We are used to seeing game-worn jerseys by NBA legends reach astonishing amounts at auctions. However, the NBA memorabilia craze doesn’t seem to stop there.
Auction house Sotheby’s announced that the jersey worn by San Antonio Spurs’ rookie Victor Wembanyama in his NBA debut sold for $762,000 at an auction earlier this week. It was previously estimated that the jersey might fetch a price between $80K and $120K.
The price paid for Wembanyama’s jersey marks the record for an NBA debut-worn jersey by a rookie. The previous record was held by the NBA debut jersey of New Orleans Pelicans’ star Zion Williamson, which sold for $80,040.
Wembanyama made his NBA debut in a 126-119 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. He finished the game with 15 points, five rebounds, two steals, and a block.
Entering the league, Victor Wembanyama was considered the most exciting NBA prospect since LeBron James. While he had some ups and downs in his first year in the NBA, Wembanyama has been mostly as good as advertised. He is currently averaging 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
Wembanyama’s good performances haven’t translated into wins for Spurs, at least not yet. The San Antonio team is currently sitting at a 3-11 record, having lost their last nine games.
