NBA legend Oscar Robertson is impressed with Russell Westbrook averaging a triple-double this season but insists they are different players. (Photo : Getty Images/Maxx Wolfson)
NBA legend Oscar Robertson, the only player in league history to average a triple-double in a season, says Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook is "his own player" after Westbrook drew comparisons with him on his own triple-double average early this NBA season.
"He is without a doubt, the MVP candidate for this year," said Robertson in an interview with TMZ Sports.
After 19 games in this young NBA season, Westbrook has dominated the stats department with an average of 30.9 points, 10.3 rebounds and 11.3 steals, being the first player since Robertson in the 1961-1962 season to average a triple double.
Despite Westbrook's chance of duplicating what he did, Robertson downplayed the comparisons and said he and the UCLA alum is different.
"What a great talent, what a great basketball player," the former Milwaukee Bucks star said.
When asked about if he thinks Westbrook, who is just playing his eight year in the league, would be a Hall of Famer, Robertson said he definitely does not doubt about it.
The Big O added that he roots for Westbrook to keep the way he plays and for him not to get hurt. He also gave advice to the Oklahoma City organization that they should find someone to help Westbrook, knowing that former NBA MVP Kevin Durant has already left the Thunder.
"It's very difficult in this day and age for one person, he needs some help."
Robertson averaged 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists when he was with the Cincinnati Royals and was part of the NBA's 50 Greatest Basketball Players.
On the other hand, Thunder coach Billy Donovan told The Norman Transcript that he believes Westbrook could be the second player in NBA history to average a triple double.
Should Westbrook continue his stellar play throughout the NBA season, it is no doubt that Robertson's 55-year standing record would soon be joined by another.
