The next auction coming up from Pharrell Williams’ new auction house, JOOPITER, is gonna be a doozy. They will showcase five special-edition pairs of Air Jordans, each customized for basketball icon Michael Jordan. The auction period is from November 6th – November 18th. Hosted at Jordan Brand’s Los Angeles headquarters, the event will include an exclusive capsule of footwear that honors signature moments in Jordan’s storied career.
Among the selected objects, one particular pair immediately grabs your attention—the game-worn baseball cleats, aka the Air Jordan IXs. These cleats were presented to Ed Smith, signifying a unique crossover that the legendary athlete barely ever made between hoops and diamonds. This particular pair commemorizes Jordan’s brief but semi-legendary foray into Major League Baseball. He used to play for the Birmingham Barons in the mid-90s.
Especially memorable is a set of Air Jordan VIIIs. They were specifically worn during Game 1 of the 1993 NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks. Artist John Michael Wozniak was given these shoes as a gift, which inspired him to create his work. They represent a turning point in Jordan’s NBA life, since he was heading towards winning his third straight championship that season.
The auction features a curated pair of sample Air Jordan 1s. This legendary sneaker was a major force in solidifying Jordan’s brand identity not only in athletic culture, but in popular culture. Two pairs of game worn, sample Air Jordan XIs are part of the auction. One pair was worn during the Chicago Bulls’ historic 1995-96 regular season, where they concluded with an impressive 72-10 record. In the playoffs, the Bulls made the other pair work to their advantage. They defeated the Seattle Supersonics and won the championship 4-2 in the series.
Caitlin Donovan, JOOPITER’s Global Head of Sale, touched on the importance of these goods in a recent release, saying,
“Each of these shoes reflect a chapter in Michael Jordan’s evolution as not only an athlete, but as a global icon whose influence continues to shape culture.”
The final auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors and fans alike. You can help us save this important piece of history affiliated with one of basketball’s most talented players! With a limited time window to bid, collectors will surely bid enthusiastically for their chance to be part of such a unique event.
“The world of sports collecting has become one of the most powerful ways we connect to greatness and preserve moments that define generations.”
The upcoming auction presents a rare opportunity for collectors and fans alike to own a piece of history associated with one of basketball’s greatest players. With only a short window for bidding, enthusiasts are expected to engage eagerly in this unique event.
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