Auction Item Details
Lot 114
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Lot Number: 114
Description: 1961 Bill Russell Edward Gottlieb Award for the Pro-Basketball Player of the Year (NBA Championship Season) (1966 Sports Illustrated Cover Match). Large figural trophy bearing the namesake of a significant founding force behind the NBA. Eddie Gotlieb was an immigrant from Ukraine who came to Philadelphia as a young child. In 1946, Gottlieb was a founding member of the Basketball Association of America which he would lead into a merger to form the NBA just three years later. Gottlieb's name is most typically associated with the NBA Rookie of the Year Trophy which bears his namesake but additionally was used for the title of Pro Basketball Player of the Year Award during the 1950-60s era. Trophy stands an impressive 28" tall with silverplated appointments and large figural player finial. Black painted wooden plinth base has silverplated placard affixed engraved, "Edward Gottlieb Award Presented to The Pro-Basketball Player of the Year To Bill Russell Boston Celtics, 1961". Condition is superb with minimal light surface wear present. Partial original Spike's Trophies labeling under the base with relation to the long tenured Philadelphia trophy shop (Est. 1929) with ties to the EBL and JBL basketball leagues. Very fine and notable "MVP" award related to the prime of Russell's Hall of Fame career. Includes signed letter of provenance from Bill Russell: EX/MT-NMEstimated Price Range: ($5,000-$10,000)
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