Oscar Robertson, known as “The Big O,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history. A dominant guard for the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks, he was the first player to average a triple-double for an entire season (1961-62). A 12-time All-Star and the league MVP in 1964, Robertson played a pivotal role in leading the Bucks to their first championship in 1971. Beyond his on-court dominance, he was instrumental in the NBA’s free agency movement, reshaping player rights and salaries.
In a 2021 interview on The Players’ Tribune’s Knuckleheads podcast, Robertson was asked to name his all-time starting five in NBA history. His selections surprised many, as he left LeBron James off the list. “Well, I’m gonna say Jordan, Elgin Baylor, the kid of the moment from Golden State—Curry—Jerry West, and Wilt Chamberlain,” Robertson said.
He also gave an honorable mention to Shaquille O’Neal, acknowledging his dominance: “Shaq came and played great, you know. There’s been a lot of success and great basketball.”
However, LeBron James was an unexpected omission—only being mentioned as an afterthought. “And I forgot something a moment ago when I mentioned great basketball—the great and only LeBron James. He’s a great basketball player,” Robertson added.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks towards the crowd during a timeout against the Denver Nuggets in the second half of the NBA Opening night game in 2023.
His choices raised eyebrows, as many expected him to favor players with a similar skill set to his own. Yet, Stephen Curry, a modern-era player known for his three-point shooting rather than all-around dominance, made the cut.
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Big names left off Robertson’s list
Given the challenge of selecting just five players from NBA history, some all-time greats inevitably missed the cut. Along with LeBron James, other legends such as Kobe Bryant and even Robertson’s former teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were left off the list.
Oscar Robertson’s legacy
Robertson’s career began in 1960 when the Cincinnati Royals selected him with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft. From the outset, he displayed unparalleled versatility, averaging 30.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 9.7 assists as a rookie. During the 1961-62 season, he became the first player to average a triple-double, cementing his status as one of the game’s most complete players. His elite scoring, playmaking, and rebounding made him a perennial All-Star and one of the league’s top guards throughout the 1960s.
In 1970, Robertson was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he teamed up with young superstar Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The move paid off instantly, as the duo led the Bucks to a dominant 66-16 record and their first NBA championship in 1971. While his scoring declined in Milwaukee, his leadership and playmaking remained invaluable.
Beyond his statistical achievements, Robertson’s influence extended off the court. As president of the NBA Players Association, he spearheaded the legal battle that paved the way for modern free agency, fundamentally altering the landscape of player rights and salaries.
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Robertson retired in 1974 as a 12-time All-Star, an MVP, and one of the greatest guards in basketball history. His impact on the game endures—not just as a legendary player but as a trailblazer who shaped the future of the NBA.
