In a 12-minute interview with Hall of Famer Bob Pettit, you almost forget that he is 88 years old. His answer is very clever, he is lively and never shrinks-a bit like his 11-year career with Milwaukee and St. Louis Eagles in 1954-65. His no play-off approach helped Pettit become an NBA champion, rookie of the year, 11 All-Star selections, and two-time NBA MVP.
This is a Q&A with Pettit, who talked about his game day and his role as the NBA's 75th anniversary team ambassador. Editor's note: The following one-to-one conversations have been compressed and edited.
NBA.com: How does it feel to be the first most valuable player in the history of the NBA?
Pettit: It felt great at the time. This is a very good thing. As we age, it becomes more important. As the first MVP in the league, what does this mean. In those days, I was excited about it, but I had other things in mind. The point I want to make is that it is important when it happens, but as you age, it is more important to you personally.
The NBA has selected five legends to serve as ambassadors for this historic 75th season. You, Oscar Robertson, Clyde Drexler, Dirk Nowitzki and Magic Johnson have been selected, and in a few months you will play in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland and play an important role. Thoughts on being selected as an ambassador?
It is an honor to be selected. A good ambassador is someone who represents others. So, when we do such interviews in the media, I intend to represent the NBA well.
You are a 6-foot-9 scoring and rebounding machine. You are the first player in league history to score more than 20,000 points, and you have won two scoring champions. How would you describe your game?
My game is mainly power forward. I played hard in the game, rebounded and got my teammates ready for my jump shot. I get the ball, dribble two or three, rush to the basket or get fouled. I make a good jump shot. I can hit it from the top of the circle. We don't have a three-point line, so I didn't shoot a three-pointer, but I can shoot from 15-18 feet from the basket with high accuracy.
You led the league in rebounding in 1956. What is the key to your rebounding?
What I am most proud of is my rebounds. As far as I know, in 11 years, I averaged more than 16 rebounds per game. Whenever my teammate shoots, I don't watch the ball, I watch the person who hits me. I focused on defending me who tried to prevent me from rebounding. I fight and bypass him, then get into position so that the ball bounces in the area I try to reach. Basically, my game is to push under the rebound to get the rebound.
The other thing I did was that I tried my best every minute of the game. I have never asked for leave. I have never relaxed, nor said that I will not get the ball this time. I did not do that. I pursue every offensive rebound. Every time my teammate shoots, I chase the ball. Not once, not twice, every time. In the long run, it really paid off for me.
Who is the most difficult person you have ever played against?
Well, of course, Bill Russell is the greatest defensive player, but he didn't beat me. His team has Tom Sanders, he is a very good defensive player. Early in my career, there was a player named Mel Hutchins who did a great job playing against me. So, those are two very good defensive players. In general, you must always pay attention to where he is. The best defender is Bill Russell, because if you don't, he will block your shot.
The NBA has achieved widespread success. Who do you think has the greatest influence on the popularity of the alliance?
David Stern is the driving force behind the NBA's success. If you ask me to choose the person who has the greatest influence on the growth and development of the NBA, I would say that he is that person. What he brought into the league and promoted-and his ideas-turned out to be a very good addition.
Who is the best player you have ever seen?
I have never played against someone like LeBron James or Karim Abdul-Jabbar, but they will definitely be in my top group. I have to say that Oscar Robertson, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell are some of the players I would pick.
What advice do you have for the upcoming young players?
I will tell them to work hard to adjust their mentality towards the game. I don't think they can spend too much time in the gym. I don't think they can spend too much time practicing. Must develop a good shooting posture. Big guys have to develop their reconstruction, and for me, a lot of it is spiritual. How much do you want it and how much effort are you willing to put in to get it? If you just want to work hard, you will never become a great player. Great players cannot spend enough time practicing in the gym. If you are as thin as me, you must use weights to build muscles.