This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 9/7/2013.
Wayne Embry ended his playing career in 1969 for the expansion Milwaukee Bucks and accepted an offer to work in the front office the following season. Embry was instrumental in numerous signings to aid the 1970-71 team, including Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson. The Big “O” teamed up with then-named Lew Alcindor, the 1970 Rookie of the Year, to win a league-best 66 regular season games in the franchise’s third year of existence. The team’s regular season dominance included a then record 20 consecutive wins. The Bucks cruised through the playoffs defeating both the Warriors and Lakers in five games before sweeping the Bullets in the Finals. Embry was named general manager of the Bucks the following season, he was the first African-American GM not only in the NBA, but in all professional sports. This size 14, 14k gold ring weighs 39 grams. It was presented to Wayne Embry who served as assistant manager to the team. The top panel reads “NBA WORLD CHAMPIONS” in relief surrounding a silver basketball with a .90-carat diamond in the center. The right panel reads “W. EMBRY” above the casted image of the Bucks mascot in relief and “20 STRAIGHT”, commemorating the team’s 20 consecutive wins during the season. The left panel reads “1971” in relief surrounding the casted image of the official NBA logo. The inside of the ring is stamped “BALFOUR 14K”. The ring is in NRMT condition and is accompanied by a LOA from Wayne Embry.