Autographed Basketball Photograph Buying Guide

By Sean J. O'Rourke

For basketball fans there's no better way to enshrine your favorite moments than forever capturing them with top-quality photography. I've compiled a list of some of our best shots for collectors looking to make additions to their basketball collection. To sweeten the pot, I've only included photographs that feature authentic autographs that include genuine certificates of authenticity. If you're considering adding some great assets to your collection, you've definitely come to the right place.

• Signed Michael Jordan Photograph: For most of us basketball fans, when we think of the legendary Michael Jordan we think back to Jordan effortlessly flying through the air on his way to a slam dunk. Of all of our Michael Jordan memorabilia, this great photograph earns my highest recommendation. Captured executing his signature free throw line jam from the unforgettable 1988 Slam Dunk Contest, Michael Jordan has hand-signed this framed photograph. Squaring off against Dominique Wilkins in the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest, the two Hall of Famers put on a show for the ages. Needing a perfect score of 50 to beat Wilkins during the final round, Jordan dribbled down the court before jumping from the free throw line, flying through the air and slamming home a one-handed jam. An unforgettable moment in sports history, I know this great photographed autographed by the one and only Michael Jordan will make a great centerpiece for your sports collection. This autographed photo comes included with an Upper Deck Certificate of Authenticity. A man who literally took the game to new heights, add this hand-signed Michael Jordan framed 16x20" to your collection today!

• Signed Kareem Abdul Jabbar Photo: One of my personal favorites on our site, this attention-grabbing 16x20" photograph shows Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul Jabbar battling Wilt Chamberlain for a rebound at the Los Angeles Forum. Taken from floor level, two of basketball's greatest all-time players are captured flawlessly with the scoreboard and Forum roof as the backdrop. No basketball collection is complete without Kareem Abdul Jabbar and I believe this is the asset you've been looking for. In distinct silver ink, six time NBA Most Valuable Player Kareem Abdul Jabbar has hand-signed this beautiful piece. A 100 percent essential for your sports collection, this autographed photo comes included with a Steiner Sports Certificate of Authenticity and would look perfect with one of our high-quality hardwood frames.

• Signed Chris Paul Photo: While some fans may think I'm jumping the gun here, fellow NBA addicts will agree that Chris Paul is a special talent on the precipice of all-time greatness. The leader of the young and upcoming New Orleans Hornets, Paul claimed the NBA's Rookie of the Year in 2006 by receiving all but one vote for the award. A figure at the heart of rebuilding the city of New Orleans, Paul has emerged as an MVP candidate while leading the Hornets to be one of the top teams in today's NBA. If you're looking for that one up and coming athlete to add to your collection, Chris Paul is your man. Hands down the best young player in the game today, Chris Paul has hand-signed this top-quality 16x20" photograph of himself dunking over Orlando's feared Dwight Howard in blue ink. Included with a Hollywood Collectibles Certificate of Authenticity, this autographed photo of Chris Paul will be a gem for your basketball collection forever. Make a Hall of Fame addition to your sports room today with this authentic Chris Paul autographed photo!

• Signed Karl Malone Photo: The one and only Mailman, no basketball collection is remotely close to completion without the legendary Karl Malone. The face of the Utah Jazz for 18 seasons, Malone won two NBA Most Valuable Player awards and was selected to 14 All-Star Games on his way to becoming the second-leading career scorer in NBA history. Known around the world for his tough, consistent play on both sides of the floor, Karl Malone won two Olympic gold medals for Team USA in 1992 and 1996. Teamed with John Stockton and playing under head coach Jerry Sloan, Malone helped the Jazz become perennial powerhouses in the West. Although falling short of an NBA Championship, there's no denying Malone's individual on-the-court accomplishments. Photographed from behind the glass delivering one to the house, Karl Malone has hand-signed this top-quality 8x10" photo in distinct blue ink. A dynamite cornerstone for your collection, the value and demand for authentic Karl Malone memorabilia will skyrocket in the near future as he approaches Hall of Fame eligibility. A great and essential piece for every basketball collector, this autographed photo comes complete with a Schwartz Sports Credit Card of Authenticity. A must-have for your collection, take this Karl Malone autographed 16x20" to the house today!

• Larry Bird & Magic Johnson Signed Photo: For so many of us, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson's on-the-floor rivalry drew us to the game of basketball and made us fans forever. A rivalry that shaped the game between two players that defined a generation, Bird and Magic's showdowns have become immortalized in our memories forever. Two men that combined for eight NBA Championships, six Most Valuable Player Awards, 24 All-Star Game appearances and two spots in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson have both signed this great 16x20 photograph. Taken on Larry Bird Retirement Night at the Boston Garden, Lakers legend Magic Johnson unbuttoned his jacket to reveal a Boston Celtics shirt much to the enjoyment of Larry Legend. Signing their names in distinct silver ink, this is the perfect opportunity to add two Hall of Fame players to your collection with one great addition. An essential cornerstone for your sports room, I promise you'll enjoy this autographed Larry Bird and Magic Johnson photograph forever. Included with a Schwartz Sports Certificate of Authenticity, draft two all-time hardwood legends to your collection today!