What Happened to Pistol Pete?
Pistol Pete Maravich, also known as "Pistol Pete," was a legendary American basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1970 to 1980. He was known for his incredible scoring ability, flashy moves, and charismatic personality. So, what happened to Pistol Pete?
Early Life and College Career
Maravich was born on June 22, 1947, in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a family of athletes and was encouraged to play sports from a young age. Maravich’s father, Press Maravich, was a coach and player who taught him the fundamentals of basketball. Maravich’s natural talent and hard work paid off, and he became one of the most dominant players in college basketball.
At Louisiana State University (LSU), Maravich played for the Tigers from 1967 to 1970. During his college career, he averaged 44.2 points per game, a record that still stands today. Maravich’s impressive stats and flashy playing style earned him the nickname "Pistol Pete."
Professional Career
The Atlanta Hawks drafted Maravich with the third overall pick in the 1970 NBA draft. He played for the Hawks from 1970 to 1974, averaging 24.2 points per game. Maravich’s scoring ability and entertaining style made him a fan favorite in Atlanta.
In 1974, Maravich was traded to the New Orleans Jazz, where he played for six seasons. During his time with the Jazz, Maravich averaged 26.1 points per game and became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer.
What Happened to Pistol Pete?
So, what happened to Pistol Pete? Maravich’s NBA career was cut short due to a combination of factors. In 1980, at the age of 33, Maravich died suddenly while playing in a pickup game at a church gym in Pasadena, California.
Health Issues
Maravich had a history of health issues, including a heart condition and high blood pressure. He had also suffered from a variety of injuries throughout his career, including a broken ankle and a severely sprained knee.
Lifestyle Choices
Maravich’s lifestyle choices also contributed to his early death. He was known to be a heavy smoker and drinker, and he often stayed up late into the night playing cards and drinking with friends.
Death
On January 5, 1980, Maravich died of a massive heart attack while playing in a pickup game at a church gym in Pasadena, California. The game was a charity event, and Maravich was playing with a group of friends and former teammates.
Legacy
Despite his tragic death, Pistol Pete’s legacy lives on. He is still considered one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, and his flashy playing style and charismatic personality continue to inspire new generations of basketball fans.
Career Statistics
Here are Pistol Pete’s career statistics:
| Season | Team | Games | Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970-71 | Atlanta Hawks | 82 | 34.4 | 24.2 | 5.4 | 4.2 |
| 1971-72 | Atlanta Hawks | 81 | 37.4 | 26.1 | 5.9 | 4.5 |
| 1972-73 | Atlanta Hawks | 79 | 38.3 | 25.9 | 6.2 | 4.7 |
| 1973-74 | Atlanta Hawks | 82 | 39.5 | 27.2 | 6.5 | 5.1 |
| 1974-75 | New Orleans Jazz | 82 | 38.6 | 26.1 | 6.3 | 5.2 |
| 1975-76 | New Orleans Jazz | 82 | 39.4 | 27.3 | 6.5 | 5.4 |
| 1976-77 | New Orleans Jazz | 82 | 39.2 | 26.5 | 6.2 | 5.1 |
| 1977-78 | New Orleans Jazz | 82 | 38.5 | 25.8 | 6.1 | 4.9 |
| 1978-79 | New Orleans Jazz | 82 | 37.9 | 24.5 | 5.9 | 4.6 |
| 1979-80 | New Orleans Jazz | 45 | 36.3 | 23.2 | 5.4 | 4.3 |
Awards and Accolades
Here are some of Pistol Pete’s awards and accolades:
- NBA All-Star: 6 times (1973-1978)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team: 1971
- NBA Scoring Champion: 1977
- LSU Hall of Fame: 1980
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame: 1987
Conclusion
Pistol Pete Maravich’s life was cut short, but his legacy lives on. He was a talented player who entertained fans with his flashy moves and scoring ability. Despite his health issues and lifestyle choices, Maravich’s impact on the game of basketball is still felt today.
