Atlanta Hawks legend and Hall of Famer Bob Pettit has died at the age of 93. The NBA announced the passing of its first-ever Most Valuable Player on Thursday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the basketball world.
Pettit spent his entire 11-year career with the Hawks franchise, first in Milwaukee and then in St. Louis. He was an All-Star every single season, a dominant power forward and center who reshaped the game.
Bob Pettit wasn't just a great player. He was a foundational figure for the Atlanta Hawks organization and the NBA itself. He entered the league and immediately made his mark, winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1955 by averaging 20.8 points per game. That was just the start of a career defined by relentless production.
In the 1955-56 season, Pettit made history by receiving the very first NBA MVP award. He won the honor again three years later in 1959. His scoring and rebounding numbers were staggering for his era. You can explore the history of Hawks greats on our roster page.
Pettit's legacy is directly tied to the Atlanta Hawks' only NBA championship. In the 1958 Finals, he led the then-St. Louis Hawks against the Boston Celtics. The series reached a decisive Game 6, where Pettit delivered a legendary performance.
He scored 50 points in that clinching game, a playoff record at the time, to secure the title for the Hawks. That championship banner still hangs in the rafters today, a direct result of Pettit's dominance. The franchise retired his No. 9 jersey in 1965, a permanent tribute to his impact.
"We are grateful for his contributions to our franchise and to basketball history," the Hawks said in a statement following his death.
The current Hawks roster is handling its own challenges in the 2026 season.
A look at the specific results reveals a tough series against the New York Knicks. These games are all part of the team's ongoing journey, which fans can follow via our schedule schedule.
The immediate focus for the organization is honoring the memory of Bob Pettit. His death is a moment for the entire Hawks community, from ownership to the newest fan, to reflect on the team's rich history. Tributes from former players, coaches, and rivals will likely continue in the coming days.
For the active team, the task is to build a new legacy. Learning from the past, including the relentless drive Pettit displayed, can be a source of inspiration. The goal remains to add more chapters to the story he helped start, aiming for future playoff runs and ultimately another championship. The path forward involves developing talent, making strategic moves, and competing every night, much like the legend they now mourn.
