Michael Jordan 1998 Finals Game-Used Basketball Court Fragment and Signed Commemorative Chicago Bulls Jersey

Authenticated by Upper Deck, this Chicago Bulls road jersey, bearing Jordan’s signature, is accompanied by an authentic piece of the game-used court from the 1998 NBA Finals, where Jordan would win his 6th championship and third straight.  Produced in a limited run of 230 pieces, each with a unique number, this exclusive collection, denoted as number 130 of 230, represents a significant milestone in Michael Jordan's distinguished career.

“The Last Dance” as it’s called, was Michael’s final season with the Chicago Bulls (1997-1998) and is perhaps the most beloved period in Jordan folklore, as Michael reached the apex of his popularity and powers while simultaneously conquering major internal divisions that were fracturing the team dynamics of the late 90s Chicago Bulls. The season is referred to as The Last Dance due in large part to the smash-hit ESPN documentary by the same name, which chronicled the Bulls efforts in the 1997-1998 season. The players were cognizant that the Bulls franchise would ultimately be disbanded at the end of the season and as such, knew it was their final opportunity to capture a 6th Bulls Championship. 

The Last Dance was Michael Jordan’s ‘magnum opus’ as an athlete – a testament to him as a competitor, a sportsman, a teammate, and ultimately, a champion. A theme prevalent throughout Jordan’s career was his unyielding competitiveness. Vengeful as an opponent, and relentless as a teammate, his competitive drive both set him apart, and instilled a sense of fear among his colleagues. 

Going Deeper | The Dynamics of the 1997-1998 Season

There was no love lost between Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls General Manager Jerry Krause. Krause – who had an undeniable talent for picking winning teams and players – did not get along with the key people that made the Chicago Bulls so dangerous: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Phil Jackson. This division ultimately hit a breaking point when Krause mandated that the 1997-1998 season would be Phil Jackson’s last with the Bulls. As Jordan refused to play for anyone but Jackson, Krause’s move would ultimately break apart the Bulls dynasty, and imbued the 1997-1998 season with a sense of finality and urgency.

Jackson recalled being told the news: “Jerry called me into his office and said, 'This is going to be your last year, I don't care if you win 82 games in a row, this will be your last year here'.”

"So I said, 'Fine' and walked out of the room, and that was the only words that were exchanged."

Mr. Krause said many things surrounding the 1997-1998 season. Among the most disturbing to Jordan specifically was that the team needed to be “rebuilt” and that “Players don't win championships, organizations do.” Krause later refuted the quote.

In Michael Jordan’s Hall of Fame Enshrinement Speech more than 10 years later in 2009, Jordan still seemed irked by Krause’s words stating, “I don’t know who invited him. I didn’t… he said organizations win championships. I said I didn’t see organizations playing with the Flu in Utah. I didn’t see them playing – you know – with a bad ankle.”

Ultimately, perhaps the tension within the team and the adversity Jordan faced pushed him even further – as it was known to do for Jordan – to his 6th NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls.