Bob Pettit Franchise Rebounds Record
The original Hawks legend: Bob Pettit, the franchise's only MVP and all-time rebounding leader.
Bob Pettit holds the franchise record for most career rebounds (12,849) and most rebounds per game (16.2) with the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks. He played all 11 of his NBA seasons with the franchise from 1954 to 1965, before the team relocated to Atlanta in 1968.
- Player
- Bob Pettit
- Franchise
- Milwaukee & St. Louis Hawks (Pre-Atlanta)
- Position
- Power Forward / Center
- Achievement
- All-Time Franchise Rebounds Leader
Lore & Background
Pettit was the first recipient of the NBA's Most Valuable Player Award in 1956 and won it again in 1959. He is the only regular season MVP in the history of the Hawks as of the end of the 2025–2026 regular season. He also won the NBA All-Star Game MVP award four times.
In Their Own Story
The arena lights hummed over the polished hardwood of the Omni, but all eyes were fixed on the paint. Bob Pettit, jersey number 9 stretched tight across his broad shoulders, watched the ball arc toward the rim. It was a missed shot, a chaotic scramble ensued, and three defenders lunged for the loose ball. Yet, with a sudden explosion of vertical power, Pettit rose above them all, snatching the leather from the air before it even touched the floor. He landed softly, secured the possession, and pointed to his teammates—a silent declaration that as long as he stood on this court, no rebound was safe.
Reader's Guide
Pettit's number 50 was retired by Louisiana State University in 1954. The source article does not specify a date for his jersey retirement by the Hawks franchise.
Did You Know?
- Pettit was the first NBA player to score more than 20,000 points.
- He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1970.
- He is one of four players named to all four NBA anniversary teams and one of only two living members as of 2025 with Bob Cousy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who holds the Atlanta Hawks' all-time rebounds record?
Bob Pettit holds this title even though he played for the organization before it relocated to Atlanta in Milwaukee and St. Louis. His career tally stands as the highest mark ever recorded for the franchise.
How many seasons did Pettit play to achieve this milestone?
He spent his entire professional tenure with the club from being chosen first overall in 1954 until hanging up his sneakers in 1965. This extended period allowed him to gather a rebounding sum that established the benchmark for future big men.
Why is this record considered so difficult to break?
Pettit controlled the interior during a tough time in basketball history, using his size and effort to grab every loose ball. Since his departure, no subsequent player has managed to approach those numbers within the team's lineage.
Does this record apply to games played in Milwaukee and St. Louis?
Absolutely, the organization counts its full history from the original Milwaukee Hawks through the St. Louis period as part of the official team statistics. Consequently, Pettit’s rebounds from those cities count toward his current standing as the all-time leader.
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