Oscar Robertson: The Man, the Myth, the Legend

Oscar Robertson is a name that echoes through the halls of basketball history, even if most people today only know him as the guy whose record Russell Westbrook broke in 2017. But to true fans, Robertson is more than just a footnote in a trivia question, he’s a larger-than-life figure who represents everything that makes basketball great: skill, athleticism, and a sweet ‘fro.

So who is Oscar Robertson? Well, for starters, he’s a 6’5” former guard who played for the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1960s and early 1970s. At the time, he was considered one of the best players in the league, and he even received the ultimate honor of being named Most Valuable Player in 1964. But what really set Robertson apart was his signature move: the triple-double.

In case you’re not familiar, a triple-double is when a player records double digits in three different statistical categories during a game. It’s a rare feat that only the best of the best can achieve, and somehow Robertson managed to do it on a nightly basis. In fact, he averaged a triple-double for an entire season in 1962, a feat that no one had ever accomplished before. That’s like hitting a hole-in-one on every single hole of a golf course, or completing a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded while riding a unicycle. It’s just that impressive.

But here’s the thing: Robertson didn’t even think the triple-double was a big deal. To him, it was just part of his game. He was more concerned with winning and playing at a high level every night, which is why he’s often overlooked in discussions of the greatest players of all time. But make no mistake, Oscar Robertson was a giant of the game, and his impact can still be felt to this day.

Whether you’re a diehard basketball fan or someone who only knows about the sport because of Space Jam, there’s something to admire about Oscar Robertson. He was a true competitor who gave his all every time he stepped on the court, and he did it all with a style and flair that was ahead of its time. So here’s to you, Oscar. Thanks for the memories, and the sweet ‘fro.