Bob Pettit: NBA's First MVP Still Reigns

Hall of Famer Bob Pettit, now 88, shared insights from his playing days, expressing that his recognition as the NBA's first Most Valuable Player has grown in significance with age. He described his game as that of a power forward who played with intensity, excelling in rebounding and scoring through a strong jump shot and drives to the basket.

Pettit expressed immense pride in his rebounding prowess, averaging over 16 boards per game for 11 seasons. He detailed his strategy of focusing on his defender to gain position, rather than watching the ball. He also emphasized his commitment to playing at full intensity every minute of every game, a dedication he believes paid off significantly.

Reflecting on the NBA's popularity, Pettit identified David Stern as the primary driving force behind its success, praising his vision and initiatives. When discussing the league's greatest players, Pettit included LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, and Bill Russell among his top picks, despite not having played against some of them.

Pettit's advice to young players centers on mental attitude, dedicated practice, developing good shooting form, and building strength. He stressed that true greatness requires an unwavering commitment and a willingness to work harder than competitors.