Westbrook opens up on what achieving a triple-double means in the NBA while paying tribute to legend Oscar Robertson

Russell Westbrook remains one of the most electrifying and dominant players in NBA history, known especially for achieving what was once thought to be impossible: averaging a triple-double across an entire season. That rare feat has helped define his legacy, placing him in elite company alongside legends like the Milwaukee Bucks’ Oscar Robertson. This week, Westbrook lit up the ESPYs stage with a moving tribute to Robertson while presenting him with the prestigious Arthur Ashe Courage Award.

“I may be biased, but I don’t think there’s anything cooler in a basketball game than getting a triple-double,” Westbrook said with a grin, drawing laughter and knowing nods from fans across the league. His light-hearted comment carried deeper meaning—especially coming from the player who redefined what a triple-double means in today’s NBA.

Westbrook, currently a free agent, most recently played for the Denver Nuggets during the 2024–25 season. In 75 appearances, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. While his role has shifted since his MVP campaign in 2017, the 35-year-old guard continues to offer energy, leadership, and production on both ends of the court.

Yes, Westbrook is no longer the explosive force he once was in his prime—but his numbers still speak volumes. His contributions remain meaningful, both offensively and defensively, proving he still has value as a veteran presence and versatile guard in the NBA.

Westbrook and Robertson’s triple-double legacy

Oscar Robertson changed the game with a level of all-around excellence that had never been seen before. During the 1961–62 season with the Cincinnati Royals, he became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double over an entire campaign—posting 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists. The accomplishment was so staggering that many believed it would never happen again.

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Though Robertson never repeated the feat, he consistently produced elite numbers throughout his career. He retired with averages of 25.7 points, 9.5 assists, and 7.5 rebounds, and his 181 career triple-doubles stood as the NBA’s gold standard for over 50 years. More than stats, he redefined what was possible for a point guard, ushering in a new era of versatility and floor leadership.

That record eventually fell to Westbrook, who not only equaled Robertson’s achievement but went on to surpass it multiple times. In the 2016–17 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Westbrook averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists—becoming the first player since Robertson to average a triple-double over a full season. His performance earned him league MVP honors and re-ignited debate over how to measure greatness.

But Westbrook didn’t stop at just one season. He would go on to average a triple-double in three more NBA seasons—2017–18, 2018–19, and 2020–21—ultimately surpassing Robertson’s once-untouchable career record with over 190 triple-doubles to date. While critics have questioned the impact of his stat lines on winning, few can argue with the legacy he’s left. In a league that constantly evolves, Westbrook and Robertson remain the standard-bearers for all-around excellence.