Basketball’s history is enriched by players whose legacies transcend time. While the modern fan might cheer for the exploits of current superstars, the echoes of legends like Kareem-Abdul Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and Bill Russell continue to resonate. Yet, tracing the timeline further back, one name stands out as a precursor to these greats: George Mikan.
Originating from the heartland of Joliet, Illinois, Mikan began weaving his legend at DePaul University. When he made his mark on the NBA in the late 1940s through the ’50s, he not only showcased individual brilliance but also influenced the evolution of the game itself. Towering at 6-10, Mikan exemplified what would become the archetype for dominant centers. During his prime years from 1948 to 1951, he posted awe-inspiring averages, consistently breaching the 27-points mark. His final NBA résumé? An average of 23.1 points and 13.4 rebounds per game over a seven-year span.
In a serendipitous twist, 1948 also saw Bowman releasing its exclusive line of basketball cards. Although it was a brief foray lasting only a year, this collection has since become a treasure trove for avid collectors.
The crème de la crème of this collection? Mikan’s own rookie card. Its prestige became globally acknowledged when a ISA Grading 9 version of it commanded a whopping $800,000 on eBay, shattering previous sales metrics.
Time, while eroding many things, only seems to have enhanced the allure of this card. Case in point: The recent Goldin 100: Part 2 auction saw a 1948 Mikan rookie card, boasting an SGC MINT 9 grade, changing hands for a handsome $228,000. As per Goldin’s records, this particular card’s grade is unmatched and unrivaled.
But the spotlight at the Goldin auction was shared. A 1984-85 Star #101 rookie card featuring the basketball maestro, Michael Jordan, fetched $144,000, setting a benchmark for that grade. Adding a touch of nostalgia, a 1916 M101-4 Blank Back #151 Babe Ruth rookie card drew in $288,000 — a groundbreaking figure for its grade. OTIA Sports is Buying Cards
Such auctions, beyond the hefty price tags, are a manifestation of the deep-seated respect and admiration fans and collectors hold for basketball’s luminaries. In the face of new athletic phenomena, it’s humbling to see pioneers like Mikan being revered. These trading cards, far from just collectibles, act as gateways to bygone eras, celebrating the enduring legacies of athletes who changed the face of their respective sports.
