NBA Legend Bob Pettit Has Died at 93
The Hall of Fame forward and first player to reach 20,000 career points passed away in Louisiana.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Basketball
NBA icon Bob Pettit, a prolific scorer who led the St. Louis Hawks to an NBA Championship in 1958, has died at age 93. Pettit passed away on September 23, 2026, in Metairie, Louisiana.
Why it matters
Pettit transformed the power forward position during his 11-year professional career and remains one of the most decorated players in basketball history. His legacy is cemented by his status as the first player to reach 20,000 career points and his inclusion on the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History list.
Pettit concluded his 11-year career with 20,000 points and maintained a 17.3 rebounding average during his 1954 debut season. He secured 4 NBA All-Star Game MVP awards and reached the NBA Finals 5 times.
The players
Bob Pettit
He was a legendary professional basketball player and Hall of Famer known for his dominance with the St. Louis Hawks.
LSU
This university is where Pettit played collegiate basketball and established his reputation as a premier talent.
St. Louis Hawks
This professional basketball franchise was the primary team where Pettit achieved his NBA success.
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
This prestigious institution honors the greatest contributors and players in the history of the sport.
The details
Before his professional success, Pettit was a standout at LSU where he was a three-time first-team All-SEC selection. He helped lead the Tigers to the 1953 NCAA Final Four and remains the only player in school history to have his No. 50 jersey retired.
Timeline
1952: Pettit averaged 25.5 points per game and helped LSU finish second in the conference.
1953: Pettit led LSU to an SEC championship and an appearance in the NCAA Final Four.
1954: LSU retired his No. 50 jersey before he began his professional career.
1958: Pettit secured the NBA Championship with the St. Louis Hawks.
September 23, 2026: Bob Pettit passed away in Metairie, Louisiana.
Season Trajectory
His death marks the loss of a foundational figure whose career mirrors the evolution of the modern NBA power forward position. Inclusion in the 1997 50 Greatest Players list places his legacy in the company of the sports most influential historical figures.
Pettit's passing draws focus to his record-setting 17.3 rebounding average and his 20,000 career points, metrics that remain benchmarks for modern frontcourt players. His record of 4 All-Star Game MVP awards remains a standard of excellence for players evaluated in current league analytics.
The takeaway
Bob Pettit showed that consistent dominance in the paint could redefine what an NBA superstar looked like for future generations. His career transition from an SEC standout to a multi-time league MVP underscores the value of long-term consistency in professional sports.
Further reading
Learn more about historical milestones in Basketball.
