Who is Bob Pettit?

Bob Pettit’s Early Life

Robert Lee Pettit Jr. was born on December 12, 1932, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Growing up, Pettit faced early challenges in his basketball journey, being cut from his high school team as a freshman and sophomore. However, his determination and tireless effort earned him a spot on the team in his junior year. By the time he graduated from Baton Rouge High School, Pettit had led his team to a state championship.

Pettit’s talents caught the attention of Louisiana State University (LSU), where he became a collegiate sensation. At LSU, he was a three-time All-American and led the Tigers to the NCAA Final Four in 1953. Pettit’s collegiate success cemented his status as one of the best players in the country.

Bob Pettit’s NBA Career Timeline

• 1954-1965 (Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks): Pettit was selected second overall in the 1954 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Hawks. When the franchise relocated to St. Louis in 1955, Pettit became the face of the team. Known for his scoring versatility and rebounding prowess, Pettit dominated the league during his career.
• Pettit won his first NBA MVP award in 1956 and became the first player in NBA history to win the award multiple times, earning it again in 1959.
• In 1958, Pettit delivered one of the greatest performances in NBA Finals history, scoring 50 points in the decisive Game 6 to lead the Hawks to their first and only NBA Championship.

Bob Pettit’s NBA Career Stats

• Regular season games played: 792
• Regular season points per game: 26.4
• Regular season rebounds per game: 16.2
• Regular season assists per game: 3.0
• Playoff games played: 88
• Postseason points per game: 25.5
• Postseason rebounds per game: 14.8
• Postseason assists per game: 2.6

Bob Pettit’s Achievements and Awards

• NBA Champion (1958)
• 2× NBA MVP (1956, 1959)
• 11× NBA All-Star (1955–1965)
• 4× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1956, 1958, 1959, 1962)
• 10× All-NBA First Team (1955–1964)
• NBA 75th Anniversary Team
• First NBA player to score 20,000 career points

Bob Pettit’s Legacy

Bob Pettit’s career was defined by consistency, excellence, and innovation. As the first true power forward, Pettit brought a mix of finesse and toughness to the position. He was a prolific scorer, capable of shooting from mid-range, driving to the basket, and dominating in the post. His rebounding ability was unmatched, and his relentless effort set him apart as one of the league’s fiercest competitors.

Off the court, Pettit was known for his humility and professionalism. He approached the game with a blue-collar mentality, earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike. Pettit retired in 1965 as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a testament to his longevity and productivity.

Bob Pettit’s Impact on Basketball

Bob Pettit’s influence on the game extends far beyond his statistics and accolades. He helped popularize the power forward position, inspiring future generations of players like Karl Malone, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Garnett. Pettit’s success also demonstrated the importance of hard work and dedication, qualities that continue to resonate with basketball players at all levels.

In the annals of basketball history, Bob Pettit stands as a trailblazer and one of the sport’s true legends. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the impact of playing the game with passion and purpose.