Bob Pettit, NBA's first MVP and a 'true giant of the game,' dies at 93 — SkimNews
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- Bob Pettit won the NBA's first MVP award in 1956 and was named league MVP again in 1959, leading the league in scoring both seasons with averages of 25.7 and 29.2 points per game, respectively.
- Bob Pettit led the St. Louis Hawks to the 1958 NBA championship, defeating the Boston Celtics and interrupting their run of nine titles in 10 years, despite losing three other Finals matchups to Boston.
- Bob Pettit retired after the 1964-65 season as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer (20,880 points) and second in rebounds (12,849), finishing with career averages of 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds.
- LSU announced Pettit’s death on Thursday, confirming he died at age 93; the university noted he was an All-American and remains one of only three LSU players, alongside Pete Maravich and Shaquille O'Neal, enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame honored Pettit as a 'true giant of the game' and 'sleek, skilled big man who revolutionized the forward position,' citing his face-up play and relentless work ethic.
Why it matters: Pettit’s career achievements—four NBA Finals appearances, a title over Boston’s dynasty, and status as the league’s first dominant MVP—set a benchmark for power forwards, yet his relative obscurity compared to later stars stems from playing before national TV exposure and in a smaller market, which materially shaped how his legacy is remembered despite his statistical dominance.
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