“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.

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.

Many might have expected Abdul-Jabbar to name his longtime Lakers teammate Magic Johnson or modern-day superstar Stephen Curry. But in a 2023 interview with Justin Walters of New York’s WPIX-TV, the six-time MVP offered a different perspective.

“I don’t think you’re going to want to hear this,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “Oscar Robertson. The Big O. I only had the chance to play with him at the end of his career, but he was awesome.”

Robertson, a 12-time All-Star and former MVP, spent most of his 14-year career with the Cincinnati Royals before finishing his career with the Milwaukee Bucks—where he and a young Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Lew Alcindor, won the 1971 NBA championship together.

A championship partnership in Milwaukee

Oscar Robertson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were teammates during the early years of Kareem’s career, playing together in Milwaukee from 1970 to 1974. Though their time as teammates was relatively brief, it proved to be transformative for both players and for the Bucks franchise. Robertson, already established as one of the league’s premier point guards, brought leadership, poise, and elite playmaking that helped elevate a young Abdul-Jabbar into superstardom.

Their impact was immediate. In their first season together (1970–71), the Bucks dominated the league, finishing with a 66–16 record and capturing the NBA championship by sweeping the Baltimore Bullets in the Finals. Abdul-Jabbar, in just his second season, earned MVP honors, while Robertson—acquired via trade from Cincinnati—played the perfect complementary role with his floor generalship and veteran presence.

During their four seasons together, Robertson and Abdul-Jabbar led the Bucks to the playoffs every year, including another trip to the NBA Finals in 1974, where they fell in a hard-fought seven-game series against the Boston Celtics. Though they didn’t win another title, the duo firmly established Milwaukee as a powerhouse in the league. Abdul-Jabbar emerged as the NBA’s next generational superstar, while Robertson closed out his Hall of Fame career on a high note.

Their partnership was short-lived, but it left a lasting mark on NBA history. Abdul-Jabbar has repeatedly credited Robertson as a key influence in his development as a professional before he came to the Lakers, praising his intelligence, calm demeanor, and masterful control of the game. Together, they ushered in a new era—blending the promise of youth with the wisdom of experience in a way that still resonates in basketball lore.

Born on August 21, 1936, Chamberlain was a once-in-a-generation talent. Standing 7-foot-1, his combination of size, athleticism, and skill, especially during his years with the Philadelphia Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, has led former players to claim he could outshine stars from any era.

That’s why, in a 2024 appearance on All The Smoke, Robertson reaffirmed his belief that Chamberlain would have been dominant regardless of the era. “Wilt carried the NBA that year [1961–62 season]. They don’t say much about it. I think he could play in any NBA era and dominate,” the Bucks legend said, even when comparing Chamberlain to greats like Jordan, James, and Kobe.

Chamberlain’s résumé backs up that claim. He averaged an astonishing 50.4 points per game during the 1961–62 season, something no other player has ever done. And if that stat alone doesn’t speak volumes, consider this: he was one of the few players in NBA history to go an entire season without fouling out.

Chamberlain’s life beyond basketball

Chamberlain shared a close friendship with Bill Russell. The two spent a great deal of time together off the court, but their relationship soured after a misunderstanding stemming from a playoff game in the late 1960s. Russell initially accused Chamberlain of backing out of the final game in a series, but later learned that the claims were unfounded.

In 1990, Chamberlain released his autobiography, A View From Above, where he shared personal stories and lesser-known aspects of his life and career. Among the revelations was his exceptional talent for beach volleyball, a sport he pursued passionately after his NBA days.

Records and achievements

Chamberlain wasn’t just a statistical marvel, he was also a winner. He captured two NBA championships and earned numerous individual honors, including four MVP awards (three of them consecutively). He still holds the record for the most rebounds in a single game (55) and remains the only player to score over 4,000 points in a season. For comparison, the next closest was Michael Jordan, who scored just over 3,000 in a single campaign.

Some of his other unmatched records include:

• Most minutes per game in a single season: 45.8
• Franchise scoring leader for the Warriors: 17,783 points
• Anchored the Lakers’ record 33-game winning streak
• Most free throws made in a single game: 28
• Most field goals made in a single game: 36

In addition to his records, Chamberlain earned an impressive list of accolades:

• 13× NBA All-Star
• 7× Scoring Champion
• 11× Rebounding Champion
• 1967–68 Assist Champion
• 2× NBA Champion
• 10× All-NBA selection
• 2× All-Defensive Team
• 1959–60 Rookie of the Year
• 1971–72 Finals MVP

Cunningham finished his playoff run averaging 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, making him just the third player in NBA history to post those numbers in his postseason debut.

The 23-year-old point guard reached the playoffs for the first time in his four-year NBA career and led Detroit in scoring in five of the six games in the series. His best performance came in the 100-94 win in Game 2 at Madison Square Garden, where he scored 33 points in 42 minutes on the court.

Luka Doncic accomplished something similar in his second season with the Dallas Mavericks, when in the 2020 playoffs he posted averages of 31 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists during a 4-2 first-round loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference.

And before the Slovenian guard, the only other player to reach such numbers in his playoff debut was NBA legend Oscar Robertson. In his second year with the Cincinnati Royals in 1962, the Big O made his first postseason appearance and averaged 28.8 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 3-1 series loss to the Detroit Pistons.

Cunningham is satisfied with Detroit’s performance

Despite the early exit against the Knicks, Cade Cunningham believes the team left a strong impression. “We proved to ourselves that what we have in the room works and can be very successful in the NBA,” he said, according to ESPN.

“I think at the same time, we proved that to the rest of the league as well that when they come play Detroit, it’s going to be a dogfight,” the guard added. “So I think that’s the thing that the whole league has taken notice, too, and just the belief in the locker room has grown a ton.”

The Pistons had a strong year

Even though the Pistons’ playoff run was short, just making it there was already an achievement. They finished sixth in the regular season with a 44-38 record and returned to the Eastern Conference playoffs after a six-year absence.

With a young roster and the increasingly clear leadership of Cunningham, Detroit has plenty of reasons to believe this season could be the start of something big. After making the playoffs this year, the next step in coming seasons will be improving that performance—something the franchise has struggled to do in recent years.

In the past 18 seasons, they’ve made the playoffs only five times. In four of those appearances, they were eliminated in the first round. The last time Detroit advanced past the opening round was in 2008, when they reached the Eastern Conference Finals after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic, before falling to the Boston Celtics.

After stepping away from professional basketball, Bridgeman quickly transitioned into the business world, where he achieved remarkable success. As the owner of nearly all Wendy’s franchises nationwide, along with his role as a minority owner of the Bucks, he’s built an empire that extends far beyond basketball.

A few months after his announcement as a minority owner of the Bucks, Bridgeman sat down with fellow Bucks legends Marques Johnson and Kris Johnson on the Hear District podcast. During the episode, he reflected on his time with the Bucks and shared his thoughts on the players he faced and other legends in the Bucks like Allen or Robertson, including his NBA idol: Julius “Dr. J” Erving.

“Growing up in Louisville, Dr. J was my idol,” Bridgeman said. “The ABA team was always in town, and we watched him play all the time. He still has one of the most memorable dunks I’ve ever seen.“

Bridgeman went on to describe a specific moment from that era: “It was a game with the New Jersey Nets. Artist [Gilmore] grabbed a rebound and threw it out. The Colonels were on a fast break, but Artist stayed back around the free-throw line. Dr. J stole the ball on the right side of the floor, then took off down the court. The entire crowd, myself included, stood up as he made a move to the basket. He jumped, turned his back to Artist, and delivered one of the most unforgettable dunks in basketball history.”

Bridgeman: The inspiration of NBA legends

As Junior Bridgeman shared his thoughts on his NBA idol, it’s clear that he himself was an inspiration to two of the most prominent players in NBA history. One of them, Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson, expressed his admiration for the Bucks’ icon with a heartfelt message on social media.

Shaquille O’Neal, another Lakers legend, also praised Bridgeman, particularly for his business acumen. O’Neal shared his admiration on TNT Sports, saying, “I’ve patterned my whole business acumen after Junior Bridgeman. If it wasn’t for Bridgeman, I wouldn’t have known where to start.”

Bridgeman’s lasting Legacy in the NBA

While Junior Bridgeman may not have won a championship in the NBA, his impact on the Milwaukee Bucks franchise is undeniable. He was a key player for the team, becoming a cornerstone during the late 1970s and 1980s. The Bucks honored him by retiring his No. 2 jersey, a fitting tribute to his significant contributions on the court.

Off the court, Bridgeman’s entrepreneurial success has also inspired countless athletes looking to transition to life after basketball. His accomplishments as a businessman demonstrate that athletes can thrive in industries beyond sports.

The never-ending debate over the NBA‘s greatest player of all time dominates discussions across social media, TV shows, and podcasts. While countless former players and legends have weighed in, few have identified the one athlete who could have dominated in any era of the league.

For Robertson, who recently drew a response from Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green for comments made before NBA All-Star Weekend, one player, in particular, stood out as the most transcendent talent in any era. Among all the athletes he competed against at the peak of his career, this individual held a special place in the Bucks legend’s eyes.

On March 2, as the basketball world celebrates Wilt Chamberlain’s historic 100-point game in 1962, Robertson made it clear: the Golden State Warriors legend deserves recognition above other all-time greats like LeBron James and Michael Jordan as a player who could have dominated in any era.

Robertson explains why he picks Chamberlain over Jordan or LeBron

It’s no secret that NBA legends like Jordan and LeBron have dominated their respective eras. However, basketball has evolved significantly over the years, and the challenges players face today are different from those of past generations. Some of the sport’s greatest icons might have struggled under modern rules, just as today’s stars would have faced unique difficulties in the league’s more physical early days.

According to Robertson, Chamberlain stood out above the rest in the 1960s and 1970s. While Jordan capitalized on the aggressive style of play in his era, Robertson believes Chamberlain was on another level.

“Wilt averaged 50 points per game, and people don’t talk about it enough. It’s unbelievable. My good friend Bill Russell won MVP that season, and he played great because they won the championship. But when you average 50 points per game in a season, that’s crazy, man,” Bucks legend said on All The Smoke last year.

Robertson on Chamberlain’s impact on the game

Only a handful of players in NBA history can truly be credited with revolutionizing the sport. For Robertson, Chamberlain was one of them, single-handedly elevating the league during his record-breaking season. “Wilt carried the NBA that year. They don’t say much about it. I think he could play in any NBA era and dominate,” Robertson said.

Beyond his scoring ability, Chamberlain was a multi-sport athlete with an unparalleled physical presence. “He could run track, high jump, play volleyball—he did it all. And he backed it up on the court. Of course, there are great players today, but can you imagine grabbing 50 rebounds in a game? That was incredible,“ Robertson added.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The game has become heavily criticized for its lack of defense and the players’ inexistent desire to try and make it fun for the fans. But we continue to tune in every year, hoping something amazing will happen.

The NBA’s All-Star Game has been full of epic performances. However, just a handful of players have managed to make history in this game. Here, we’re going to let you know about some of them.

NBA All-Star: The 3 Craziest All-Star Records

3. Most Points Score – 55, Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum just broke the record for the highest-scoring performance in NBA All-Star Game history. One could argue that it was also the softest ASG of all time due to the lack of defense, but it was impressive nonetheless.

Also, Tatum’s shot was money all night long. He scored 55 points with ten three-pointers, ten rebounds, and six assists. Hedid all that on 71% from the floor, and led his team to a big win as well.

2. Most Consecutive Selections – 18, Kobe Bryant

Many players have made history by logging over a dozen All-Star selections. However, just a handful of them has been able to stand out from the rest of the pack and make it to the big game year in and year out.

Thus far, Kobe Bryant holds the record for the most consecutive All-Star selections, a true testamentto his greatness and how much time he was one of the best, most dominant players in the world.

1. Most Minutes Per All-Star Game – 31.7, Oscar Robertson

NBA players don’t want to play in the All-Star Game anymore; it’s as simple as that. So, this record will never be topped, as there’s no way you’ll see a star out there for more than 30 minutes in a meaningless game.

Back when players actually cared, NBA legend Oscar Robertson set the mark for the most minutes played in a single All-Star Game (42), tied with Bill Russell, Jerry West, and Nate Thurmond.

Westbrook is one of the most athletic players to ever lace them up. He can take anyone one-on-one, and his ability to pile up rebounds is unmatched for a player of his size. He’s just a video-game kind of player in real life.

Nonetheless, somehow people seem unimpressed about the fact that he’s en route to average a triple-double for a full season for the fourth time in his career, and that’s why Milwaukee Bucks legend Oscar Robertson recently called out his critics.

Oscar Robertson Defends Russell Westbrook From His Haters

When asked about whether he wants Westbrook to take him down in the all-time triple-doubles list, Robertson was nothing but supportive of him, claiming that those who call him out for not winning a ring are way out of line:

“There’s no doubt about it. I hope he gets it. I think he’s one of the elite guards in basketball, and I think it’s ridiculous that some sportswriters criticize him because he has not won a championship. Players don’t win championships by themselves. You’ve got to have good management. You need to get with the right group of players,” Robertson told The New York Times.

Robertson went on to add that players are just teaming up to win a ring nowadays, thus making it harder for lone stars to win on their own. That, according to him, didn’t happen as often back in the day:

“Look at Brooklyn: Who could have done this years ago? How things have changed. It seems now that what’s happening in basketball, and I haven’t seen it happen in football yet, is players will get together and say, “Let’s go and play for this team so we can win.” Years ago, you wouldn’t have thought of doing that,” he concluded.

Truth be told, Westbrook draws more criticism for his poor decision-making – especially with the game on the line – rather than for ‘stat-padding’. In fact, his teams have a 70% winning percentage when he gets a triple-double.

But, even if you’re not a fan of his phrenetic play, you can’t discredit a player that’s piled up 179 triple-doubles (and counting) throughout his career. Let’s not normalize one of the most incredible features in NBA history.