Former NBA player Oscar Robertson held the record of most triple-doubles in league’s history, with 181 triple-doubles within a span of 14 seasons. But it was broken by Russell Westbrook. “Big O” held the record for 47 years and there was a time when this record was considered unbreakable. As of now Westbrook holds the record for most triple-doubles, having recorded 184 triple-doubles in his 13-year career. In this article, we will have a look at five oldest NBA players to record a triple-double.
5. Elvin Hayes (38 years and 148 days)
Elvin Hayes recorded 16 points, 17 rebounds and 11 assists for the Houston Rockets in a game that included a triple-double. Elvin was 38 years and 148 days old at the time. He made his NBA debut with the Houston Rockets after being the No. 1 overall pick in the 1968 NBA draft and spent 16 seasons in the league. He averaged 21 points, 12.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists throughout his career. “The Big E” was added to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to his already illustrious career in 1990 for his tremendous impact on the game. Hayes achieved several accolades during his career, including an NBA championship in 1978, a 12-time All-Star selection, a two-time rebounding leader, and a 3-time All-NBA First Team and Second Team selection.
4. Tim Duncan (38 years and 224 days)
Tim Duncan began his NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs at the age of 21 as the first overall pick in the 1996 draft. Duncan spent his entire career with the Spurs, leaving his name etched in the hearts of the franchise and its fans. Timmy recorded career averages of 19 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 1,392 games. He is considered the greatest power guard in NBA history. He was the 1998 Rookie of the Year, eight-time All-Defensive First Team, 10-time All-NBA First Team, six-time MVP award holder and five-time championship winner.
The Big Fundamental scored 14 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists on December 5, 2014, against the Memphis Grizzlies. He was 38 years and 224 days old at that time. Tim was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020 and had his shirt no. 21 retired by the Spurs organization.
3. LeBron James (38 years and 321 days)
LeBron James is the third-oldest NBA player to record a triple-double. He recorded his 108th triple-double on November 15, 2023, in the game against the Sacramento Kings. He finished the game with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. The Lakers lost that game by 125-110. Despite trailing by 20+ points in the fourth quarter, they were able to reduce the Kings’ lead to six points. However, their enthusiasm waned as they moved forward.
James surpassed Jason Kidd and Jason Terry to become the second-oldest player to record a triple-double. The Lakers superstar has an illustrious career in the NBA and he continues to glorify it this season.
Currently, James is also the oldest player in the league. He scored 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the season opener game against the Denver Nuggets. However, the Lakers lost the game 119-107. In the game against the LA Clippers, King James displayed a great performance by recording 35 points and surpassed Malone for most 30-point games by any player after turning 35. His team won the game 130-125.
2. John Stockton (39 years)
John Stockton scored a triple double for the Utah Jazz in the game against the Dallas Mavericks on April 28, 2001, in which the Jazz lost by a three-point margin. Stockton scored 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in that game. He was 39 years old at the time, which makes him the second-oldest player in NBA history to record a triple double. Stock spent his entire 19-year-long NBA career with the Utah Jazz. He was a two-time NBA steals leader, nine-time assists leader, two-time All-NBA First Team selection, 1993 All-Star Game MVP, and a 10-time All-Star player. John was inducted into the Hall of Fame twice: once in 2009 as an individual and in 2010 as a player on the U.S. Olympic basketball team.
1. Karl Malone (40 years)
Karl Malone was the 13th overall pick by the Utah Jazz in the 1985 NBA Draft and spent 18 of his 19 career seasons with them before retiring with the Lakers. He recorded career averages of 25 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 1476 games played. In his 19 seasons in the NBA, Malone was selected to the All-Star Team 14 times, 11 times to the All-NBA First Team, and to the All-Defensive First Team three times. Karl was named NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1989 and 1993 and NBA MVP in 1997 and 1999.
The Mailman recorded a triple-double at the age of 40 for the Los Angeles Lakers in a game against the Spurs. He scored 10 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in the game and the Lakers won by 103-87. He was inducted into the hallowed list of NBA talents in 2010 and his shirt number 32 was retired by the franchise.
Also Read:- List of 10 Biggest Free Throw Fails in the History of NBA
