Triple Double Kings: NBA Players Who Averaged a Triple Double in a Season
Hello, basketball enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the extraordinary world of NBA players who averaged a triple double in a season. For the uninitiated, a triple double is when a player averages double digits in three statistical categories – usually points, rebounds, and assists – over the course of an entire season. It's a remarkable feat that only a handful of elite players have achieved. So, let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and nba players who averaged a triple double in a season.
The Exclusive Club: NBA Players Who Averaged a Triple Double
Oscar Robertson: The Original Triple Double King
We can't talk about NBA players who averaged a triple double in a season without starting with the man who set the bar. Oscar Robertson, a.k.a. "The Big O," is the only player in NBA history to average a triple double for an entire season. In the 1961-62 campaign, Robertson put up 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game – an astonishing achievement that still stands as one of the greatest statistical performances in league history.
Russell Westbrook: The Modern Triple Double Machine
Fast forward to the 21st century, and we find Russell Westbrook, a player who has made the triple double his personal trademark. Westbrook is the only player, other than Robertson, to average a triple double for an entire season, accomplishing the feat in the 2016-17 and 2018-19 seasons. In those years, Westbrook put up incredible numbers, with his 2016-17 season being particularly noteworthy: 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game.
James Harden: The Beard's Historic 2018-19 Season
James Harden joined the exclusive triple double club in the 2018-19 season, when he put up ridiculous numbers across the board. Harden's 36.7 points per game led the league, and he also chipped in 7.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists to become the third player in NBA history to average a triple double for a season.
The Elite Few: Other NBA Players Who Flirted with Triple Doubles
While Robertson, Westbrook, and Harden are the only players to average a triple double for an entire season, a few other elite players have come close to achieving this remarkable feat.
Wilt Chamberlain: The 50-Point Triple Double Threat
Wilt Chamberlain is one of the most dominant players in NBA history, and he came close to averaging a triple double in several seasons. In the 1962-63 campaign, Chamberlain averaged 44.8 points, 24.3 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game – an unbelievable statistical line that fell just short of the triple double mark.
Larry Bird: The Celtics Legend's Remarkable 1987-88 Season
Larry Bird is another all-time great who flirted with a triple double average. In the 1987-88 season, Bird put up 29.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game. While he fell short of the triple double average, his incredible versatility and impact on both ends of the court made him one of the most complete players in NBA history.
The Quest for Triple Doubles Continues
As we look towards the future, it's exciting to think about which players might join the exclusive club of NBA players who averaged a triple double in a season. With the league's current emphasis on versatility and playmaking, it's possible that we'll see more players flirt with – or even achieve – this remarkable statistical milestone.
So, there you have it, folks! A deep dive into the incredible world of NBA players who averaged a triple double in a season. Be sure to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below, and stay tuned for more basketball content!