“Pistol” Pete Maravich remains an iconic figure in basketball history, celebrated for his incredible scoring prowess, dazzling dribbling skills, and no-look passes. While recently Caitlin Clark surpassed his long-standing NCAA scoring record, Maravich’s legacy as a dominant force in college and the NBA endures. Fans new and old often wonder, “Who Did Pete Maravich Play For?” Let’s delve into the teams that “Pistol Pete” represented throughout his illustrious career, from his record-breaking college days to his exciting NBA journey.
Louisiana State University (LSU): The Birth of “Pistol Pete”
Pete Maravich’s college basketball career is synonymous with Louisiana State University (LSU). From 1967 to 1970, “Pistol Pete” captivated fans in Baton Rouge with his offensive brilliance while playing for the LSU Tigers. Interestingly, during his freshman year in 1966-67, NCAA rules prevented freshmen from playing varsity sports, meaning Maravich had to wait until his sophomore year to officially join the varsity team under his father, coach Press Maravich.
Once he donned the LSU jersey, Maravich wasted no time in making his mark. Playing as a guard, he led the nation in scoring in each of his three seasons. His scoring averages are not just impressive; they are legendary:
- Sophomore (1967-68): 43.8 points per game
- Junior (1968-69): 44.2 points per game
- Senior (1969-70): 44.5 points per game
These remarkable seasons resulted in Maravich achieving the three highest single-season scoring averages in NCAA history. His career scoring average of 44.2 points per game and total of 3,667 points remain NCAA records that stood for over half a century, only recently surpassed by Caitlin Clark. It’s important to note that Maravich achieved these records without the benefit of the three-point line, which was not implemented in the NCAA until the 1987 season. His college career firmly established LSU as the first team Pete Maravich played for at the highest level, etching his name into basketball lore.
NBA Teams of Pete Maravich: Hawks, Jazz, and Celtics
After his phenomenal college career, Pete Maravich transitioned to the professional ranks, playing for three teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His NBA journey began when he was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 1970 NBA draft.
Atlanta Hawks (1970-1974): Starting His NBA Journey
Pete Maravich’s first NBA team was the Atlanta Hawks. He played for the Hawks for four seasons, from 1970 to 1974. While with Atlanta, Maravich showcased his scoring talent and exciting playing style to a wider audience. He quickly became a fan favorite, known for his flashy passes and incredible shot-making ability. During his time with the Hawks, Maravich honed his skills in the NBA, setting the stage for even greater achievements later in his career.
New Orleans/Utah Jazz (1974-1980): The “Pistol” Era
In 1974, Maravich was traded to the New Orleans Jazz, marking a significant chapter in his NBA story. This move to the Jazz is particularly notable as it was in New Orleans (later Utah) that “Pistol Pete” arguably reached the peak of his NBA career. He played for the Jazz for six seasons, becoming the face of the franchise and further solidifying his legendary status.
The highlight of Maravich’s tenure with the Jazz was the 1976-77 season when he won the NBA scoring title, averaging an impressive 31.1 points per game. That same season, he also finished third in the MVP voting, further cementing his place among the league’s elite players. His time with the Jazz is often considered the “Pistol Pete” era in the NBA, where he consistently displayed his offensive brilliance and captivated audiences with his unique style of play.
Boston Celtics (1979-1980): Final Season
Pete Maravich’s final NBA team was the Boston Celtics. He joined the Celtics for part of the 1979-80 season. While his time in Boston was brief, it marked the end of an era for “Pistol Pete.” He retired from professional basketball in 1980 after this season with the Celtics. Although his stint with Boston was short, playing for the Celtics, a franchise with such a rich history, added another layer to his storied career.
The Enduring Legacy of Pete Maravich
Across his 10 NBA seasons, Pete Maravich averaged 24.2 points per game, showcasing his consistent scoring ability at the highest level. He earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including being a five-time NBA All-Star and a two-time All-NBA first team selection. Beyond the statistics, Maravich’s impact on basketball stems from his captivating playing style. He was renowned for his exceptional ball-handling, legendary dribbling, and innovative passing, inspiring generations of players and fans alike. His influence is so profound that he was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987, solidifying his place among basketball’s all-time greats.
Though Pete Maravich tragically passed away at the young age of 40, his contributions to basketball and the answer to “who did Pete Maravich play for” remain significant. From his unforgettable college career at LSU to his exciting NBA journey with the Hawks, Jazz, and Celtics, “Pistol Pete” left an indelible mark on the sport, reminding us of the artistry and excitement he brought to the game.
This article is based on information originally published by USA TODAY: Caitlin Clark vs Pete Maravich: What to know about Pistol Pete’s record
