Basketball legend Bob Pettit, recognized as the first MVP in NBA history, has died at 93 in Metairie, Louisiana. His family confirmed the news on September 23, stating he passed peacefully at home.
A Revolutionary Force in Basketball
Dad passed away very peacefully at his home in Metairie... We are so blessed to have him in our lives and we will miss him dearly.
Pettit Family
- 11-time NBA All-Star
- 2-time MVP and scoring champion
- Pioneered the power forward position
Pettit's remarkable career spanned from 1954 to 1965, during which he became a two-time NBA MVP and a four-time All-Star MVP. Known for his scoring ability, he averaged 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds over 792 regular-season games.
He was instrumental in leading the St. Louis Hawks to the 1958 NBA Championship, where he earned Finals MVP honors. In that series, he became the first player to score 50 points in an NBA Finals game.
The Hawks franchise, now based in Atlanta, expressed their condolences, highlighting Pettit's impact on the sport and his role as a true ambassador for basketball.
Pettit was a local hero, having played college basketball at LSU, where he set numerous scoring records. His legacy is honored not only by his accolades but also through memorials like the street named after him in Baton Rouge.
His retirement at age 32 came as he transitioned into a banking career, but his influence on the game and its evolution remains undeniable. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame also mourned his passing, acknowledging his contributions to redefining the forward position.