From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 50s
Bob Pettit Dies at 93
NBA legend Bob Pettit, first MVP and Hawks star, dies at 93.
In brief
NBA legend Bob Pettit, first MVP and Hawks star, dies at 93. Bob Pettit, the first NBA MVP and St. Louis Hawks great, died at age 93 after a career spanning 11 NBA seasons and one championship. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Bob Pettit dies
Bob Pettit, the first NBA MVP and St. Louis Hawks great, dies at 93.
“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 death announced
LSU announced Thursday that Pettit died a day earlier without providing a cause of death.
“Pettit’s alma mater, LSU, announced Thursday that he died a day earlier. The university did not provide a cause of death.”
Pettit’s NBA career
Pettit played 11 seasons with the Hawks, winning the 1958 championship over the Boston Celtics.
“Pettit was an All-American at LSU before going on to the NBA, where he was an All-Star for each of his 11 seasons, all with the Hawks. He led them to the 1.958 championship over the mighty Boston Celtics, the Hawks’ lone title.”
Pettit’s MVP achievements
Pettit won the NBA MVP in 1959 and was MVP of the All-Star Game four times.
“He was also the NBA MVP in 1959 and was the MVP of the All-Star Game four times, an achievement matched only by Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant.”
Pettit’s physical presence
Pettit was 6-foot-9 and 205 pounds with a receding hairline, playing power forward before the position became part of basketball’s vocabulary.
“At 6-foot-9 and 205 pounds and with a deeply receding hairline, Pettit was a physical presence at power forward, before such a position became part of basketball’s vocabulary.”
Pettit’s scoring records
Pettit led the league in scoring at 25.7 points per game in 1956 and was the NBA’s scoring leader in 1959 at 29.2 points.
“He captured the MVP the next season, leading the league in scoring at 25.7 points a game. He also was the NBA’s scoring leader in 1959 at 29.2 points.”
Pettit’s career statistics
Pettit retired after the 1964-65 season with career averages of 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds.
“He retired after the 1964-65 season with career averages of 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds. At that time, he was the NBA’s career leader in points (20,880) and second in rebounds (12,849).”
Pettit’s Hall of Fame induction
Pettit was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1970.
“He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1970.”
Pettit’s early life
Pettit was born Dec. 12, 1932, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to a father who worked in law enforcement.
“Robert Lee Pettit Jr. was born on Dec. 12, 1932, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His father worked in law enforcement and served as East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff.”
Pettit’s college career
Pettit led LSU in scoring all three seasons with averages of 25.5 points as a sophomore, 24.9 as a junior and 31.4 as a senior.
“He led the Southeastern Conference in scoring all three of his seasons, with averages of 25.5 points as a sophomore, 24.9 as a junior and 31.4 as a senior.”
Pettit’s rivalry with Celtics
Pettit’s Hawks advanced to the finals four times against Boston, twice losing in seven games.
“Pettit’s Hawks advanced to the finals four times, all against Boston, twice losing in seven games.”
Pettit’s retirement and legacy
Pettit retired to Baton Rouge, worked in banking and financial consulting, and attended LSU and Pelicans games.
“Pettit retired to his native Baton Rouge after leaving basketball and worked in banking and financial consulting. He was a regular at LSU and New Orleans Pelicans games in recent years.”
The takeaway
Bob Pettit, the first NBA MVP and St. Louis Hawks great, died at age 93 after a career spanning 11 NBA seasons and one championship.
