Fall Premier Auction 2017
Wed, Oct 18, 2017 04:00PM EDT - Sat, Nov 4, 2017 11:00PM EDT
Timed Auction
Lot 864
GEORGE MIKAN'S SIGNED & INSCRIBED APRIL 8, 2001 "MR. BASKETBALL" 15-INCH TALL BRONZE STATUE - LIMITED EDITION #1/20 (MIKAN COLLECTION)
Unsold
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 |
Since April 8 2001 a nine-foot-tall statue of basketball legend George Mikan shooting his trademark hook shot graces the entrance of the Minnesota Timberwolves' Target Center. Standing 6’ 10” tall himself the late Mikan was the National Basketball League’s original big man in 1946 who earned the nickname “Mr. Basketball” based on his ability to take over games and lead all scorers. A graduate of DePaul University Mikan played his first professional season with the Chicago American Gears of the NBL before switching to the then-Minneapolis Lakers. It was in the “Land of 10000 Lakes” where Mikan became a household name after leading the newly formed NBA in scoring for three consecutive seasons (1949-51). Note: The NBL merged with the rival Basketball Association of America (BAA) on August 3 1949 and officially was renamed the National Basketball Association.
This lot features a beautifully crafted and limited edition (#1/20) bronze statue of Mikan that’s a miniaturized version of the much larger statue at the Target Center. Standing 15” tall on a two-inch white marble base the bronze statue captures the bespectacled Mikan launching one of his patented hook shots with his left arm while wearing his trademark Lakers No. 99 uniform. This particular version was one the Mikan Family has held on to since the statue’s unveiling. On the front of the marble pedestal which is 12 inches wide is an engraved gold plaque that reads: “George Mikan Statue Dedication April 8 2001 Grateful Appreciation to ‘Mr. Basketball.’” Mikan signed the top of the marble base in black marker and inscribed it “’99’ Mr. Basketball.” The statue plus pedestal weighs a total of 17 pounds.
Includes LOA from the Mikan Family. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.
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.
