Bob Pettit, first NBA MVP, dies at 93

NBA legend Bob Pettit has died at the age of 93, according to confirmation from Louisiana State University and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Pettit made history as the first player ever to be named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1956. He earned the award a second time in 1959. During his eleven seasons with the St. Louis Hawks, he led the team to an NBA championship in 1958 by defeating the Boston Celtics.

A former standout at Louisiana State University, Pettit was an 11-time All-Star and was noted for his ability to revolutionize the power forward position. He was also selected as an All-Star Game MVP four times, a feat matched only by Kobe Bryant. The NBA and the Hall of Fame released statements honoring his legacy and his impact on the game.