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Lot 77

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Lot Number: 77

Description: Significant 1957-58 Bill Russell NBA Most Valuable Player Award (First of Russell's Five Career MVP Awards). Original trophy as presented to Russell for his first MVP Award selection after the 1957-58 season. Large and ornate figural trophy displays a large silverplated basketball player ornament atop a three column support and Greek athletic motif center figural. Two tier walnut wooden plinth at bottom with two inscribed silver plated placards reading, "The President's Trophy Awarded to William Russell As The Most Valuable Player During Season 1957-58" and "Chosen By The Players Of The National Basketball Association In A Poll Conducted by N.E.A. Service. Presented at East-West All-Star Game Detroit Jan. 23, 1959". Trophy presents in outstanding condition with only minimal scattered surface wear. Bill Russell had entered the NBA during his rookie season of 1956-57 able to only play a partial season due to his participation in the 1956 Olympic Games. Even with a partial season, Russell exhibited his dominance leading the Celtics to the NBA championship in his 1956-57 rookie campaign. It would come as no surprise that the 1957-58 season would include huge expectations for Russell and his Celtics team to which he would prove worthy. Russell's Celtics began the season with a 14 game winning streak and would go on to average 16.6 points per game and an NBA record 22.7 rebounds per game. Fittingly, Bill Russell was named as the Most Valuable Player for the season, the first of his five career MVP honors. The trophy was presented to Bill Russell at the NBA All-Star Game held in Detroit the following season as was customary during the period. Along with the other Bill Russell NBA MVP trophies within this auction, the offered example is among the most significant of any player related basketball awards to have been offered at public auction. Includes signed letter of provenance from Bill Russell: EX-MT

Estimated Price Range: ($100,000-$300,000)

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