Earlier this month, we covered an auction for the unbelievable Nike Air Ships worn by Michael Jordan in 1984 before the launch of the Air Jordan 1. With the historic sneakers currently sitting at a whopping $18,997, the man who originally obtained them is sharing his story.
Speaking with The Post Game, Khalid Ali explained how he went from a Jordan-hating ball boy for the Lakers to owning one of the rarest kicks in sneaker history. It all started in 1982, when Ali's favorite college hoops team, the Georgetown Hoyas, faced Jordan and the Tar Heels in the National Championship game. As most know, MJ hit the game winner for UNC, which stuck with Ali for years and fostered his resentment for the G.O.A.T.
By December 1984, Jordan had gone pro and Ali was serving as a ball boy for the Lakers. During a Chicago road game at the Forum (which marked Jordan's first game against Los Angeles), Ali couldn't help but take notice of Michael's red, white, and black Air Jordan 1 sneakers.
Despite his contempt, Ali dared to ask Jordan for the pair after the game, only to learn that Mike would be playing in a different pair instead. Those wound up being the Nike Air Ships, and Jordan followed up on his promise by gifting them to Ali after the game.
Now, more than three decades later, these iconic pieces of sneaker history are up for the taking. If you've got some cash burning a hole in your pocket, head over to SCP Auctions to place your bid now.
[via YouTube]
