Bob Pettit, the basketball legend who made history as the NBA’s first Most Valuable Player, has died at the age of 93. The Basketball Hall of Fame confirmed his passing on Wednesday, honoring him as “a true giant of the game.” No cause of death was released.
Pettit’s groundbreaking career began after he starred at Louisiana State University, leading to his selection by the Milwaukee Hawks in the 1954 draft. The franchise subsequently relocated to St. Louis, where Pettit spent his entire 11-season professional tenure.
He claimed the MVP award in each of the first two seasons it was handed out, securing the honor during the 1955-56 and 1958-59 campaigns. Notably, he led the league in scoring during both of those championship years.
A dominant force on the court, Pettit became the first player in NBA history to surpass the 20,000-point milestone. His consistency earned him an All-Star selection every single season he played. His peak years included winning the NBA championship in 1958 when the Hawks defeated the Boston Celtics.
He guided the team back to the finals in 1960 and 1961 before hanging up his sneakers in 1965. Pettit retired with impressive career averages of 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds per game.
RIP Bob Pettit. The game has changed so much, but respect for being the first to do it all.
Did the Hawks really lose to the Celtics in those Finals? Felt like Boston owned that era.
26 points and 16 rebounds per game for an entire career is just insane. What a machine.
Wait, he was the first MVP ever? I always thought Wilt or Russell won the first one. Good to know.
Lost a true pioneer. His dominance in the 50s was unmatched, leading the league in scoring twice.