NEW ORLEANS — Bob Pettit, an imposing scorer and rebounder for the St. Louis Hawks and winner of the NBA’s first Most Valuable Player award in 1956, has died. He was 93.
Pettit’s alma mater, Louisiana State University (LSU), announced Thursday that he died a day earlier. The university did not provide a cause of death.
Pettit was an All-American at LSU before joining the NBA, where he played all 11 seasons with the Hawks. He led the team to the 1958 NBA championship, defeating the Boston Celtics in a historic series. Pettit was also named NBA MVP in 1959 and was a four-time All-Star Game MVP, a feat matched only by Kobe Bryant.
Standing at 6-foot-9 and 205 pounds, Pettit was a dominant force during an era that featured legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Oscar Robertson, and Elgin Baylor. Unlike many big men of his time, Pettit played facing the basket rather than exclusively with his back to the rim. He was also known for his durability, rarely missing games throughout his career.
Pettit began his professional career in 1954-55, winning Rookie of the Year honors. The following season, he captured his first MVP award, leading the league in scoring with 25.7 points per game. In 1959, he again led the NBA in scoring at 29.2 points per game.
He retired after the 1964-65 season, finishing with career averages of 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds per game. At the time of his retirement, Pettit was the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with 20,880 points and ranked second in rebounds with 12,849.
Pettit was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1970. His legacy endures as one of the game’s most versatile and dominant big men, paving the way for future power forwards who played with versatility and skill.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Pettit played college basketball at LSU, where he earned All-American honors before being selected by the Milwaukee Hawks in the 1954 NBA Draft. When the franchise relocated to St. Louis in 1955, Pettit became the cornerstone of the team.
His rookie season saw him average 20.4 points and 13.8 rebounds, earning him Rookie of the Year honors. The following year, he elevated his game, leading the league in scoring and securing the first of his two MVP awards.
Championship and Legacy
The 1958 NBA Finals marked Pettit’s defining moment, as the Hawks defeated the Boston Celtics in six games. Pettit’s performance in Game 6, where he scored 50 points, remains one of the most iconic in Finals history.
Beyond his scoring, Pettit was a rebounding leader, finishing in the top five in rebounds per game for nine consecutive seasons. His ability to play both inside and facing the basket set a precedent for future generations of big men.
Hall of Fame Induction and Later Years
Pettit’s contributions were recognized in 1970 when he was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He remains one of the most respected figures in basketball history, known for his work ethic, leadership, and impact on the game.
His death was confirmed by LSU, which did not disclose further details. Pettit is survived by his family and a legacy that continues to inspire players and fans alike.