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1960 Oscar Robertson Rookie Photograph - His Earliest Known NBA Photo (PSA Type I)
Offered here is perhaps the earliest known original photo of legendary basketball Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson as a member of the Cincinnati Royals. The publicity photo pictures Robertson in uniform just prior to his professional debut with the Royals in 1960. We know the photo had to have been taken prior to his first game with he Royals because a segment of a newspaper clipping, featuring this image of Robertson and date stamped "Oct 19 1960," is affixed to the reverse. The visible headline reads "It's Professional Big O As Royals Open Tonight." October 19, 1960, was the date of the Royals first game and Robertson's highly anticipated professional debut. The "Big O" certainly lived up to the fans' expectations that night, as he recorded a triple-double in the club's 140-123 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Robertson led the Royals in both rebounds (12) and assists (10), while scoring 21 points. Original rookie-season photos of Hall of Fame players, especially those of Robertson's status, have always been coveted by collectors. The fact that this photo predates Robertson's first game makes it an especially significant example and one worthy of any advanced basketball photography collection. The photo (approximately 7.25x10") displays a large diagonal tear (paper loss) along the left border, but it does not affect Robertson's image. It must be noted that this tear was done by the news service, as the edge displays editorial shading and the photo is in its original state as when used for print purposes. Aside from the tear, the photo remains in Excellent condition. PSA encapsulated as Type I Authentic.
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