From CBS Sports · · 1m 20s
Bob Pettit, NBA pioneer, dies at 93
The Hall of Famer was the first to score 20,000 points and win the NBA's first MVP award.
In brief
The Hall of Famer was the first to score 20,000 points and win the NBA's first MVP award. Bob Pettit revolutionized the forward position and set the standard for scoring excellence that defined early NBA history. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
NBA pioneer Bob Pettit dies
Bob Pettit, the first NBA player to score 20,000 points and the league's first MVP, died Wednesday at his home in Louisiana at age 93.
“He was the most amazing father. The most kind, humble and gentle soul.”
First NBA MVP in 1956
Pettit won the league's inaugural MVP award in 1955-56, averaging 25.7 points per game, then won it again in 1959 with 29.2 points per game.
11-time All-Star and scorer
The 6-foot-9 forward made the All-Star team every season he played and finished his career averaging 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds per game.
Hawks to 1958 championship
Pettit led the Milwaukee and St. Louis Hawks to four NBA Finals appearances, winning the championship in 1958 when they defeated the Boston Celtics.
LSU star before the NBA
Before being drafted second overall in 1954, Pettit starred at LSU, averaging 31.4 points and 17.3 rebounds in his senior season and leading the Tigers to an SEC title.
Four All-Star Game MVPs
Pettit was a four-time All-Star Game MVP, a feat matched only by Kobe Bryant, and was named to the NBA's 25th, 35th, 50th and 75th-anniversary teams.
In short
Bob Pettit revolutionized the forward position and set the standard for scoring excellence that defined early NBA history.
