While Russell Westbrook’s impact on the NBA stretched far beyond his ability to accumulate triple-doubles, that particular statistic ultimately defines his most prominent footprint in league history.
On Wednesday, the veteran playmaker declared his retirement, wrapping up a stellar run highlighted by nine All-Star selections, three seasons leading the league in assists, two scoring crowns, and the MVP trophy for 2016-17. He steps away from the hardwood holding the ultimate crown for triple-doubles, having amassed 209.
It was in 2021 when Westbrook eclipsed Oscar Robertson’s long-standing record from the 1960s to claim the top spot. Nevertheless, his reign at the summit of this category appears destined to be much shorter than Robertson’s multi-decade tenure.
Below, we examine the historic leaderboard for triple-doubles to identify the top contenders, with currently active competitors highlighted in bold text.
Given that Jokić requires a mere 11 additional triple-doubles to surpass Westbrook, a change at the top feels imminent. Having recorded 34 during the previous campaign, the Serbian center has consistently reached double digits in this category every year since the 2017-18 season.
Currently 31, Jokić has plenty of time left to not only eclipse the milestone but to establish a benchmark that may seem completely unreachable. Although his long-term career plans remain a mystery—especially since he has never expressed an obsessive desire to play deep into his golden years—his blistering trajectory means he won’t need much time to rewrite the history books.
Looking at the remaining active stars, age is working against James and Harden in their pursuit of Westbrook, while Sabonis would have to dramatically accelerate his output. Conversely, Dončić presents a fascinating case.
At just 27, the Slovenian guard has the benefit of time and has already achieved 43.1% of Westbrook’s career mark. Even so, his rate of accumulating them has dipped lately, managing just five during the 2024-25 season and eight in 2025-26. Physical setbacks cost him numerous games in that initial year, which was followed by a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, where playmaking responsibilities were divided alongside LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
Now that James has moved on to the Philadelphia 76ers, Dončić could potentially replicate the statistical dominance he displayed with the Dallas Mavericks, where he put up an average of 13.8 triple-doubles annually. Maintaining that level of production for almost another nine years would be necessary just to match Westbrook, let alone keep up with Jokić’s final numbers.
To be clear, if Jokić or Dončić eventually overtake Westbrook, it does not diminish his incredible achievements, just as his own rise did not lessen Robertson’s greatness. Ultimately, sports records are established to be surpassed, and the contemporary style of play naturally fosters the perfect environment for elite players to amass spectacular numbers.
