Auction Item Details
Lot 81
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Lot Number: 81
Description: Important 1977 Bill Walton Portland Trailblazers NBA Championship ring (NBA Finals MVP). The Portland Trailblazers had witnessed their fortunes change with the arrival of the number one pick in the 1974 NBA Draft adding UCLA star player Bill Walton. The Trailblazers had only entered the NBA in 1970 and after several seasons of Walton managing injuries they put it all together for the 1976-77 campaign with an improbable run to the NBA title. After sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals the Trailblazers faced the powerful Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Finals as a notable underdog. Behind the stellar play of their star center Bill Walton the Portland team came back from a 2-0 deficit to capture the first championship in franchise history by a tally of 4 games to 2. Walton was named Finals MVP behind a dominant overall performance on both offense and defense. Portland coach Jack Ramsay was quoted after the final game, "I've never coached a better player. I've never coached a better competitor. And I've never coached a better person than Bill Walton." Presented is the original ring given to Walton as a member of that NBA championship team having inset diamond of approx. ?? carat weight on top surrounded by the classic "NBA World Champions" raised lettering. Side panel features "Walton" engraved titling above Trailblazers insignia with inlaid red enamelwork. Opposite side panel has date of 1977 along with the NBA logo. Interior ring band is properly stamped "LGB 14k" with size of 11 and weight of 1.5oz. General condition is very fine with some typical light surface wear to a few scattered areas. The 1977 Portland Trailblazers ring is one of the most coveted and rare specimens of its era noted as the only championship in team history with scant few having entered the marketplace. As the 1977 Finals MVP and team leader, Bill Walton's personal example of this cherished NBA championship team is undoubtedly the most significant of any issued to the team with additional importance as Walton's first NBA title. Includes certificate of provenance from the Walton Family: EX/MT-NMEstimated Price Range: ($50,000-$100,000)
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