Bob Pettit was not just a star player; he was the cornerstone of the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks franchise for his entire 11-season NBA career, from 1954 to 1965. His arrival and subsequent dominance transformed the team, leading them to their most significant achievements, including an NBA Championship. Pettit's leadership, scoring ability, and rebounding prowess were instrumental in shaping the Hawks' identity and establishing them as a formidable
force in the league, particularly after their relocation to St. Louis.
From Milwaukee to St. Louis: A Franchise Transformed
Pettit began his career with the Milwaukee Hawks, who drafted him second overall in 1954. Despite the team finishing last in the Western Division during his rookie year, Pettit immediately made an impact, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 1955 with averages of 20.4 points and 13.8 rebounds per game. This individual success, however, was overshadowed by the team's struggles. Following that season, the franchise made a pivotal move, relocating to St. Louis. This relocation marked a new era, with Pettit at the forefront of the team's resurgence.
In their first year in St. Louis, the Hawks, with Pettit leading the charge, significantly improved their performance, winning 33 games in the 1955-56 season. Pettit's adjusted game, which emphasized offensive rebounding and drawing fouls, proved highly effective. He won his first scoring title and led the league in rebounding that season, also earning his first NBA regular season MVP award. His individual brilliance directly translated into team success, laying the groundwork for the Hawks to become a perennial contender.
Championship Glory and Sustained Success
The Hawks' ascent culminated in the 1958 NBA Finals, where they faced the formidable Boston Celtics. After a hard-fought series, Pettit led his team to an NBA Championship, scoring a then-playoff record 50 points in the Hawks' 110-109 series-clinching victory in Game 6. This championship remains a highlight in franchise history and stands as a testament to Pettit's ability to perform under immense pressure. His 50-point performance in a Finals close-out game was a record that stood for decades.
Beyond the championship, Pettit's presence ensured sustained success for the St. Louis Hawks. The team finished at the top of the Western Division in each of the three seasons following their championship win. Pettit continued to rack up individual accolades, including another NBA MVP award in 1959 and multiple All-Star Game MVP honors. His consistent performance, averaging at least 20 points and 12 rebounds per game in every season of his career, provided a stable foundation for the Hawks. Even after his retirement in 1965, Pettit's legacy as the Hawks' franchise leader for most career rebounds (12,849) and most rebounds per game (16.2) endures, highlighting his profound and lasting impact on the team.
