What is a triple-double and how many players have ever averaged a triple-double in the NBA?

If you are a basketball fanatic and have been following the sport, especially during the last couple of years, you sure have wondered what a triple-double is in basketball. Well, for starters, it is one of the most impressive things a player can ever accomplish in a single game.

More than ever, most famous players and all-star athletes have fed their resumes thanks to this particular achievement. And while it might seem as simple as it sounds, achieving this stat requires a highly skilled basketball guru on the pitch. So, what really is a triple-double?

What is a triple-double in NBA?

Keep in mind that there are five primary individual stats in basketball. These include;

All of these box scores often display these five stats for every player in any given game. A triple-double, in this case, is achieved when a player has double-digit stats, at least 10, in any three of the five major statistical categories.

For instance, when a player records 10 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds simultaneously and in a single game. So, are there any players who have pulled off this stat? Scroll down and find more information, including players who averaged a triple-double in a season.

Which players have ever averaged a triple-double?

During the 1979/80 NBA season, the triple-double was made an official statistical category and has since been used to date. Even though there is the other category, the double-doubles, pulling off the triple-double remains one of the most outstanding achievements in the sport.

According to various online sources, Sports Brief has compiled a list of renowned players who averaged triple-doubles in the finals and seasons.

10. Luka Doncic - 46

The legendary Luka Doncic has barely played four NBA seasons and is already among the top 10 players with the most triple-doubles in history. He has recorded 46 of them in 264 games, averaging 26.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game.

Considering Luka's career profile, it gets even more fascinating as he has recorded more of these stats than well-decorated players like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Additionally, out of the 46, he recorded 20, just at 21. Therefore, it is clear that even though he takes the 10th position, Luka is one skilled basketball player swiftly climbing up those bars.

9. Larry Bird - 59

At the 9th position sits Larry Bird, a former professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the National Basketball Association. Famously dubbed the Hick from French Lick and Larry Legend, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

One interesting fact about Larry is that he is the only person in the league's history ever to be named Rookie of the Year, MVP, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year all at once.

During his peak days, the renowned Hall of Famer tallied 24.3 points, 6.3 assists, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game and recorded 59 triple-doubles throughout his career.

8. James Harden - 69

Another vast name on the list is James Harden, one of the best players of his generation, especially regarding the offense sector. He is still recalled for being a scoring champion in three consecutive seasons.

Consequently, he averaged 33.7 points per game in that span alone. However, the legend continues to prove that he could contribute much more than just points, thanks to his notable 69 triple-doubles in a regular season.

In December 2016, the athlete pulled an incredible performance, recording 53 points, 17 assists, and 16 rebounds. He is one of the gems Philadelphia 76ers would never dream of letting go of.

7. Nikola Jokic - 76

Nikola Jokic is the first player on the list to reach the 70th mark by recording 76 triple-doubles. Hailing from Serbia, the professional basketball player plays as a centre for the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association.

A five-time NBA All-Star, Nikola has been named to the All-NBA team on four occasions, including three first-team selections. Moreover, he won the NBA MVP award for the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons.

Among all the TD he pulled, the impressive one that caught the public's attention and brought him to the spotlight was when he erupted for 49 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Los Angeles Clippers.

6. Wilt Chamberlain - 78

There is no way such a name would be missed on such a list. He is among those legends the league adores and honours despite passing away. In fact, several players and publications have argued that Chamberlain remains the greatest of all time.

Besides, during his career days, he held numerous NBA regular season records in scoring, rebounding, and durability categories. He was indeed a talent without equal. One of the most notable and conspicuous moments in his career was when he scored 51 points, grabbed 29 rebounds, and dished out 11 assists.

5. LeBron James -105

Yes! LeBron is on the list and the first player to reach the 100th mark. He is arguably one of the best players in NBA history. In fact, some players and fans consider him as king of the court. Aside from his 105 career triple-doubles, he also recorded 28 other ones in playoffs.

He is the only player in the league to record triple-doubles against all 30 NBA teams. If this was just about LeBron James' career highlights and awards, you can attest that the discussion would never end.

4. Jason Kidd - 107

Hailing from California, the United States of America, Jason Kidd was among the best passers the league had ever seen. Besides, he allegedly ranks second in assists with a record of 12,091. Aside from his incredible assists, he averaged 6.3 rebounds and 12.6 points.

His triple-doubles aside, Kidd was a 10-time NBA All-Star, a five-time All-NBA First Team member, and a nine-time NBA All-Defensive Team member on top of winning an NBA championship in 2011 and two gold medals in the Olympics in 2000 and 2008.

3. Magic Johnson - 138

Even in retirement, Magic Johnson is still regarded as one of the best basketball players in the history of the NBA. He is one player renowned for popularising the triple-doubles as he has shown astonishing versatility since debuting.

Johnson averaged 11.2 assists, 7.2 rebounds, and 19.5 points during his peak career days. It is no wonder he managed to pull off a total of 138 triple-doubles throughout his career. Aside from the category stats he pulled, Magic's career achievements include three NBA MVP awards, three NBA finals MVP awards, and nine NBA finals appearances.

2. Oscar Robertson - 181

Even though Magic Johnson is renowned for popularising the category stats in question, it would be unjust to acknowledge another pioneer of this feat, Oscar Robertson, who tallied 181 triple-doubles in his 14-year career spell.

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NBA

Interestingly, he pulled 148 of the stats during his first 5 seasons. The guru's fame notably skyrocketed following his incredible performance when he recorded 22 rebounds, 37 points, and 11 dines during the Cincinnati Royals' 91-87 victory over the Boston Celtics.

1. Russell Westbrook - 194

Who has the most triple-doubles in history? As of April 2023, Russel Westbrook ranks first with a total of 194. Fun fact, the legendary player had just eight of them in his first six seasons, and in the following eight campaigns, he ended up recording 186 triple-doubles, including 42 in the 2016/17 season.

You might think Russel is only renowned for the particular category stats. Still, you are yet to learn about his other career achievements, which include being a nine-time NBA All-Star hence earning the NBA MVP Award for the 2016/17 season.

Moreover, he is a nine-time All-NBA team member, led the league in scoring during the 2014/15 and 2016/17 seasons, and won back-to-back NBA All-Star Game MVP awards in 2015 and 2016. Keep in mind that he is still active on the court. Therefore, his records would probably increase within no time.

Who is the youngest player to post a triple-double?

As of April 2023, LaMelo LaFrance Ball is the youngest basketball player to ever pull the category stat in question. He currently plays for the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association, NBA.

Now that you have the information regarding what a triple-double is in basketball, we hope you can tell when one is pulled off in any match, whether live or 2K. Moreover, since the number of triple-doubles in the league is rising, it is only fair that the best gets acknowledged.

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