NBA Pioneer and Legend Bob Pettit Has Passed Away at 93–League’s First MVP
He cemented his sports legacy becoming the first player in the National Basketball Association’s history to win the Most Valuable Player accolade. The only MVP in Hawks history who also led them to their only Championship. The NBA has truly lost a basketball legend and a remarkable person whose impact extended far beyond the court. NBA pioneer and legend Bob Pettit passed away today at the age of 93.
Bob Pettit, who was named an All-Star in each of his 11 NBA seasons and was one of the greatest scorers and rebounders in league history, died, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame said Thursday. Pettit won 2 NBA MVP awards and the 1958 championship with the Hawks. Moreover, Bob is the third best rebounder in NBA history, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell. He is one of only four men in NBA history to average 20+ points and 20+ rebounds per game in the same season. The others are Wilt, Jerry Lucas, and Nate Thurmond. Regarding Pettit the Hall stated,
“The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame mourns the passing of Bob Pettit, a sleek, skilled big man who revolutionized the forward position during his career. The 11-time NBA All-Star and 2-time MVP retired as the all-time leading scorer in NBA history and left an enduring legacy. He led the St. Louis Hawks to the 1958 NBA championship over the Boston Celtics. The Basketball Hall of Fame salutes this true giant of the game.”
The Atlanta Hawks organization also released a statement. To give their condolences and reminisce Bob’s stellar Hawks tenure. The franchise says,
“We join the basketball community in remembering the incredible legacy of Bob Pettit, who played for our franchise his entire career, from 1954 through 1965. As the first player in NBA history to win the league’s Most Valuable Player Award and enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971, he set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire generations of players and fans. His relentless work ethic, competitive spirit, and commitment to the game helped shape the identity of our franchise. Beyond his accolades – including 11 All-Star selections and leading the Hawks to the 1958 NBA Championship – Bob was a true ambassador for the sport and a role model for countless fans. We are grateful for his contributions to our franchise and to basketball history. His retired No. 9 jersey continues to hang proudly at State Farm Arena as a lasting reminder of the impact he made on our organization. We extend our deepest condolences to Bob’s family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. We also join those across the basketball world in celebrating a remarkable life and legacy that will never be forgotten.”
NBA Pioneer and Legend Bob Pettit Has Passed Away at 93–League’s First MVP
On Thursday, the NBA also shared some thoughts on Pettit, one of the early foundational stars of the league. In order to spotlight a few of Bob’s extraordinary accomplishments and enduring contributions to the game. Which led to Pettit being named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
Nevertheless, the NBA stated, “The NBA family mourns the passing of Naismith Hall of Famer Bob Pettit, a two-time NBA MVP and a member of all four NBA Anniversary Teams. He raised the bar for excellence as the league’s first MVP, first 20,000-point scorer and first four-time All-Star Game MVP. His iconic 50-point performance in Game 6 of the 1958 NBA Finals clinched the championship for the St. Louis Hawks. Beyond those accomplishments, Bob helped transform the power forward position. Our thoughts are with Bob’s family and friends and the entire Hawks organization.”
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