NBA's first MVP Bob Pettit dies at 93
Bob Pettit, the first player to win the NBA's Most Valuable Player award, has died at the age of 93. No cause of death was disclosed.
The Basketball Hall of Fame has confirmed the death of Bob Pettit, calling him "a true giant of the game." He was 93.
Pettit made history as the first player ever to win the NBA's Most Valuable Player award, claiming it in the 1955-56 season, the very first year the honour was handed out. He won the award a second time in 1958-59, leading the league in scoring in both of those MVP seasons.
Across his entire 11-season career, Pettit was named an NBA All-Star every single year, and he became the first player in league history to score 20,000 career points.
From Milwaukee to St Louis
Pettit began his professional path after starring at Louisiana State University, where he was drafted by the Milwaukee Hawks in 1954. The franchise later relocated to St Louis, and Pettit remained with the team for the rest of his playing days.
With the St Louis Hawks, he won an NBA championship in 1958, defeating the Boston Celtics in the finals. The team reached the finals twice more during his career, in 1960 and 1961, though without repeating the title win.
Pettit retired in 1965, finishing his career with averages of 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds per game. No cause of death was given in the announcement.
