Bob Pettit, the NBA's first MVP and the star who led the Hawks franchise to its only championship in 1958, has died at age 93.
Bob Pettit, the NBA's first Most Valuable Player and the leader of the St. Louis Hawks team that won the franchise's only championship in 1958, died Wednesday. He was 93.
LSU announced the death Thursday afternoon on its men's basketball account on X. No cause of death was given. Funeral arrangements are pending, according to WAFB in Baton Rouge.
"Dad passed away very peacefully at his home in Metairie, on Wednesday, September 23," the Pettit family said in a statement. "He was the most amazing father. The most kind, humble and gentle soul. We are so blessed to have him in our lives and we will miss him dearly."
Pettit Spent Entire NBA Career With Hawks Franchise
All 11 of Pettit's NBA seasons came with the Atlanta Hawks franchise, first in Milwaukee and then in St. Louis. The Milwaukee Hawks selected him with the second overall pick in the 1954 NBA Draft out of LSU. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1954-55, the franchise's last season in Milwaukee.
The next season, he won the MVP while leading the league at 25.7 points per game. His second MVP came in 1958-59, when he led the NBA again at 29.2 points per game. He was an All-Star in all 11 of his seasons and was named MVP of the All-Star Game four times, a total matched only by Kobe Bryant.
Pettit Led Hawks to 1958 NBA Championship
In the 1958 NBA Finals, St. Louis beat the Boston Celtics in six games. Pettit had 50 points and 19 rebounds in the 110-109 win in Game 6.
The Hawks and Celtics met in the Finals four times in five seasons. Boston won in 1957 in double overtime of Game 7, in 1960 in seven games, and in 1961 in five games. The 1958 series was the only one Boston lost during a run of nine titles in 10 seasons.
His retired No. 9 hangs at State Farm Arena.
"The Atlanta Hawks organization joins the basketball community in remembering the incredible legacy of Bob Pettit, who played for the franchise his entire career, from 1954 through 1965," the Hawks said in a statement. "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," the Hawks continued. "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."
Pettit Retired as NBA's All-Time Leading Scorer
Pettit's best scoring season came in 1961-62, when he averaged a career-high 31.1 points and 18.7 rebounds. St. Louis went 29-51 that year. He also coached six games late that season as a player-coach and went 4-2.
He retired after the 1964-65 season at 32, partly because of a knee problem and partly because of an offer in banking. He left with career averages of 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds.
His 20,880 points were the most in NBA history at the time. He was the first player to reach 20,000.
His 12,849 rebounds ranked second in league history when he retired. That total and his 16.2 rebounds per game remain Hawks franchise records. Jalen Johnson set the franchise's single-season record with 13 triple-doubles last season.
At 6-foot-9 and 205 pounds, Pettit played power forward and center. He was one of the first big men who did not play only with his back to the basket.
Basketball Hall of Fame Remembers Pettit's Legacy
"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 Hall of Fame said on X. "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."
Pettit is one of four players named to all four of the NBA's anniversary teams, the 25th, 35th, 50th, and 75th. Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and George Mikan are the others.
Pettit Became an LSU Basketball Legend
Born Dec. 12, 1932, in Baton Rouge, Pettit did not make the varsity at Baton Rouge High School until his junior year. His father served as East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff. As a senior, Pettit led Baton Rouge High to a state championship.
At LSU, he was a two-time All-American and led the Southeastern Conference in scoring in all three of his varsity seasons. The Tigers reached their first Final Four in 1953. His No. 50 was the first jersey number LSU retired in any sport.
Pettit, Pete Maravich, and Shaquille O'Neal are the only LSU players in the Hall of Fame. Bronze statues of Pettit and O'Neal stand outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
After his playing career, he returned to Baton Rouge and worked in banking.
The Hawks open the 2026-27 regular season Oct. 21 at the Orlando Magic, with tip-off at 7 p.m. ET. The home opener at State Farm Arena is Oct. 24 against the Houston Rockets.
