Pete Maravich in action, showcasing his ball-handling skills and signature style
“Pistol Pete” Maravich, a name synonymous with flair, high-scoring prowess, and captivating playmaking, remains an iconic figure in basketball history. A Hall of Famer celebrated for his electrifying style, Maravich was more than just a scorer; he was a showman who expanded the horizons of basketball in the 1970s. From his legendary college career at Louisiana State University (LSU) to a productive decade in the NBA, Pete Maravich’s impact on the game is undeniable. His journey, marked by both individual brilliance and team struggles, cemented his place as a true basketball legend.
From College Prodigy to NBA Draft Pick
Born on June 22, 1947, in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Pete Maravich inherited basketball in his blood. His father, Press Maravich, was a former professional basketball player himself, having played in the National Basketball League and the Basketball Association of America. Growing up in this basketball environment, Pete became the quintessential gym rat, honing his skills from a young age. After a successful high school career in North Carolina, he chose to play college basketball at Louisiana State University, a decision that would launch him into national stardom.
During his time at LSU, Maravich embarked on a scoring spree unparalleled in NCAA history. In his freshman year (1966-67), playing for the freshman team due to NCAA rules at the time, he already signaled his offensive dominance, averaging an astounding 43.6 points per game. Upon joining the varsity team as a sophomore, Maravich unleashed an unprecedented scoring rampage over three seasons. He led the nation in scoring each year, averaging 43.8, 44.2, and 44.5 points per game in his sophomore, junior, and senior years respectively. His senior season in 1970 was particularly remarkable, with Maravich scoring 50 or more points in 10 out of 31 games, setting the NCAA record for most points in a single season with 1,381. That same year, he was rightfully recognized as the College Player of the Year.
Pete Maravich’s college career is etched in the NCAA record books. He still holds almost 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 3-point line, which was not introduced to college basketball until the 1986-87 season. Despite his individual accolades, LSU’s record during his tenure was a modest 49-35, foreshadowing a recurring theme in his career: personal brilliance amidst team mediocrity.
In the 1970 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks selected Pete Maravich as the third overall pick. His arrival in Atlanta, however, was met with some skepticism from veteran players, reportedly due to his lucrative $1.9 million contract, a substantial sum at the time. The Hawks already boasted established stars like Lou Hudson, Walt Bellamy, Bill Bridges, and Walt Hazzard. Maravich was essentially brought in to fill the void left by Joe Caldwell, who had moved to the American Basketball Association.
NBA Career with the Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Jazz
Despite the initial reservations, “Pistol Pete” Maravich made an immediate impact in his rookie NBA season with the Atlanta Hawks. He averaged 23.2 points per game, ranking ninth in the league, and earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team. However, the Hawks experienced a decline in team performance, dropping 12 games from the previous season. While they had won their division and reached the division finals the year before Maravich joined, the 1970-71 Hawks finished with a 36-46 record and were eliminated in the conference semifinals.
Maravich’s initial season established a pattern that would characterize his time in Atlanta: individual brilliance and captivating performances overshadowed by team struggles. His second season saw a dip in scoring to 19.3 ppg, partly due to missing 16 games. Lou Hudson emerged as the Hawks’ primary scorer, and the team again finished with a 36-46 record and another second-place finish in their division. They were once again ousted in the early rounds of the playoffs despite Maravich’s improved postseason scoring.
As Pete Maravich adjusted to the professional game, his statistics and the team’s performance improved slightly. In the 1972-73 season, he helped the Hawks achieve a 46-36 record, the only winning season during his prime in the NBA. Maravich earned his first NBA All-Star selection and was named to the All-NBA Second Team, averaging 26.1 points per game. Alongside Lou Hudson, they formed a potent scoring duo. Maravich’s playmaking also became more prominent, with a career-best 6.9 assists per game, ranking sixth in the league. Yet, playoff success remained elusive, with another conference semifinal exit.
Maravich’s final season with the Atlanta Hawks was his highest-scoring season with the team, averaging 27.7 points per game, second in the league. However, the team’s record declined to 35-47, and they missed the playoffs entirely. Despite the team’s struggles, Maravich was selected for his second NBA All-Star Game.
In 1974, a new chapter began for Pete Maravich when he was traded to the expansion New Orleans Jazz. The Jazz, seeking a marquee player to ignite fan interest in their inaugural season, brought Maravich back to Louisiana, where he had achieved college stardom. The trade involved a significant package of players and draft picks, highlighting the Jazz’s desire to build their franchise around “Pistol Pete.”
His first season with the Jazz was statistically his lowest scoring NBA season since his sophomore slump, averaging 21.5 points per game with a career-low shooting percentage. However, he expanded his game, achieving career highs in rebounds and steals, while also averaging 6.2 assists. The expansion Jazz team, as expected, struggled to a 23-59 record.
Over the next couple of seasons, Pete Maravich entered his prime. His dazzling skills and showmanship became more refined and effective. The Jazz also began to acquire better supporting players like Leonard “Truck” Robinson, which prevented defenses from solely focusing on Maravich. His ball-handling wizardry and creative shot-making were captivating, and his passion for the game was evident.
In the 1975-76 season, despite playing only 62 games due to injuries, Maravich shot a career-high field goal percentage and increased his scoring average to 25.9 points per game, third highest in the league. The Jazz showed signs of improvement, finishing 38-44. Maravich earned his first All-NBA First Team selection.
Peak Performance and Enduring Legacy
The 1976-77 season marked the pinnacle of Pete Maravich’s professional career. He led the NBA in scoring with a career-best 31.1 points per game, scoring 40 or more points in 13 games, the most in the league that season. On February 25, 1977, Maravich delivered a legendary performance, scoring 68 points against the New York Knicks, despite being guarded by defensive specialist Walt Frazier. He returned to the NBA All-Star Game and earned his second consecutive All-NBA First Team selection.
Despite his individual brilliance, team success remained elusive. Critics often pointed out that Maravich’s individualistic style, honed through countless hours of solo practice, sometimes came at the expense of team play. This perception, though perhaps not entirely fair, persisted throughout his career.
Injuries began to take a toll on Maravich in the later years of his career. He missed a significant portion of the 1977-78 season due to knee surgery, infection, and tendinitis. A severe knee injury sustained in a game against Buffalo further hampered his mobility and playing style. Despite these setbacks, he still averaged 27.0 points per game in the games he played and earned another All-Star selection and All-NBA Second Team honors. The Jazz showed gradual improvement, inching closer to playoff contention.
In the 1978-79 season, Maravich’s scoring average declined to 22.6 points per game, and he played in only 49 games due to ongoing knee issues. He still managed to make the NBA All-Star Game, but his physical limitations were becoming increasingly apparent.
The Jazz franchise relocated to Utah for the 1979-80 season. Maravich’s role diminished, and he was eventually waived by the Jazz. He was then signed by the Boston Celtics, a team led by rookie Larry Bird and contending for the NBA championship. Maravich embraced a new role as a part-time contributor for the Celtics, averaging 11.5 points in 26 games and even showcasing flashes of his scoring brilliance. He played a role in the Celtics’ journey to the Eastern Conference finals.
In his final NBA season, Pete Maravich experienced something new: the 3-point shot, which the NBA had just adopted. Known for his long-range shooting throughout his career, all his previous points were two-pointers. In his limited minutes with the Celtics, he shot 10-for-15 from 3-point range.
After the 1979-80 season, Pete Maravich retired from professional basketball due to his persistent knee problems. He concluded his 10-year NBA career with a remarkable scoring average of over 24 points per game. Despite a somewhat strained departure from the Jazz, his contributions were eventually recognized, and his jersey number was retired by the franchise in 1985. Pete Maravich was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987 and named to the NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996, solidifying his legacy as one of basketball’s all-time greats.
Tragically, Pete Maravich passed away on January 5, 1988, at the young age of 40, due to a heart attack while playing in a pickup basketball game in California. His untimely death shocked the basketball world and served as a reminder of the fragility of life. “Pistol Pete” Maravich’s electrifying style, scoring records, and enduring passion for the game continue to inspire basketball fans and players alike, ensuring his legend lives on.
