Oscar Robertson is rightfully remembered as one of the greatest basketball players. He was a phenomenon during his 14-year career with the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks. The Big O was known most for his well-rounded game, even becoming the first-ever player to average a triple-double during the 1961/62 season.
Robertson's impact on the game was unmatched because he could single-handedly win any basketball game. That kind of well-rounded skill set is tough to beat, as even Celtics head coach Red Auerbach admitted he struggled coaching against a talented superstar like The Big O.
"There is nothing this clever player can't do. No one comes close to him or has the ability to break open a game as does Oscar," Auerbach said back in 1968. "He's so great, he scares me. He can beat you all by himself—and usually does."
Oscar had everything a superstar player could have
The NBA already had some superstars during the 1960s, with Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell leading the way. However, most people recognize Oscar as part of a trio of superstars who defined the NBA at that time.
Robertson was the definitive big guard in the '60s, standing at 6'5" and playing the point guard position. That was not as normalized then as it is now, but Oscar had no issues playing the position because he had all the strengths and skillset he needed to shine. The Big O had elite athleticism, evidenced by an iconic image from his college career with Cincinnati.
Apart from his athleticism, Oscar was also a good shooter. He did not have the three-point range because the three-point line wasn't included at the time, but his mid-range game helped him diversify his offense, making him an even more challenging matchup.
He was an offensive weapon because he also had the best vision. Robertson led the league in assists six times during the '60s, firmly placing him as one of the top playmakers in the NBA's history. It was tough to play against Oscar, let alone create a game plan against him. Coach Red might have been the most successful coach during his era, but every game against The Big O was a test.
Oscar deserves to be remembered as an all-time great
Despite retiring in 1974, Oscar's legacy remains strong because he proved himself a bonafide superstar. He proved it with accolades, including an MVP in 1964, 11 All-NBA Team nods, 12 All-Star Game appearances, and being the first-ever player to average a triple-double for the entire campaign.
The Big O set the tone for multiple players throughout basketball's history. Big guards like Magic credit Oscar for influencing them to play the point guard position, even if they were bigger in size for a traditional point guard role. Robertson even became the prototype for Russell Westbrook, becoming the second-ever player to average a triple-double.
It is not surprising that Coach Auerbach struggled against Robertson because he was a legit superstar. Players like that broke any team's game plans, and Oscar did it regularly during his games against the Celtics.
Related: "I might have had 115,000” - Oscar Robertson on how getting a triple double has changed in the modern era
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