Pete Maravich Game-Worn Warm-Up Jacket Jazz Rare First Year Style 1974-75 COA 100% Authentic Team Grade: 18/20

The New Orleans Jazz were admitted as an expansion franchise into the NBA on June 7, 1974. Prior to their inaugural season (1974-75) in the team’s first major move, they traded with the Atlanta Hawks for star player Pete Maravich. He was already a legend in the city after playing locally at LSU and the team was desperate for an impact player. The Jazz gave up a bunch of picks for “Pistol”, including two first-round draft picks, three second-round picks, and one third-round pick over the next three years.

They didn’t have much to lose in the deal as “The Pistol” had already enjoyed four outstanding years with Atlanta. They bargained right because being in New Orleans (1974-79) allowed him the opportunity to establish himself as one of the game’s most electrifying players. During that time, he earned one scoring title (1976/1977), two All NBA First Team selections, and two All NBA Second Team selections.

Presented is Pete Maravich’s game-worn button snap down first year style (1974-75) warm-up jacket from his career in New Orleans. It originates directly from a team-source and epitomizes pro-basketball style in the 1970s. It is the rarest style ever seen and the only one known to exist. The warm-up was collected after the New Orleans Jazz moved and was stored by the team source. The virgin to the market warm-up has not seen the light of day until now.

The flamboyant leisure suit scheme, is mainly yellow but shows a patchwork of Jazz color including a contrasting green pointed dentist collar with fancy shoulder lapels and front button pockets. The front also features six buttons and the tail portion features a purple “Pistol” in quotes along with “44” sewn on (as seen in later 1970’s Jazz warm-up styles). Important to note, 1975-76 was the last season they allowed nicknames on the jerseys. It stands to reason why we see the Pistol in quotes in the lower portion of this jacket.  In ensuing seasons the Jazz replaced player first name/nicknames with the smaller version of the Jazz logo.

The back features pre-color screened on Jazz logo which measures a whopping 7″. The jacket displays early to mid-1970’s with double Sandknit labels featuring Jazz Exclusivity and size “42” -with washing instructions. Ensuing season versions displayed the hybrid Sand Knit labels used from 1977-79 in the exact same style jacket.

The snazzy jacket also has great game wear. Consistent wear from an entire season can be seen throughout, with puckering and fraying throughout. The shirt also exhibits soiling in spots (blood, dirt etc.). Overall, a tremendous Pistol item fresh to the market which has never been offered until now. It is surely ready for display in a top tier NBA collection.

Authentication: 100% Authentic Team