The current NBA has a lot of players that are especialis in one phacet of the game. Some are great scorers, others are great passers and others do a terrific job on the defensive end of the ball.
Over the years, we have seen players with enough talent to be good at almost every aspect of the game. Even though is rare to see them now, there are some ballers that really put up a show whenever they stepped on the court.
Versatility is something we don't see that often in NBA players, as most of them excel at one aspect of the game and are just above average in the others. That's why not many players have been able to record a quadruple-double in the NBA.
You must be an elite defender and playmaker to achieve such an impressive stat line. You also need your teammates to follow in line and, why not? even some luck. That's why there have only been 5 quadruple-doubles in NBA history.
Draymond Green was pretty close to entering that list in 2017, as he logged 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 steals. Somehow, he failed to score 10 points to join that exclusive quadruple-double club.
The quadruple-double is so rare that, even with the faster pace, the more skilled players, and the way the game is played right now, we haven't seen one since 1994. In the following paragraphs, we're going to tell you everything there is to know about every quadruple-double in NBA history.
What Is A Quadruple-Double?
Just like a double-double or a triple-double, a quadruple-double happens when a basketball player records double digits in 4 major statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, and/or blocks).
A player must have 10+ on 4 of those 5 categories to record a quadruple-double, which is extremely difficult considering how tough it is to pile up 10+ blocks (has happened just 159 times) or 10+ steals (has happened just 24 times).
Every Quadruple-Double In NBA History
5. Nate Thurmond – October 18, 1974
Stats: 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, 12 blocks
Nate Thurmond was the first player to ever record a quadruple-double in the NBA. More impressively, it happened on the very first game of the 1974-75 regular season, when his Chicago Bulls faced the Atlanta Hawks.
Thurmond was known for his ability to dominate both sides of the glass and his defensive expertise. He retired with averages of 15.0 points, 15.0 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, although the league didn't keep track of blocks until 1974, his 11th season in the NBA.
4. Alvin Robertson – February 18, 1986
Stats: 20 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 steals
Younger fans may not know him but Alvin Robertson is one of the most underrated defenders of all time and it's not even close. He was a hound in the backcourt that could pile up steals at a high pace. He could pick your pocket in a heartbeat and was a huge menace in passing lanes as well.
Robertson was at his peak when his San Antonio Spurs faced off vs. the Phoenix Suns. He logged the second quadruple-double in NBA history after piling up 10 steals to lead his team to a 120-114 triumph.
3. Hakeem Olajuwon – March 3, 1990
Stats: 29 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists, 11 blocks
Hakeem Olajuwon is perhaps the most talented two-way big man of all time. His ability to score in the post was only topped by his unprecedented skills as a rim protector. He still holds the record for most blocks in NBA history with 3,830.
The Dream was at his best when the Houston Rockets beat the Golden State Warriors 129-109. He dominated both sides of the glass with ease and recorded 11 blocked shots, one shy of his career-high.
2. Hakeem Olajuwon – March 29, 1990
Stats: 18 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, 11 blocks
If having one quadruple-double wasn't legendary enough, Hakeem Olajuwon became the first player to do it more than once. More impressively, he had both quadruple-doubles over a three-week span.
This time, the Milwaukee Bucks (and, ironically, Alvin Robertson) were The Dream's victims. We should really praise Hakeem more, as he's the only player to ever be named MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and win the Finals MVP all in one season.
1. David Robinson, February 17, 1994
Stats: 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 blocks
If recording a quadruple-double wasn't difficult enough, David Robinson became the first player to ever top the 30-point plateau while also logging 10+ in 3 other categories. He did that on a Spurs win vs. the Detroit Pistons.
Robinson was stronger, bigger, more athletic than most players in the league during his prime and his skill set was in a full display that night. He's one of the few players to ever win the MVP, DPOY, Rookie of the Year, and also win an NBA Championship.
This is something incredibly hard to achieve. NBA players are alreadt elite athletes that can do a lot of things for their teams but posting a quadruple-double goes to the next level. These men were the best of the best and they left a big mark on the game.
