NBA Legend Bob Pettit, First League MVP, Dies at 93
Bob Pettit, a legendary NBA player, acclaimed as a Hawks great and the league's first MVP, has passed away at the age of 93.
Charleston Huntington, WV, September 24, 2026 — Bob Pettit, a monumental figure in basketball history and the NBA’s inaugural Most Valuable Player, has passed away. He was 93 years old.
Pettit, widely celebrated as a Hawks great, leaves behind a legacy as one of the league’s most dominant players during his era. His passing marks the end of an era for many basketball fans and historians.
Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Pettit played his entire NBA career with the franchise that would become the Atlanta Hawks, spanning from 1954 to 1965. He was a consistent force on the court, earning All-Star selections in all of his 11 seasons. His scoring prowess and all-around game made him a formidable opponent.
His historic achievement came in the 1955-56 season when he was named the NBA’s first Most Valuable Player. This honor solidified his status as a pioneer and a standout talent in a burgeoning professional league. He would go on to win a second MVP award in the 1958-59 season, a testament to his enduring excellence.
Beyond individual accolades, Pettit led the St. Louis Hawks to an NBA championship in 1958, defeating the Boston Celtics in a memorable series. He scored a game-high 37 points in the decisive Game 6 victory, a performance that remains etched in NBA lore.
Pettit’s career statistics include averaging 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds per game over his 792 regular-season games. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971 and was named one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players in 1996 and one of the 75 Greatest Players in 2021, underscoring his consistent recognition as an all-time great.
The details surrounding his passing have not been fully disclosed.
Bob Pettit’s impact extended beyond his playing days, serving as an inspiration to generations of athletes. His contributions to the game are remembered as foundational to the sport’s development and popularity.
Story summarized from the original created by Brett Martel on www.wowktv.com, see more information here.
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