Bob Pettit Ten-Time NBA All-Star
The original Hawks MVP and a 1958 NBA champion.
Bob Pettit is an American former professional basketball player who played 11 seasons in the NBA, all with the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks (1954–1965). He was the first recipient of the NBA's Most Valuable Player Award in 1956 and won it again in 1959. As of the end of the 2025–2026 regular season, Pettit is still the only regular season MVP in the history of the Hawks. He is the Hawks' franchise leader for most career rebounds (12,849) and most rebounds per game (16.2).
Quick Facts
- Team
- St. Louis Hawks; Atlanta Hawks
- Position
- Power Forward; Center
- Status
- Hall of Fame Legend (Retired)
- All-star selections
- Eleven-time NBA All-Star
- Jersey number
- 22
Lore & Background
Pettit was born on December 12, 1932, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was cut from his high school varsity team as a freshman and sophomore, but after growing five inches and practicing in his backyard, he became a starter and led Baton Rouge High to its first state championship in over 20 years. He played college basketball at LSU, where he was a three-time All-SEC selection and two-time All-American, averaging 27.8 points per game over three varsity seasons. His number 50 was retired by LSU in 1954.
Reader's Guide
Pettit won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 1955 after averaging 20.4 points and 13.8 rebounds per game. He led the Hawks to an NBA Championship in 1958, scoring a then-playoff record 50 points in the series-clinching victory. The Hawks also reached the NBA Finals in 1957, 1960, and 1961. Pettit was a ten-time NBA All-Star (1955–1964) and won the NBA All-Star Game MVP award four times (1956, 1958, 1959, 1962). He is one of four players named to all four NBA anniversary teams.
Did You Know?
- Pettit was the first NBA player to score more than 20,000 points.
- He is one of only two living members of the four NBA anniversary teams as of 2025, along with Bob Cousy.
- Pettit averaged 31.4 points and 17.3 rebounds per game during his senior year at LSU.
- He scored a career-high 57 points and grabbed 28 rebounds in a 1961 game against the Detroit Pistons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bob Pettit to the Hawks franchise?
He served as the original face of the organization during its St. Louis and early Atlanta years, establishing a legacy defined by scoring dominance rather than just trophies. His number 22 jersey remains retired in honor of his foundational impact on the team's history.
How many NBA All-Star selections did Bob Pettit earn?
Official records confirm he was selected as an All-Star eleven times during his career from 1954 to 1965. This consistency highlights his status as one of the league's most reliable superstars of that era.
Did Bob Pettit win an NBA Championship?
Yes, he led the St. Louis Hawks to their only NBA title in 1958 against the Boston Celtics. While individual accolades define much of his legacy, this championship remains a key highlight of his playing tenure.
What position did Bob Pettit play?
He operated primarily as a power forward and center, using his size to dominate the paint before modern positional roles were standardized. His versatility allowed him to control both scoring and rebounding for over a decade.
Why is Bob Pettit considered a Hall of Fame Legend?
His statistical dominance set early standards for franchise legends, particularly in scoring averages during the 1950s and 60s. He remains the benchmark against which all future Hawks greats are measured by historians and fans alike.
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