In 1974, NBA legend Oscar Robertson retired after 14 seasons in the league. In his career, Robinson totaled an impressive 26,710 points, 9,887 assists, and 7,804 rebounds in 1,040 games. One of the league’s most memorable guards, Robertson was the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season (1970-71). Robertson spent his first ten years with the Cincinnati Royals, but he is most remembered for his role in helping the Milwaukee Bucks secure their first NBA Championship in 1971. The Bucks faced-off against the Washington Bullets in the 1971 NBA FInals. Robertson averaged 23.5 points, 9.5 assists, and 5 rebounds en route to a 4-0 sweep. In addition to being a 12x All-Star and making 9x All-NBA First team, Robertson played an integral role in gaining better treatment for NBA players. Serving as the NBA Players’ Association President, Robertson helped reform the league’s strict draft rules, free agency rules, and secured better salaries for his fellow players. In 1980, Robertson was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and his jersey numbers were retired by the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Today in Sports History: September 3
