Heritage Auctions is set to auction off vintage 1950s New York Knicks uniforms, including pieces worn by Connie Simmons, George Kaftan, and Al McGuire, from their 1951-52 NBA Finals season. These highly sought-after memorabilia represent a significant era in basketball history.
As the New York Knicks celebrate back-to-back NBA playoff appearances for the first time in many years, a piece of their early history is hitting the auction scene. Next week, collectors will have the opportunity to bid on vintage game uniforms from the 1951-52 Knicks team that competed in the NBA Finals. These include game-worn items such as Connie Simmons’ home jersey and trunks, a jersey from George Kaftan, and Al McGuire’s rookie shorts. These items are part of the highlighted offerings in the Spring Sports Catalog Auction by Heritage Auctions.
The uniforms were manufactured by Thorp Sporting Goods located on New York's prestigious 5th Avenue and were acquired from the Knicks by Danny Jacobs, who served as a ball boy at the time. The auction lot includes historical photographs of Jacobs posing with team figures such as head coach Joe Lapchick and NBA Hall of Famers Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton and Harry “The Horse” Gallatin. These photos were taken at the Knicks’ early home, the 69th Regiment Armory. Also included are documents such as a letter from Knicks’ business manager Matt Goldner regarding Jacobs' role during the 1951-52 season.
George Kaftan, noted for his collegiate success at Holy Cross as a two-time All-American and NCAA champion, joined the Knicks for five seasons. Connie Simmons, whose career spanned ten seasons in the NBA, participated in the historic 1951-52 series where the Knicks were the first team to push a playoff series to a Game 7 after being down 3-0, only to lose to George Mikan’s Minneapolis Lakers.
These unique uniform sets are expected to draw bids starting from $10,000, offering collectors a rare chance to own a slice of NBA’s foundational years as the auction concludes next month.