Michael Jordan’s game-worn Nike Air that made history by pocketing a cool $1.47 million in 2021 are back. Why they are back in only two years is unknown, but it is an excellent chance for deep-pocketed fans to get their hands on something that may be a treat for the feet. In all honesty, the sneakers worn by Jordan during his fifth NBA game are, in reality, meant for the mantle, especially if the pair sells for an even higher price.
Joe Pompliano shared the details on his Twitter account, ‘Michael Jordan’s game-used Nike Air Ship sneakers from his rookie season are up for auction. MJ wore them five days after signing his Nike deal and gave them to a ball boy. The ball boy sold them for $1.47 million, and now they are back on the market.’ While some users commented they would buy bitcoins instead, some wondered why the owner is selling the pair after splurging $1.5 million on them.
The Bruce Kilgore-designed shoes are stamped with ‘Air.’ They were handed over to a former Denver Nuggets ball boy, Tommie Tim III Lewis, after Jordan’s game number 5 of his NBA career, who held onto them dearly since then. He finally sold the pair in October 2021 at a Sotheby’s auction, giving birth to the most expensive game-worn sneakers sold at auction.
Former Denver Nuggets ball boy TJ Lewis described what happened, “On this night it was the Nuggets 3rd game of the season and the Bulls 5th game. Before the game, both teams would come out for ‘shoot-around’ to stretch and loosen up. That’s when I really had the opportunity to see Michael Jordan on the court that day and knew I was going to ask him for the shoes. I eventually made my way up to him and asked if I could have his shoes after the game? He gave me a look as if he didn’t really want to say no, but told me that he couldn’t because they were too expensive…Once the game was over and the Bulls made it out of their team meeting I was able to enter the locker room to start cleaning to finish up the night.”
He continued, “I looked over saw Michael Jordan sitting at his locker, and he was still in his uniform. I made my way a little closer so he was able to see me in hopes that he would change his mind about not giving me his shoes. To my surprise he suddenly notices me, looks down and grabs the shoes he wore in the game that night, looks back up at me and asks if I wanted them? Of course I said yes, found a pen and had him sign both shoes. One of the shoes he signed just his name and the other shoe he signed ‘My Very Best to TJ Michael Jordan.'”
The Air Ships coming through Goldin until 10 p.m. EST on Sept. 13 have received a top bid of just $170,000 (at the time of writing), but we are confident this is only the tip of the iceberg.
