Oscar Robertson
The Big O: A triple-double pioneer and NBA champion.
Oscar Palmer Robertson (born November 24, 1938), nicknamed "the Big O", is an American former professional basketball player who played for the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Quick Facts
- Born
- 24 November 1938
- Birthplace
- Charlotte, Tennessee, U.S.
- High school
- Crispus Attucks (Indianapolis, Indiana)
- College
- Cincinnati (1957–1960)
- Draft pick
- territorial pick
- Drafted by
- Cincinnati Royals
- Career number
- 14, 1
- Career position
- Point guard
Lore & Background
Robertson is a two-time Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, having been inducted in 1980 for his individual career, and in 2010 as a member of the 1960 United States men's Olympic basketball team and president of the National Basketball Players Association. Also in 1980, Robertson was named to the NBA 35th Anniversary Team. He was again voted as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996. The United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) renamed their College Player of the Year Award the Oscar Robertson Trophy in his honor in 1998, and he was one of five people chosen to represent the inaugural National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame class in 2006. He was ranked as the 36th best American athlete of the 20th century by ESPN. In October 2021, Robertson was honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. Robertson was also an integral part of Robertson v. National Basketball Ass'n of 1970. The landmark NBA antitrust suit, which was filed when Robertson was the president of the NBA Players' Association, led to an extensive reform of the league's strict free agency and draft rules and, subsequently, to higher salaries for all players. He was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2009.
Reader's Guide
Robertson played for the Cincinnati Royals from 1960 to 1970, and for the Milwaukee Bucks from 1970 to 1974. In the 1970–71 NBA season, he was a key player on the team that brought the Bucks their first NBA title.
Did You Know?
- Robertson is one of only three players in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season, alongside Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokić.
- He was the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season, achieving this in 1962.
- Robertson co-captained the 1960 U.S. Olympic basketball team that won the gold medal.
- He was inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame in 1983.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Oscar Robertson to the Sacramento Kings?
Known as 'The Big O,' he is a legendary point guard whose career with the Cincinnati Royals forms the foundation of the franchise identity. Although he never played in Sacramento, his legacy remains central to the club's historical narrative.
What years did he play for the organization?
Robertson served as the primary engine for the team from 1960 to 1970 while they were based in Cincinnati. This period is recognized as the most dominant era before the franchise relocated west.
What historic record does he hold?
He became the first player ever to average a triple-double for an entire season during the 1961-62 campaign. Additionally, he frequently led the league in scoring and assists throughout his tenure.
Did Oscar Robertson ever play games in Sacramento?
No, he never played in Sacramento because the team moved after his tenure ended. However, his achievements with the Royals are celebrated as the bedrock for the current organization's identity.
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