Bob Pettit Franchise Rebounds Record
Hawks' all-time rebounding king and only MVP.
Bob Pettit holds the Atlanta Hawks franchise record for most career rebounds (12,849) and most rebounds per game (16.2).
Quick Facts
- Player
- Bob Pettit
- Franchise
- Milwaukee & St. Louis Hawks (Pre-Atlanta)
- Position
- Power Forward; Center
- Achievement
- All-Time Franchise Rebounds Leader
Lore & Background
As of 2025, Pettit is still the only regular season MVP in the history of the Hawks. He played 11 seasons in the NBA, all with the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks (1954–1965).
Reader's Guide
Pettit's rebounding records are franchise highs. He averaged 16.2 rebounds per game over his career with the Hawks.
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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