Good morning Obots!
The African American Trailblazers series ends today with Mr. Oscar Robertson.
Oscar P. Robertson, the “Big O” is the player against whom all others labeled “all-around” are judged, and he may remain the standard forever.
Statistically, one need look no further than the numbers Robertson put up in 1961-62, just his second year in the league: 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game-an average of a triple-double for an entire season. Not even Magic Johnson or Larry Bird could match those numbers.
During his 14-year NBA career with the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks, Robertson became the top-scoring guard of all time, amassing 26,710 points.
Robertson’s playmaking and scoring brilliance were rewarded with commendation after commendation, and finally with an NBA title in the twilight of his career. He was NBA Rookie of the Year in 1960-61, played in 12 straight NBA All-Star Games, was selected to the All-NBA First Team nine consecutive seasons, won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 1963-64, and helped the Milwaukee Bucks win the NBA Championship in 1971.
He was inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980 and named to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996-97. He has also been recognized as one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players.
Robertson was also an integral part of the Oscar Robertson suit of 1970. The landmark NBA antitrust suit, named after Robertson, then-President of the NBA Players’ Association (first black president), led to an extensive reform of the league’s strict free agency and draft rules and, subsequently, to higher salaries for all players.
After his retirement Robertson worked to improve the living conditions of African-Americans in his hometown of Indianapolis by helping to build affordable housing. He remains a harsh critic of social policies that adversely affect minorities, particularly African-Americans.
Robertson’s legend lives on in many ways, including the Oscar Robertson Trophy, given annually to the outstanding men’s college basketball player as chosen by the United States Basketball Writers Association. In this shot, Robertson looks on as Texas freshman Kevin Durant gives his mom a kiss after receiving the award.
