NBA History: Ranking the 15 greatest point guards of all time

15 greatest point guards in NBA History — No. 3: Oscar Robertson

The modern NBA player enters the league and takes some amount of time to adjust. This is partly due to players entering at a much younger age, and partly due to the speed, strength and complexity of today’s game. Back in the 1950s and 60s, however, the talent pool was small enough that a handful of superstars came into the league and immediately took it over.

That applies to Oscar Robertson, who averaged 30.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 9.7 assists as a rookie and never looked back. He would score are least 28 points per game for eight straight seasons, and would lead the league in assists seven times. His most famous seasons came in 1961-62 when he averaged a triple-double, but selecting his best season is splitting hairs; they were all good.

In the twilight of his career, he led the Cincinnati Royals and joined Lew Alcindor on the Milwaukee Bucks, winning a title and forming one of the all-time great duos. Without even getting to his off-court contributions to player rights, his on-court accomplishments are staggering. 12 All-Star games in 14 seasons, 11 All-NBA teams and the 1963-64 MVP award.

Many players from the 1950s and 60s would struggle mightily with the modern game; we discussed that above with Bob Cousy. It’s hard to think Robertson would struggle for more than a day or two. He was big (6’5″), athletic and an absolute savant on the court. In his era or ours, The “Big O” was one of the three best point guards in the history of basketball.