NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s New York will offer A Pair of Michael Jordan Game-Worn & Signed Air Jordan XIII “He’s Got Game” Sneakers (Estimate: $300,000-500,000) as a leading highlight of the upcoming Handbags x Hype: The Luxury Remix, an online-only sale open from November 24-December 9.
In his 1997-98 NBA season with the Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan averaged 28.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 82 games, was selected to play in his twelfth All-Star games, won his fifth MVP award, his sixth Finals MVP award, and his sixth NBA championship. These Air Jordan XIIIs are an iconic artifact of this historic season – the Chicago Bulls’ Last Dance and sixth NBA Championship – and the last Jordan sneaker to be released while Jordan was a member of Chicago Bulls. Shown in the documentary The Last Dance and worn in Jordan’s last regular season game of the Chicago Bulls’ Last Dance Championship season against the New York Knicks, these game-worn Air Jordan XIIIs are a remarkable icon of sports and basketball history.
The Air Jordan XIIIs designed by Tinker Hatfield draw inspiration from the black panther, reminiscent of Jordan’s killer instinct and competitive game play. Taking inspiration from Jordan’s “Black Cat” nickname, the silhouette features a holographic jewel at the heel resembling a panther’s eye and an outsole resembling a panther's paw. Other notable design details include dimpled midfoot overlays, a carbon fiber plate, and Zoom Air cushioning. The original “White/True Red/Black” colorway is known as the “He’s Got Game,” named after Jordan’s appearance in Spike Lee’s 1998 film.
This pair was originally gifted by Jordan to the Hall of Fame basketball player and sports commentator Isiah Thomas, one of Jordan’s best rivals, who was commentating on the game in Chicago the evening the shoes were worn. Thomas then gifted the shoe to his son Joshua as a birthday present.
Accompanied by a Letter of Provenance from Joshua Thomas, a signature authentication certificate from James Spence Authentication (JSA) and a complete photo-match and analysis certificate from SAAS (Sports Authority Authentication Services) which presents a multi-point, multi-photo conclusive match to the April 18th , 1998 New York Knicks Game which Jordan and the Bulls won 111 to 109.
