Michael Jordan 1998 NBA Playoffs ‘The Last Dance’ Game Worn & Signed Jersey | Game 1 1998 Eastern Conference First Round

Sold by The Chicago Bulls,

Property of an American Private Collector

This was the first jersey Michael Jordan wore in the 1998 NBA Playoffs, during his famed ‘Last Dance’ Playoff run.

‘The Last Dance’ was Michael Jordan’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 in large part due to the smash-hit ESPN documentary of the same name, which chronicled the Bulls efforts in the 1997-1998 season. The players were cognizant that the roster would ultimately be disbanded at the end of the season and knew it was their final opportunity to capture a 6th Bulls Championship of the decade. 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.

The fairytale season culminated in a rematch of the 1997 NBA Finals with the Bulls squaring off against John Stockton, Karl Malone, and the Utah Jazz. In Game 6, with the Bulls leading the series 3-2, Jordan famously came up with a last-minute steal before sinking a game-winning jumper in the closing seconds. It was a picture-perfect ending that only ‘His Airness’ could have delivered. At the conclusion of the game, Jordan was named Finals MVP for an all-time record 6th time.

Michael Jordan wore this jersey on April 24,1998 when he scored 39 points, with 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block against the New Jersey Nets. 

The jersey has been photomatched by Resolution Photomatching and Sports Investors Authentication to April 24,1998. The jersey is accompanied by a UDA sticker in regards to the signature, and a letter from The Chicago Bulls in regards to provenance. 

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.