In conjunction with the NBA's 50th Anniversary in 1996, the NBA named its 50 greatest players in history. Remarkably, 49 of the 50 players selected were alive and present (except Pete Maravich) when they were honored at the 1997 NBA All-Star festivities. A magnificent creation was unveiled during that event in the form of a series of 39” by 25” lithographs. The edition was limited to 250 individually numbered pieces, with the first 50 going directly to the players. Many of the remaining 200 editions were distributed to league officials. Offered here is Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes’ personal copy, numbered “Hayes 1/1” on the bottom left. The 6’ 9” star was NCAA’s Player of the Year and the NBA’s #1 overall pick in 1968 before making 12 straight All-Star teams and leading the Bullets to their only NBA title in ’78.

These incredible pieces were printed on the highest quality acid-free paper and bear the likeness of each of the 50 greatest players as selected by the NBA itself. Each player neatly autographed the litho in pencil beneath his respective image. Commissioner David Stern added his signature at the bottom right as well. This unique NBA-sponsored project. The NBA’s 50 Greatest Lithograph is easily the most desirable and important signed sports art print series ever created. Very rarely do player editions come up for auction. This is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most prominent Player’s Edition examples from the esteemed edition. We originally sold this piece, directly from Hayes, in 2013 for $68,368. Comes professionally matted and framed. Includes LOA from PSA/DNA (AH05016) and digital copy of original LOA from Hayes (misplaced by consignor).