Bob Pettit, NBA Hall of Famer, Dies at 93

Bob Pettit, the inaugural NBA Most Valuable Player and a dominant force for the St. Louis Hawks, died at 93. The 6‑foot‑9 forward, who guided the Hawks to a 1958 title and earned multiple MVP honors, leaves a legacy as one of the sport’s earliest power forwards.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 25 Sep 2026 09:14:22 GMT

Bob Pettit, the towering power forward who captured the NBA’s first Most Valuable Player award in 1956, died on September 23, 2026, at the age of 93. The St. Louis Hawks legend, who spent his entire 11‑season career with the franchise, is remembered for leading the team to its only championship in 1958 and for setting early standards for big‑man play in the league.

Early Life and College Career

Born Robert Lee Pettit Jr. on December 12, 1932, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Pettit grew up in a family that valued discipline; his father served as a sheriff in East Baton Rouge Parish. He was a late bloomer on the basketball court, joining the Baton Rouge High School varsity team only in his junior year. By his senior season, he had guided the team to a state championship and attracted attention from several college programs.

Choosing to stay close to home, Pettit enrolled at Louisiana State University (LSU) and became a standout for the Tigers. He was eligible to play varsity only as a sophomore, a rule common at the time. Over three seasons, he led the Southern Conference in scoring each year, posting averages of 25.5, 24.9, and 31.4 points per game. His performance earned him All‑American honors and positioned him as one of the top prospects heading into the professional ranks.

NBA Career and Achievements

Drafted by the Milwaukee Hawks in 1954, Pettit entered the NBA at a time when the league was still carving out its identity. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1955, the same season the Hawks relocated to St. Louis. The following year, he captured the league’s first MVP award, averaging 25.7 points per game and leading the league in scoring. He would win the MVP again in 1959, when he topped the league with 29.2 points per game.

Pettit’s 11 seasons with the Hawks were marked by consistency and durability; he missed very few games and was an All‑Star in every season. He also earned the All‑Star Game MVP title four times, a feat matched only by Kobe Bryant in later years. By the time he retired after the 1964‑65 season, his career averages stood at 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds per game. He left the league as the all‑time leading scorer with 20,880 points and was second in career rebounds with 12,849.

1958 Championship and Rivalry with the Celtics

The pinnacle of Pettit’s career came in 1958 when the Hawks defeated the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. The series ended 4‑2, halting the Celtics’ nine‑title streak in ten seasons. Pettit’s leadership and scoring were instrumental, and the victory remains the only championship in Hawks history. The rivalry with Boston continued, with the Hawks reaching the Finals in 1957, 1960, and 1961, all against the Celtics, but falling short each time.

Legacy and Post‑Career Life

After hanging up his sneakers, Pettit returned to Baton Rouge, where he pursued a career in banking and financial consulting. He remained an active supporter of LSU and the New Orleans Pelicans, often attending games and engaging with fans. In 1970, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the sport’s greats. LSU honored him by retiring his number 50 jersey, and the Atlanta Hawks retired number 9 in his name. Bronze statues of Pettit and fellow LSU legend Shaquille O’Neal stand outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, a testament to their impact on the university’s basketball program.

Death and Tributes

LSU announced Pettit’s passing on September 24, 2026, noting that he had died the day before. The university did not disclose a cause of death. Tributes poured in from former teammates, coaches, and basketball historians, all highlighting his pioneering style of play and his role in shaping the modern power forward position.

Bob Pettit’s death marks the loss of a foundational figure in NBA history. His career statistics, awards, and the 1958 championship continue to inspire new generations of players and fans alike.

What Happens Next?

While the NBA and LSU have yet to release official statements beyond the announcement of his passing, it is expected that memorial services will be held in Baton Rouge, and the Hawks organization may honor him with a moment of silence at future games. His legacy will likely be revisited in Hall of Fame retrospectives and in discussions of the evolution of the power forward role.

Key facts

• Bob Pettit was the NBA’s first MVP (1956).
• He led the St. Louis Hawks to their only title in 1958.
• He was an All‑Star every season of his 11‑year career.
• Pettit set early standards for big‑man play, facing the basket.
• He retired as the league’s all‑time leading scorer.
• His number 50 is retired by LSU and number 9 by the Hawks.

Why it matters

Pettit’s passing reminds us of the early pioneers who shaped the NBA, especially the power forward position, and highlights the enduring impact of the 1958 championship on the franchise’s history.

Frequently asked questions

What was Bob Pettit’s most significant achievement?

He was the NBA’s first MVP and led the St. Louis Hawks to their sole championship in 1958.

Which teams did Pettit play against in the NBA Finals?

He faced the Boston Celtics in 1957, 1958, 1960, and 1961.

Did Pettit receive any honors after his playing career?

Yes, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1970 and had his jersey retired by both LSU and the Hawks.

Where is Bob Pettit buried?

The exact burial location has not been publicly disclosed.

Sources

• [1] cbsnews.com — originally reported as “Bob Pettit, NBA Hall of Famer and its first MVP, dies at 93”