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The only player to ever average a triple-double for an entire season is Hall-of-Famer Oscar Robertson. That happened in the 1961-62 season, when he was only 23-years-old, so you should definitely feel terrible about what little you accomplished at that age. All these years later, we’re talking about the Big O’s biggest accomplishments again because Russell Westbrook, playing with a planet-sized chip on his shoulder this season, is currently averaging a triple-double, and no one has done what he’s doing since Robertson.
But the question, of course, is: can he keep it up?
He’ll undoubtedly have the points, as he’s currently second in scoring with 31 ppg. He’s also second in assists with 11.3 pg, and he could possibly carry that for 60 more games. Stranger things have happened. The problem, though, might be his rebounds. He’s averaging 10.9 per contest (ninth in the NBA) and it’s going to be hard to keep that number above single digits. We know Westbrook is confident enough, though, and now we know he has another huge believes in his Team USA pal* LeBron James.
As he told reporters this week (Via ESPN), while possibly quoting Seinfeld:
He’s capable of doing it. He’s showing it. He’s like the Energizer Bunny, man. He doesn’t get tired, and when you have that passion for the game, too, as well, it’s very doable.
… with his athleticism, him being able to get those rebounds, he handles the ball for the majority of the game for OKC, so he’s gonna get the assists… it’s very doable.
James’ reasoning, like my own bold prediction, is that he’ll get the points and assists, but, again, it’s just a matter of the rebounds. The King isn’t alone, either, as Jason Kidd also believes that Westbrook has what it takes to join Robertson in a truly exclusive club.
“It can be done,” Kidd said of averaging a triple-double in a season, a feat not seen since Oscar Robertson did so in 1961-62. “I have always said I think it could be done. You got to have a special player, and I think we are looking at a special player.” (Via ESPN)
So, if you need a reason to watch Westbrook this season, other than the fact that he’s incredibly fun to watch, let it be his epic quest and his need for more boards.
*Never forget the time they sniffed flowers together. What a beautiful moment.
