Ranking the top 50 players in NBA history…
“The Big O” was a trailblazing guard who redefined versatility.
Selected at No. 1 overall by the Cincinnati Royals in 1960 out of the University of Cincinnati, where he was a three-time All-American, Robertson played 14 NBA seasons (Royals 1960-1970, Milwaukee Bucks 1970-1974).
He averaged 25.7 points, 9.5 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game, becoming the first player to average a triple-double for a season (1961-62: 30.8 PPG, 11.4 APG, 12.5 RPG).
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A 12-time All-Star, he won NBA MVP in 1964 and Rookie of the Year in 1961. He also earned All-NBA honors 11 times (nine First Team).
Robertson led the Bucks to the 1971 championship alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He retired with 26,710 points, 9,887 assists (then an NBA record) and 7,804 rebounds.
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As president of the players’ union, he fought for free agency, culminating in the 1976 settlement that set a brand new precedent still impacting players today.
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Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980, Robertson’s legacy as a bigger guard paved the way for Magic Johnson and others with his all-around game. He was always in control on the floor and played the game intelligently.
Despite racial barriers early on, Robertson gained the respect of the entire sports world. Post-retirement, he became a broadcaster and advocate.
But who ranks ahead of Robertson at [No. 14 all-time](https://nesn.com/2025/08/nba-all-time-rank-no-14-jerry-west/)?
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Featured image via Malcolm Emmons/USA TODAY Network.