“People that didn’t get a chance to see him, really missed something” – George Gervin believed Pistol Pete Maravich was unlike any other player in the NBA originally appeared on Basketball Network.
Entering the NBA during an era dominated by the likes of Julius Erving and Bill Walton, and remaining in the league long enough to catch Michael Jordan’s ascension to superstardom, George Gervin didn’t just establish himself as one of the best pure scorers but also witnessed the dominance of some of the greatest talents.
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Even then, the Iceman often looked back in admiration at one particular player whose artistry and unpredictability left a lasting impression, Pete Maravich, whose flair and flamboyance always had fans on the edge of their seat, unaware of what move he would pull out next. Moreover, Pistol Pete’s playing style was so captivating that George felt genuinely sorry for those who missed the opportunity to witness him in action.
Gervin held massive respect for Maravich
When Gervin transitioned from the ABA to the NBA in the 1976-77 season, he witnessed firsthand Maravich at the peak of his offensive prowess. That very season, Pistol Pete led the league in scoring with an astonishing 31.0 points per game average, which also featured incredible performances such as his unforgettable 68-point explosion against the New York Knicks.
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For Gervin, seeing Maravich carry the same high-octane intensity and improvisational genius from his collegiate days into the NBA was not only a testament to his natural talent but also a source of deep professional admiration.
Thus, when he got an opportunity, Gervin unhesitantly admitted how inspired he was by Maravich’s ability to elevate the game for his teammates as well as score at will on the biggest stage, which was unlike anything he had ever seen before.
“Kind of career he had in college and bringing the same game and style in the pros… I would say the people who didn’t really get a chance to see him really missed something. We lost him too early,” Gervin said about Maravich. “I think his accomplishment to the game of basketball, man, and how he played it and how he loved it and how he could do things with the basketball that most couldn’t. We’re gonna remember him for a long time.”
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Gervin’s respect for Maravich shows the latter’s value
Despite Maravich’s teams, be it the Atlanta Hawks or the New Orleans Jazz, never reaching championship contention during his tenure as their No. 1 player, even the other all-time greats could not overlook the awe he inspired on the court.
Furthermore, considering how former player and coach George Karl often called out Gervin, accusing him of not always respecting teammates who didn’t match his skill level, the respect the latter held for Maravich, in such high regard, speaks volumes about Pete’s brilliance and the universal respect he commanded across the league.
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He may not have won an MVP award or had a generational impact on the franchises he presented, but Maravich did something beyond resumes; he inspired and impressed different generations of players with his unapologetic trickery and flair until his last campaign in the Association.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared.