Oscar Robertson
The Big O: The Cincinnati Royals legend who defined the franchise's golden era.
Oscar Robertson, nicknamed "the Big O," is an American former professional basketball player who played for the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. As a 12-time All-Star, 11-time member of the All-NBA Team, and winner of the 1964 MVP, Robertson is considered to be one of the greatest point guards of all time. In 1962, he became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season. His playing career, especially during high school and college, was plagued by racism.
- Team Era
- Cincinnati Royals (1960–1970)
- Historic Record
- First player to average a triple-double for an entire season (1961-62)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Robertson was drafted by the Cincinnati Royals as a territorial pick prior to the 1960–61 season, signing his first contract for $33,000. In his NBA debut, he recorded 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 140–123 win over the Lakers. In the 1961–62 season, he became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season, with 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists. He also set a then-NBA record for the most triple-doubles during the regular season with 41. In the 1963–64 season, the Royals achieved a 55–25 record, putting them first in the Eastern Division. Robertson led the NBA in free-throw percentage, scored a career-high 31.4 points per game, and averaged 9.9 rebounds and 11.0 assists per game, winning the NBA MVP award.
In Their Own Story
In the 1962–63 season, Robertson averaged 28.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 9.5 assists, narrowly missing out on another triple-double season. The Royals advanced to the Eastern Division Finals, but succumbed in a seven-game series against a Boston Celtics team led by Bill Russell. On February 10, 1962, Robertson recorded 32 points, 21 rebounds, and 16 assists in a 134–118 win over the Hawks. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1961, was elected into the All-NBA First Team in each of his first nine seasons, and made the first of 12 consecutive All-Star Game appearances. He was also named the 1961 NBA All-Star Game MVP following his 23-point, 14-assist, 9-rebound performance.
Reader's Guide
The Oscar Robertson era (1960–1970) is the defining chapter in the pre-Sacramento history of the franchise. In his rookie season, Robertson averaged 30.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 9.7 assists (leading the league), almost averaging a triple-double for the entire season. He broke the assists record by Bob Cousy, who had recorded 715 assists two seasons earlier, by logging 899. He joined Johnny Green and Elgin Baylor as the only players in NBA history with the height of 6'5 or smaller to have grabbed 900+ rebounds in a season. The Royals earned a berth to the 1962 NBA playoffs; however, they were eliminated in the first round by the Detroit Pistons.
Did You Know?
- 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.
- In 1962, Robertson became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season, a feat only matched since by Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokić.
- Robertson was the leading scorer of the 1960 U.S. Olympic basketball team, which won the gold medal and was described as the greatest assemblage of basketball talent ever at that point.
- Robertson was an integral part of Robertson v. National Basketball Ass'n of 1970, a landmark antitrust suit that led to extensive reform of the league's free agency and draft rules.
- The USBWA renamed their College Player of the Year Award the Oscar Robertson Trophy in his honor in 1998.
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.
Why is he considered a franchise icon today?
His performance established a standard of excellence that modern fans still revere as the golden age of the club. He holds All-Time Status as a Sacramento Kings Hall of Fame Inductee due to his impact.
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.