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For the first time in decades, the New York Knicks have achieved consecutive NBA playoff appearances. The team's storied past extends over 75 years, yet acquiring game-worn memorabilia from its early era remains challenging. Starting next week, collectors can seize the opportunity to own two sets of game uniforms from the 1951-52 team, which advanced to the NBA Finals. These items include a home jersey and trunks from center Connie Simmons, a jersey from forward George Kaftan, and shorts linked to rookie Al McGuire, who later became a celebrated college basketball coach. All pieces are featured in Heritage Auctions' Spring Sports Catalog Auction.

These uniforms, crafted by Thorp Sporting Goods on 5th Avenue, were initially procured directly from the Knicks by Danny Jacobs, who was a ball boy for the team at the time. Included in the auction are photographs of Jacobs with head coach Joe Lapchick and Hall of Famers Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton and Harry “The Horse” Gallatin, taken in February 1952 at the 69th Regiment Armory in New York, which served as the team's home during much of its early tenure. Also included are copies of a letter from Knicks’ business manager Matt Goldner to Jacobs concerning his role as a ball boy for the 1951-52 season.

Kaftan, a standout player before his NBA career, was a two-time All-American, NCAA champion, and Final Four Most Outstanding Player at Holy Cross. He played five seasons with the Knicks. Meanwhile, Simmons, who also had a significant NBA career spanning ten seasons, was part of the 1951-52 Knicks squad that became the first team in NBA history to force a Game 7 after trailing 3-0 in a playoff series, ultimately falling to George Mikan and the Minneapolis Lakers.

Each set of these historic uniforms is anticipated to fetch upwards of $10,000 when the auction concludes next month, offering a unique opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a piece of early NBA history.