Sourcing this "game-worn" Hardwood Classics jersey (2009-10 NT Dominique Wilkins)

[Deadshot]

I've seen this ball logo tag several times over the years and knew something looked off. On the back it clearly states the relic is game-worn. I never really bothered to look into it until now though.

I also remembered that 2009 NT cards had multiple 1/1 tag parallels, so I looked to see if I could find any of the rest. I ended up finding 4 of the 5. I'm assuming the other logoman tag is just the second half of the one they already used.



That also left the Adidas portion of the tag, which I believe they snuck into another set 4 years later. Otherwise, I can't think of a reason Dominique would ever wear Adidas. They weren't making Hawks jerseys or warm-ups until the 2000s.



I know there are some that are in the camp of "it's off the rack at Dick's Sporting Goods." For the most part, Panini has done a good job with retired player relics. Most of them can be sourced to major auction houses (whether you believe those to be authentic is another issue). So I'd like to think more critically instead of just saying it's fake or bogus.



We also know other card manufacturers have been real creative when it comes to the term "game-worn." They count All-Star Weekend festivities, charity games, etc. I discussed that in this video here (with several examples):

https://youtu.be/VvsOy9HfTDI

This begs the question, what "game" was this used in? As you'll see in my next video link, I looked at multiple examples of celebrity games and All-Star weekend activities, and couldn't find anything.

Any help would be appreciated!

Here's a link where I discuss this matter in more detail:

https://youtu.be/JYCU73yK6SE

[rj.cataldo]

Great analysis. This isn’t and answer to your question, but 2009 was shortly after Panini took over Playoff if I recall. Toward the end Playoff was notorious for using/buying some bogus items, so it’s possible that it could be left over inventory from the acquisition.


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[Chris P]

Originally Posted by rj.cataldo

Great analysis. This isn’t and answer to your question, but 2009 was shortly after Panini took over Playoff if I recall. Toward the end Playoff was notorious for using/buying some bogus items, so it’s possible that it could be left over inventory from the acquisition.

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I don't know the exact details..but I thought Playoff themselves never had the NBA license when Panini took over? I don't think they'd have a dominique wilkins jersey with no NBA license?

[Deadshot]

Originally Posted by rj.cataldo

Great analysis. This isn’t and answer to your question, but 2009 was shortly after Panini took over Playoff if I recall. Toward the end Playoff was notorious for using/buying some bogus items, so it’s possible that it could be left over inventory from the acquisition.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This is a great point! Now that you say that, I remember Donruss had Wilkins relics in 2008. And the style matches the tags used in these NT cards.

https://www.comc.com/Cards/MultiSpor...ilkins/4403679

https://www.comc.com/Cards/MultiSpor...ilkins/4403611

[glen87]

2008 Donruss Americana Sports Legends


no mention of game use

[Chris P]

Originally Posted by glen87

2008 Donruss Americana Sports Legends


no mention of game use

Ah forgot about their multi- sport products! Nice catch!

[Deadshot]

They had Wes Unseld in some of those 2008 products as well:



I've always assumed it was the same prime relic they used for him later on in NBA products. However, it says it's player-worn on the back. It's one of the few instances I've seen of a retired player having player-worn relics in basketball during the Panini era. I wonder why they labeled it that way and said the Wilkins was game-worn? Weird.

r

[glen87]

appears to be the same jersey

[Deadshot]

Yeah I agree with that, I'm just wondering if he wore it at any sort of public event. Probably not.

[dengbang]

I did some digging after see your IG post...couldn't find much then I remembered Josh Smith did a 'Nique tribute dunk in 2005. Looked up the video and he does wear a Throwback jersey. The only thing though is that the jersey doesn't have the Adidas logo on the shoulder, which could mean that it's a Mitchell and Ness throwback but ultimately I can't determine which one it is.

Dunk Link

[Deadshot]

Originally Posted by dengbang

I did some digging after see your IG post...couldn't find much then I remembered Josh Smith did a 'Nique tribute dunk in 2005. Looked up the video and he does wear a Throwback jersey. The only thing though is that the jersey doesn't have the Adidas logo on the shoulder, which could mean that it's a Mitchell and Ness throwback but ultimately I can't determine which one it is.

Dunk Link

I think it was a Mitchell and Ness, but I wouldn't entirely rule it out. It also doesn't match the yellow/red trim pieces if it was in fact the same jersey Donruss already had.

[dengbang]

Originally Posted by Deadshot

I think it was a Mitchell and Ness, but I wouldn't entirely rule it out. It also doesn't match the yellow/red trim pieces if it was in fact the same jersey Donruss already had.

Didn't notice that it was from the Red Jersey. Tracking the origin of these jerseys is a needle in a haystack. Wish companies would be more transparent about where they source these jerseys.

[vwnut13]

He played a game of Uno while wearing this jersey at home