A jersey that once called a Chicago sports bar home sold for over $70,000 in an auction of items at the Basketball Hall of Fame.
The jersey worn by Wilt Chamberlain in the 1972 NBA All-Star game sold for $72,000 in Grey Flannel Auctions annual sale during Hall of Fame induction weekend.
Saturday's event featured game-used and personal items from dozens of NBA players and coaches.
The jersey, worn during the Lakers' early 70s glory days by the late center, was given to a Chamberlain friend immediately after the game that season. According to the auction house, the jersey resided inside Murphy's Bleachers, a sports bar near Wrigley Field, until two years ago.
The final price of the jersey includes Grey Flannel's buyer's premium.
Several jerseys in the auction fetched over $40,000. A shirt worn by Michael Jordan during his rookie season and autographed by the newest Hall member, brought $66,000 while a 1997-98 model sold for $14,000.
A rare 1971-72 Pittsburgh Condors jersey originating with Stew Johnson, a 1974-75 Fly Williams Spirits of St. Louis shirt and a 1955 Bob Pettit NBA All-Star jersey sold for $51,000 each.
Another Jordan item that generated significant interest was the backboard and rim from the 1998 NBA Finals when Jordan put a ribbon on his Bulls career with a game-winning jumper against the Utah Jazz. The goal assembly brought a winning bid of $57,000.
Other winning bids included:
- 1968 Nate Thurmond game-used autographed Knicks jersey $45,000
- 1972-73 Dave DeBusschere game-used Knicks jersey $42,000
- 1972-73 Indiana Pacers ABA Championship ring (Don Buse) $33,000
- 1979-80 Bill Walton game-used San Diego Clippers jersey
- 1974-75 Lee Davis San Diego Conquistadors ABA jersey $24,000
- 1979-80 Larry Bird game-used rookie Celtics jersey $24,000
- 1973-74 Jerry West game-used Lakers jersey $21,600
