When diving into NBA history, I’ve always been fascinated by the triple-double leaders. Oscar Robertson, often called “The Big O,” was the first player to average a triple-double for an entire season in 1961-62. That season, he posted 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game over 79 games. Robertson’s size at 6’5″ played a significant role in his ability to dominate multiple aspects of the game simultaneously. With the explosion of statistical analysis in modern sports, his achievements have gained even more appreciation over time.
Russell Westbrook, however, redefined the concept for a new generation by achieving a triple-double average for four separate seasons. I’ll never forget the 2016-17 season, where he averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game. Westbrook’s unrelenting energy and athleticism, not to mention his ability to play at an incredibly high pace, made him nearly unstoppable. His ability to maintain such a high usage rate while still being efficient has always struck me as remarkable.
Magic Johnson also belongs in the discussion, accumulating 138 triple-doubles throughout his career. Magic’s unique skill set as a 6’9” point guard allowed him to excel. I remember reading how he helped the Lakers clinch the 1980 NBA Finals, delivering one of his most legendary performances by playing center in place of the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Game 6, where he tallied 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, showcasing his versatility and leadership.
LeBron James, who joined the league in 2003, has since climbed the ranks, recording numerous triple-doubles himself—he currently sits among the top five in that category. During the 2017-18 season, I watched him average a near triple-double with 27.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists. LeBron’s basketball IQ and ability to see plays develop before they happen make him an exceptional playmaker. His physical prowess allows him to grab rebounds and power through defenders for points in a way that few others can replicate.
Jason Kidd, with a career total of 107 triple-doubles, deserves a mention. Kidd was known for his court vision and defensive tenacity. I can’t forget his 2001-02 season with the New Jersey Nets, where he helped turn the franchise into an Eastern Conference powerhouse. He averaged 14.7 points, 9.9 assists, and 7.3 rebounds that season, playing a crucial role in their journey to the NBA Finals. His contributions to the game extend beyond traditional stats, as his defensive acumen and basketball IQ made him a constant threat on both ends of the floor.
Wilt Chamberlain, known for his scoring and rebounding prowess, also showed his versatility by recording 78 career triple-doubles. His 1967-68 season stands out as he averaged 24.3 points, 23.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game. Considering he played as a center, Chamberlain’s ability to distribute the ball was truly ahead of his time. It always amazes me how he could not only dominate scoring and rebounding but also involve his teammates effectively.
While discussing recent stars, I have to mention Luka Dončić. Although young, Luka has already posted a significant number of triple-doubles. During the 2021-22 season, he averaged 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists in just his fourth year in the league. His exceptional court vision and scoring ability, combined with his fearless attitude, make him one of the most exciting players to watch today.
Whenever I consider the future of the triple-double, players like Nikola Jokić come to mind. Jokić, a center, has redefined what it means to be a playmaking big man. In the 2020-21 season, he averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, earning him the MVP award. His skill set allows the Denver Nuggets to run their offense through him, making him a unique threat every time he steps on the court.
The evolution of the game has made it more conducive for players to accumulate triple-doubles. With higher-paced gameplay and more reliance on versatile players, it’s no surprise recent years have seen an uptick in such performances. The players who have consistently achieved these milestones are usually the ones pushing the boundaries of traditional roles, and it always excites me to see how they leverage their unique skills to influence the game. If you want to keep track of these leaders and learn more about their performances, you can check out the nba triple double leaders. Their consistency and impact on the game leave me in awe, and I can’t wait to see who the next trailblazer will be.