Description

This photo is from 1963-64, the first year of the Baltimore Bullets and Rookie season of NBA Hall of Famer Gus "Honeycomb" Johnson. He was drafted by the Bullets 11th overall out of Boise State University in 1963 and made his professional debut with them that same year. Considered by many to be the prototype of the modern NBA power forward as well as the Dr. J of his time, Johnson played 10 seasons in the NBA and ABA. He was a 1963-64 All-Rookie, 2x All-Defensive and 4x All-NBA selection, and a 5x All-Star. Johnson led the Indiana Pacers to the 1973 ABA Championship in his final season. He had his uniform number 25 retired by the Washington Bullets (now Wizards) shortly before his untimely death due to brain cancer at the age of 48 in 1978. He was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010. The photo measures approximately 8.5 x 11 inches and is printed on thin off-white stock with a blank back. There are staple holes in the upper left and bottom left, as well as surface wrinkles mainly visible on the back, but it is in strong shape overall. The autograph appears to be a facsimile. Although the origin/purpose is unknown, this was likely issued by the team as part of a press packet or some type of fan-related giveaway. It may also have been sold at the Baltimore Civic Center where the Bullets played their home games that season or produced by the Baltimore Sun newspaper as a promotion. Regardless, it is incredibly difficult to find. This an absolute must-have for any true collector of vintage basketball memorabilia or Bullets/Wizards fan! Will be shipped in a protective sleeve and toploader. You will receive a partial refund for shipping costs after payment is made either when multiple auctions are won within the same week or when multiple purchases occur within the same 24-hour period.