Bob Pettit, the inaugural recipient of the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award, has passed away at the age of 93. He earned the MVP honors twice, first in the 1955-56 season and again in 1958-59, leading the league in scoring during both years.
The Basketball Hall of Fame announced Pettit’s death, honoring him as “a true giant of the game” and commending his impact as a “sleek, skilled big man who transformed the forward position throughout his career.” Over 11 seasons, he was selected as an NBA All-Star every year and became the first player to surpass 20,000 career points.
The NBA recognized him for setting the standard with achievements such as being the league’s first MVP, its first player to score 20,000 points, and its first four-time All-Star Game MVP. After a standout collegiate career at Louisiana State University (LSU), Pettit was drafted by the Milwaukee Hawks in 1954, remaining loyal to the franchise as it relocated to St. Louis.
Pettit led the Hawks to an NBA championship in 1958, famously scoring 50 points in the finals against the Boston Celtics. He also appeared in two other NBA Finals in 1960 and 1961 before retiring in 1965, boasting career averages of 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds per game.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1971, Pettit was the first LSU athlete to have his number 50 jersey retired, a distinction awarded in 1954. LSU’s tribute described him as defining the role of the modern power forward and setting benchmarks that have been difficult to match in professional basketball. No cause of death was provided.
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Fan Take: Bob Pettit’s passing marks the loss of one of basketball’s foundational legends whose style and accomplishments helped shape the NBA’s early identity. For fans, remembering Pettit’s influence is a reminder of the sport’s rich history and the timeless impact pioneering players have on the game’s evolution.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
