robert e. lee pettit jr. (born december 12, 1932) is an american former professional basketball player. he played as a power forward. he played 11 seasons in the national basketball association (nba) for the milwaukee/st. louis hawks between 1954 and 1965. he was an nba champion in 1958 and an 11-time nba all-star. he was awarded the first nba most valuable player award in 1956, winning it again in 1959. in 1970, pettit was added to the naismith memorial basketball hall of fame.