NEW ORLEANS - Bob Pettit, the former St. Louis Hawks star who won the NBA’s first MVP award and later had his No. 9 retired by the Atlanta Hawks, has died at 93.
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Pettit’s alma mater, LSU, announced Thursday that he died a day earlier. The university did not provide a cause of death.
Pettit played 11 NBA seasons, all with the Hawks and made the All-Star team in every season.
He led the Hawks to the 1958 NBA title against the Boston Celtics, the franchise’s only championship.
Pettit also won the NBA MVP award in 1959 and earned All-Star game MVP honors four times.
He retired after the 1964-65 season with career averages of 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds.
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At the time he retired, Pettit held the NBA career scoring record with 20,880 points and ranked second in rebounds with 12,849.
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inducted him in 1970.
In a statement, the Atlanta Hawks paid tribute to Pettit’s legacy:
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. 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.
— ATLANTA HAWKS
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