Bob Pettit

Robert E. Lee Pettit Jr., known as Bob Pettit, was born on December 12, 1932, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He would grow up to become one of the NBA's greatest players, renowned for his scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and leadership on the court. Pettit's contributions to basketball during the formative years of the NBA helped shape the league's history.

On April 23, 1954, Bob Pettit was selected as the second overall pick by the Milwaukee Hawks in the 1954 NBA Draft. Pettit quickly made an impact in the league, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award for the 1954-55 season. His presence significantly boosted the team's performance and set the stage for a successful NBA career.

On March 14, 1956, Bob Pettit was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 1955-56 season, becoming the first player to receive the award. Pettit's exceptional performance included leading the league in scoring and showcasing his all-around skills as a dominant force in the game. His MVP win solidified his status as one of the top players in the league.

On April 12, 1958, Bob Pettit led the St. Louis Hawks to their first and only NBA Championship, overcoming the Boston Celtics in six games. Pettit scored 50 points in the decisive Game 6, marking one of the greatest performances in NBA Finals history. His leadership and scoring prowess were instrumental in the Hawks' victory, earning him the NBA Finals MVP award before it was officially designated.

On February 9, 1961, Bob Pettit became the first player in NBA history to reach the 20,000-point milestone, highlighting his prolific scoring ability and longevity in the league. Pettit's achievement set a new benchmark for scoring in professional basketball, and he finished his career as one of the all-time leading scorers of his era.

On March 17, 1965, Bob Pettit announced his retirement from professional basketball after 11 illustrious seasons with the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks. By the end of his career, Pettit had established himself as one of the greatest players in NBA history, leaving a legacy of exceptional scoring, rebounding, and leadership. He was the first player to record over 20,000 points and averaged 26.4 points per game.

On May 20, 1970, Bob Pettit was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats. Pettit's career achievements include being a two-time NBA MVP, an NBA Champion, and an 11-time All-Star. His induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes his significant contributions to the game and his enduring impact on the sport.

On April 13, 1987, Bob Pettit was named to the NBA's 35th Anniversary All-Time Team, which honored the best players from the first 35 years of the league's history. Pettit's inclusion highlighted his status as one of the greatest forwards to have played the game, and his contributions during the formative years of the NBA were recognized together with other legends.

On October 29, 1996, Bob Pettit was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in celebration of the league's 50th anniversary. The selection committee recognized Pettit for his outstanding achievements, including his scoring records, MVP awards, and his role as a pioneering power forward. His legacy continues to influence the game and inspire future generations of players.

On July 30, 2021, Bob Pettit was named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, which celebrated the league's greatest players over its 75-year history. Pettit's inclusion in this distinguished list reaffirms his status as a basketball icon, with his innovation as a power forward and his exceptional career accomplishments earning him a place among the legends of the NBA.