Kidd Sets Triple-double Record

Posted by Mark Barnes Dec 12, 2006

Why is registering a triple-double in an NBA game no longer a sexy accomplishment?

It was once so important to Ricky Davis that he shot at the opponent's basket, just so he could get an uncontested rebound to complete his triple-double. It didn't work, though, as the official scorer didn't credit Davis with the carom.

A few years ago, when New Jersey point guard Jason Kidd revitalized the triple-double, it was one of the most coveted statistics in the NBA.

Now, a triple-double (double figures in points, rebounds and assists) gets about as much press as a perfect night at the free throw line.

The triple-double used to be the true measure of a great player, especially for point guards, most of whom are too small to get the required 10 rebounds.

When Kidd, who recently passed Wilt Chamberlain for third all-time in triple-doubles with 79, used to collect them, like he was picking up sticks, he was the pre-eminent point guard in the NBA.

Now, when people talk point guard, it's usually awhile before the name Jason Kidd is even mentioned.

Point guard talk in today's NBA surrounds quick, young guys, like Chris Paul and Deron Williams, or two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash. These point guards dish the basketball like scoops of ice cream being packed onto cones at Dairy Queen.

They can score, too. In a recent game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Paul poured in 30 points, as easily as dumping sugar into a cup of coffee. At a critical moment very late in the game, Paul crossed over LeBron James so badly, the superstar's knees almost snapped. It was quite embarrassing for a player the caliber of LeBron James to be so blatantly abused by a sophomore point guard.

Chris Paul gets 19 points per game. Steve Nash scores 20 and leads the league with 12 assists per night. Deron Williams has similar points and assists stats.

Comparatively, Jason Kidd's scoring is quite pedestrian, at just 13 per game. And rarely does Kidd make ESPN highlights. His days of full-court bounce passes and powerful drives to the basket are behind the 33-year-old.

Yet, look at Kidd's overall numbers, and it could be argued that he is still the best all-around NBA point guard.

In addition to his 13 points, Jason Kidd averages nearly 10 assists and 9 rebounds per game. He is dangerously close to averaging a triple-double, which Oscar Robertson did decades ago, in what is still regarded by many experts as the single greatest individual season in NBA history.

We measure true greatness by consistent all-around play. Registering double figures in points, rebounds and assists shows remarkable scoring, rebounding and passing ability. Few players do it as well as does Jason Kidd.

As an NBA elder statesman, he just keeps putting up triple-doubles.

Still, few NBA fans and experts seem to notice.