A dominant force in the NBA during the 1950s and 1960s, known for his versatile playing style and leading the St. Louis Hawks to an NBA championship in 1958. He was a 2-time NBA MVP and 11-time All-Star.
Known as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history, Bob Pettit is a legendary figure in the world of basketball. With two NBA Most Valuable Player awards and four NBA All-Star Game MVP awards, Pettit's illustrious career spanned 11 seasons with the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks from 1954 to 1965.
Born on December 12, 1932, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Pettit's basketball career had humble beginnings. He was cut from the varsity basketball team as a freshman and sophomore at Baton Rouge High School, but his determination and hard work paid off when he made the All-City prep team as a junior. Pettit's father, the sheriff of East Baton Rouge Parish, encouraged him to practice in their backyard, and his dedication led to a remarkable growth of five inches in less than a year.
After high school, Pettit received scholarship offers from 14 universities and chose to play at nearby Louisiana State University (LSU). He was a three-time All-Southeastern Conference selection and a two-time All-American during his time at LSU. In 1954, Pettit was drafted by the Milwaukee Hawks, marking the beginning of his illustrious NBA career.
Pettit's NBA career was nothing short of remarkable. He was the first recipient of the NBA's Most Valuable Player award in 1956 and won the award again in 1959. He also won four NBA All-Star Game MVP awards and was named to all four NBA anniversary teams. Pettit is the all-time leader in rebounds (12,849) and rebounds per game (16.2) in Hawks franchise history. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1970 and is one of only two living members (as of 2023) of the exclusive club.
Pettit's legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics and accolades. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards of all time, and his impact on the game is still felt today. As of the end of the 2023-2024 regular season, Pettit is still the only regular season MVP in the history of the Hawks. He is a testament to hard work, dedication, and perseverance, inspiring generations of basketball players and fans alike.
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