
| $300,000 | $25,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
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).
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