Pete Maravich

Pete Maravich was the most creative offensive player of his era and a ball-handling wizard whose skills were 30 years ahead of their time. 'Pistol Pete' averaged 44.2 points per game in college at LSU — without a three-point line and with freshmen ineligible to play varsity — a record so absurd it will never be broken. His NBA career, while hampered by knee injuries, still produced five All-Star selections and a scoring title in 1977 when he averaged 31.1 points per game.

Maravich's handle was legendary. His behind-the-back passes, between-the-legs dribbles, and no-look assists were dismissed as 'hot-dogging' by traditionalists of the 1970s but celebrated by a new generation that recognized genius when they saw it. If Maravich played in today's NBA — with a three-point line, space-and-pace offenses, and an appreciation for creative playmaking — his statistical output would be mind-boggling.

Knee injuries cut Maravich's career short at age 32, and his tragic death at 40 from an undiagnosed heart condition during a pickup game robbed basketball of one of its most colorful figures. In just ten NBA seasons, Maravich averaged 24.2 points per game and left a legacy of creativity and flair that influenced Steph Curry, Steve Nash, and every ball-handling guard who followed.