Bob Pettit, the first NBA Most Valuable Player and a cornerstone of the St. Louis Hawks franchise, died at 93, LSU announced on Thursday. The university did not specify the cause of death. Pettit spent his entire 11-year NBA career with the Hawks, making the All-Star team every season and leading the franchise to its only championship in 1958.
Pettit’s impact on the league was felt immediately. He was the inaugural winner of the NBA MVP award in 1959, and he claimed the All-Star game MVP title four times during his career. By the time he retired after the 1964-65 season, Pettit had amassed a then-record 20,880 points, holding the NBA career scoring record, and ranked second all-time in rebounds with 12,849.
The Atlanta Hawks paid tribute to Pettit’s legacy in an official statement. The organization called him “a true ambassador for the sport and a role model for countless fans.” They acknowledged his “relentless work ethic” and “competitive spirit,” which helped shape the franchise’s identity. Pettit’s No. 9 jersey remains retired and hangs in State Farm Arena as a reminder of his influence.
Pettit’s career averages of 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds underline his dominance on the court. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1970, cementing his place among basketball’s all-time greats.
The Hawks’ statement extended condolences to Pettit’s family, friends, and loved ones, while recognizing the broad basketball community’s grief. His achievements continue to inspire players and fans, reflecting a standard of excellence set during the NBA’s formative years.
Pettit’s legacy is also preserved in moments such as the 2013 meeting with Tim Duncan before a Spurs-Hornets game in New Orleans, captured in a widely circulated photograph. That image symbolised the passing of the torch between generations of NBA greats.
At the time of his retirement, Pettit’s scoring and rebounding totals were unmatched, and while those records have since been surpassed, his influence on the Hawks franchise and the league remains significant. The team’s only NBA title, in 1958, came under his leadership, defeating the Boston Celtics in a rare interruption to their dominance.
The Atlanta Hawks organization concluded their tribute by saying, “We are grateful for his contributions to our franchise and to basketball history.” The statement made clear that Pettit’s life and career will be remembered across the sport.
No further details about the circumstances of Pettit’s death have been released.
According to Yahoo Sports.