Pete Maravich played basketball with great skill and expertise. He showcased playground moves by making circus shots and outrageous passes, producing big numbers in college and the pros.
Born in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Maravich was the son of Petar “Press” Maravich, LSU’s head coach, when “Pistol” Pete played there in the mid-to-late 1960s. A prolific scorer, Pete totaled 3,667 points during his college career—in an era without a three-point line or shot clock.
That was then. Fast forward to today, and several of Maravich’s accomplishments still stand, including the highest scoring average (44.2 ppg), most field goals (1,387), and most career 50-point games (28).
The Atlanta Hawks selected Maravich as the third overall pick in the 1970 NBA Draft, and he got off to a quick start, averaging 23.2 ppg and making the NBA All-Rookie Team. His best season came during the 1973-1974 season (27.7 ppg). Maravich returned to Louisiana to play with the New Orleans Jazz, an expansion team that began play in 1974. He continued posting All-Star numbers on a struggling team (23-59 in that inaugural season), and one of his best games for the Jazz came in 1977 when he scored 68 points against the New York Knicks.
He left the Jazz for the Boston Celtics and played there during Larry Bird’s rookie season in 1980. Overall, Pistol Pete was a 5-time NBA All-Star, but constant knee problems hampered him from doing even more and playing longer.
But Maravich felt there were other reasons he didn’t accomplish more during his playing days. “I accomplished what I set out to do but lost my discipline and career. I got involved in going out. I got by on talent, and that was my fatal mistake.”
Pete Maravich died in 1988 by way of a heart attack while playing a pickup game. He was only 40.
