Bob Pettit, NBA Hall of Famer and first MVP, dies at 93

Bob Pettit, the first NBA player to score 20,000 points and the first recipient of the league's MVP award, died on September 23 at his home in Metairie, Louisiana. He was 93. According to CBS Sports, the Pettit family stated: "Dad passed away very peacefully at his home in Metairie, on Wednesday, September 23."

Pettit pioneered the forward position during his 11 seasons with the Milwaukee and St. Louis Hawks, earning All-Star selection in each of those seasons. The 6-foot-9 forward won MVP twice, in 1955-56 (averaging 25.7 points per game) and again in 1959 (averaging 29.2 points per game). He was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1955 after being selected second overall in the 1954 Draft.

For his career, Pettit averaged 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds per game, per CBS Sports. He was a 10-time All-NBA honoree and a four-time All-Star Game MVP, a distinction matched only by Kobe Bryant. Pettit retired as the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, a mark that stood until later generations surpassed it.

During his time with the Hawks, Pettit led the franchise to four NBA Finals appearances, including a championship over the Boston Celtics in 1958. The Hawks won 10 NBA championships and 16 Western Conference titles during his 43-year tenure with the franchise. Pettit was named to the NBA's 25th, 35th, 50th and 75th-anniversary teams and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as part of its class of 1971.

Before his NBA career, Pettit starred at LSU as a three-time All-SEC selection and two-time All-American. During his senior season in 1953-54, he averaged 31.4 points and 17.3 rebounds per game, an SEC record until Pete Maravich broke it in 1968 with an average of 43.8 points per game. Pettit led LSU to an SEC title in his senior season.

According to the Pettit family statement, "He was the most amazing father. The most kind, humble and gentle soul. We are so blessed to have him in our lives and we will miss him dearly."