“Pistol Pete” Maravich. The name itself conjures images of dazzling dribbling, no-look passes, and impossible shots. For fans of a certain era, and for those who appreciate basketball artistry, the question isn’t really “Did Pistol Pete Play In The Nba?” but rather, “how could anyone forget?” Yes, Pete Maravich not only played in the NBA but was also a legend whose electrifying style helped revolutionize the game and continues to inspire awe decades later.
Early Life and College Stardom: Forging a Legend
Born in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, on June 22, 1947, Peter Press Maravich was destined for basketball greatness. His father, Press Maravich, a former professional player himself, instilled in Pete a love for the game and a relentless work ethic. Pete became a gym rat from a young age, honing his skills with tireless practice and developing the flamboyant style that would become his trademark. After a standout high school career in North Carolina, he enrolled at Louisiana State University (LSU), a move that would cement his name in basketball history.
NCAA rules at the time prevented freshmen from playing varsity basketball, but even on the freshman team in 1966-67, Maravich’s scoring prowess was evident, averaging a monstrous 43.6 points per game. When he finally joined the varsity squad, he unleashed an unprecedented scoring rampage. Over three seasons (1967-1970), Maravich averaged an astounding 43.8, 44.2, and 44.5 points per game, leading the nation in scoring each year. In his senior year alone, he surpassed 50 points in 10 games out of 31, setting an NCAA single-season record with 1,381 points and the highest scoring average. His college dominance culminated in being named College Player of the Year in 1970.
Maravich’s college career is etched in the record books. He still holds nearly every major NCAA scoring record, including career points (3,667), career scoring average (44.2 ppg), field goals made (1,387), field goals attempted (3,166), and 50-point games (28). Remarkably, these records were achieved without the benefit of the three-point line, which wasn’t introduced to college basketball until well after his time. Despite his individual brilliance, LSU’s record during his tenure was a modest 49-35, foreshadowing a criticism that would follow him to the NBA: style and individual achievement didn’t always translate to team wins.
NBA Draft and Atlanta Hawks Years (1970-1974): Showtime in Atlanta
The Atlanta Hawks selected Pete Maravich with the third overall pick in the 1970 NBA Draft, behind Bob Lanier and Rudy Tomjanovich. His arrival in Atlanta was met with mixed reactions. While fans were excited by the prospect of his flashy game, some Hawks veterans reportedly resented his lucrative $1.9 million contract, a massive sum at the time. The Hawks already boasted a strong roster with players like Lou Hudson, Walt Bellamy, and Walt Hazzard. Maravich was essentially replacing Joe Caldwell, who had moved to the ABA.
“Pistol Pete” made an immediate impact in his rookie season, averaging 23.2 points per game, ranking ninth in the league, and earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team. However, despite Maravich’s individual success, the Hawks regressed, finishing 36-46 after a 48-34 season the year before. While they made the playoffs, they were quickly eliminated.
Maravich’s time with the Hawks became a pattern: individual brilliance and entertainment, but limited team success. His second season saw a dip in scoring to 19.3 ppg, partly due to missed games and adjustments to the NBA game. The Hawks again finished with a 36-46 record and another early playoff exit.
As Maravich adapted to the professional level, his numbers and impact grew. In the 1972-73 season, he averaged 26.1 points and a career-high 6.9 assists, earning his first All-Star appearance and All-NBA Second Team selection. He and Lou Hudson formed a potent scoring duo, but their styles were contrasting – Hudson efficient and understated, Maravich flamboyant and captivating. Despite a winning 46-36 season, the Hawks continued their trend of early playoff exits.
His final season in Atlanta, 1973-74, was his highest-scoring yet at 27.7 points per game, second in the league. He played in his second All-Star Game, but the Hawks slumped to 35-47 and missed the playoffs altogether. It was clear that while “Pistol Pete” was a box office draw and a statistical marvel, team success in Atlanta remained elusive.
New Orleans Jazz Era and Peak Performance (1974-1979): The Pistol Ignites the Superdome
In 1974, the expansion New Orleans Jazz were looking for a star to ignite their franchise. What better choice than the legendary Pete Maravich, a Louisiana icon from his LSU days? The Jazz made a significant trade, sending multiple players and draft picks to Atlanta to bring “Pistol Pete” back to Louisiana.
Maravich’s first season with the Jazz in 1974-75 was statistically his lowest scoring NBA season at 21.5 ppg, and he shot a career-worst .419 from the field. However, he contributed in other areas, grabbing career highs in rebounds and steals, and averaging 6.2 assists. The expansion Jazz struggled, finishing with the league’s worst record at 23-59.
But the following years saw Maravich reach his peak. He refined his game, blending his flamboyant style with greater efficiency and effectiveness. The Jazz also began to acquire better supporting players like Truck Robinson, which drew defensive attention away from Maravich, freeing him up offensively. His ball-handling wizardry, creative shot-making, and pure joy for the game were on full display.
In 1975-76, despite playing only 62 games due to injuries, Maravich shot a career-high .459 from the field and averaged 25.9 points per game, third in the league. The Jazz improved to 38-44, and Maravich earned his first All-NBA First Team selection.
The 1976-77 season was the pinnacle of Maravich’s NBA career. He played 73 games and led the league in scoring with a career-best 31.1 points per game. He scored 40 or more points 13 times that season, leading the NBA, and also led the league in total points, field goals attempted, and free throws made. On February 25, 1977, Maravich delivered a legendary performance, scoring 68 points against the New York Knicks in the Superdome, despite being guarded by defensive ace Walt Frazier. He returned to the All-Star Game and earned his second consecutive All-NBA First Team berth.
Despite these individual accolades and spectacular performances, the Jazz remained a losing team. The narrative that Maravich was more about individual style than team substance persisted. Critics suggested his solo practice habits had created a player who played as if he were still alone on the court. This criticism, while perhaps unfair given his undeniable talent, was something he never fully escaped.
Injuries began to take their toll. Maravich missed significant time in the 1977-78 season due to knee surgery and other ailments. A knee injury sustained while attempting a spectacular between-the-legs pass further hampered him. In 50 games that season, he still averaged 27.0 points and earned another All-Star selection and All-NBA Second Team honor, but his explosiveness and joy for the game were visibly diminished.
In 1978-79, his numbers declined further to 22.6 points per game, and he played in only 49 games. He made his final All-Star appearance, but his knee problems were clearly limiting him. The Jazz franchise, facing dwindling fan support in New Orleans, relocated to Utah for the 1979-80 season.
Boston Celtics and Retirement (1979-1980): A Final Chapter in Boston
The move to Utah marked the beginning of the end for Maravich’s NBA career. His playing time was reduced, and he was eventually waived by the Jazz in January 1980. Five days later, he was signed by the Boston Celtics, a team at the top of the league led by rookie sensation Larry Bird.
Maravich’s fit with the team-oriented Celtics seemed unconventional, but he embraced his role as a part-time contributor. He averaged 11.5 points in 26 games for Boston, showing flashes of his scoring brilliance. He even scored the final 10 points in a crucial win against the Washington Bullets. In the playoffs, he contributed a modest 6.0 points per game as the Celtics reached the Eastern Conference Finals.
Interestingly, the 1979-80 season was the first in the NBA to adopt the three-point shot. Despite being known for his long-range shooting throughout his career, Maravich had never played with the three-pointer in college or the pros. In his final NBA season, with limited minutes and creaky knees, “Pistol Pete” finally got to shoot three-pointers, going 10-for-15.
After the season, facing the reality of his persistent knee problems, Pete Maravich retired from the NBA. He concluded his 10-year career with a remarkable scoring average of over 24 points per game. Despite a somewhat strained departure from the Jazz, his contributions were later recognized, and his jersey number was retired by the franchise in 1985. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987 and named to the NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Tragically, Pete Maravich passed away on January 5, 1988, at the age of 40, due to a heart attack while playing in a pickup basketball game. His untimely death shocked the basketball world and served as a reminder of the fragility of life.
Legacy and Hall of Fame: The Enduring Magic of Pistol Pete
So, did Pistol Pete play in the NBA? Undeniably, yes. And he didn’t just play; he illuminated the league with a style and flair that few have matched. While team championships may have eluded him, Pete Maravich’s individual brilliance, scoring records, and captivating showmanship left an indelible mark on basketball. He was more than just a scorer; he was an innovator, an entertainer, and a true basketball icon whose legacy continues to inspire generations of players and fans. His name will forever be synonymous with basketball artistry and the magic of the game itself.
