From 1951-61, Bill Sharman played shooting guard alongside Bob Cousy and helped lead the Boston Celtics to four NBA titles. Many still consider them one of the greatest backcourts ever. As a player, Sharman was the game’s first true marksmen, known for his high shooting percentages from the field and the foul line. He was an All-Star eight straight seasons (1953-60). From 1950-55, he even played minor league baseball in the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. When his playing career came to an end, Sharman went right into coaching and promptly guided the Cleveland Pipers to the 1961-62 ABL title in his very first season on the sidelines. After two years as head coach of the San Francisco Warriors (post-Wilt), Sharman transitioned to the ABA where he coached the Los Angeles Stars franchise for three years. In his final season with the Stars (1970-71, their first after relocating to Utah), Sharman led his team to the ABA title. He then took over as head coach of the Lakers in 1971-72 delivered the proud franchise its first NBA championship in Los Angeles and its only title during the Chamberlain/West era.
Presented here is Sharman’s 2000 Los Angeles Lakers World Championship 14-karat gold ring. The large face is paved in real brilliant-cut diamonds below the "Lakers" name, and 10 large real diamonds appearing five on each side, for a total of 2.05 carats. "World Champions" also appears on the front in raised lettering on the size 10 ring. The left shank features "SHARMAN" clearly marked along with the iconic NBA player logo and Lakers' season (67-15) and playoff (15-8) records. The right shank has a figural engraving of a basketball and hoop with another large diamond in the center of the basketball, plus the eccentric "Bling Bling" wording of the year 2000. Inside the rings band is the remnants of a "14K" stamping that has been worn down from being taken on and off so many times. Weight 60 grams. The ring is housed in its original 7-by-5-inch hinged polished redwood presentation case with black-felt interior and engraved gold plaque on the lid with the name "Bill Sharman."
There are only four two-time inductees in the Naismith Hall of Fame as both player and coach, and Bill Sharman is one of them. He added five more rings as a Lakers executive (GM and Team President) in the 1980’s to become the first North American sports figure to win championships as a player, coach and executive. When you include his ABL and ABA titles, the man won more titles (12) than Bill Russell’s eleven. His immense impacts on the game of basketball include helping to design the three-point line and introducing the “morning shootaround” routine now adopted by every NBA team prior to games. Named one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players in 1996, Sharman passed away in 2013. His ring displays light wear and is in NM-MT condition and comes with a letter of provenance from his wife.