Bob Pettit Obituary: NBA’s First MVP and Hawks Legend Dies at 93

Bob Pettit, the Hall of Fame forward who helped shape the early history of professional basketball, has died at the age of 93. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced his passing on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Pettit died a day earlier, on September 23. A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

Remembered as one of the NBA’s most accomplished players, Pettit built a remarkable career through scoring, rebounding, consistency, and championship success. His achievements helped establish his place among the defining figures of basketball’s early professional era.

From Baton Rouge to the NBA

Born on December 12, 1932, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Pettit developed into a standout basketball player at Louisiana State University (LSU) before entering the NBA in 1954.

He spent his entire 11-season professional career with the Hawks organization, playing for the Milwaukee and St. Louis Hawks. His arrival marked the beginning of a career that would leave a lasting imprint on the franchise and the league.

A Trailblazer in NBA History

Pettit made history in 1956 when he became the first recipient of the NBA Most Valuable Player award. He earned the honor again in 1959, establishing himself as one of the league’s leading players.

His individual accomplishments included:

• Two NBA MVP awards, in 1956 and 1959
• 11 consecutive NBA All-Star selections
• Four NBA All-Star Game MVP awards
• 10 All-NBA First Team selections
• Two NBA scoring titles

His ability to score consistently and dominate the boards made him a central figure in the Hawks’ success and one of the most productive players of his generation.

Leading the Hawks to a Championship

One of the defining moments of Pettit’s career came in 1958, when he helped lead the St. Louis Hawks to the NBA championship.

The title secured his place in the franchise’s history and remains a significant part of the Hawks’ early championship legacy. His contributions during that era helped establish the organization as a major presence in the league.

Records and Hall of Fame Recognition

When Pettit retired in 1965, he had accumulated 20,880 career points and 12,849 rebounds. He was the NBA’s leading scorer at the time and became the first player in league history to surpass 20,000 career points.

His accomplishments continued to receive recognition long after his playing days ended. Pettit was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971 and was later named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.

A Lasting Basketball Legacy

Pettit’s career helped shape the NBA during its formative years. His scoring ability, rebounding strength, and remarkable consistency set a standard for generations of players who followed.

For the Hawks organization, his passing marks the loss of a central figure from its early championship era. For basketball fans, he will be remembered as a pioneering star whose achievements helped define the history of the sport.

Condolences and Remembrance

As the basketball community mourns Bob Pettit’s death, his legacy lives on through the records he established, the championship he helped secure, and the generations of fans who remember his contributions to the game.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Pettit’s family, friends, former teammates, and everyone who admired his career.

May Bob Pettit rest in peace.