In today's NBA, a triple-double is considered a common achievement, with Westbrook, for example, averaging four triple-doubles per game, and many other stars as well. However, a quadruple-double is a rarity in history, with only four players succeeding in achieving this feat. Let's take a look back at these players and the possibility of a quadruple-double for an active player.
Nate Semimond is a relatively old star who was active in the '70s and became the first player in history to have a quadruple-double with his outstanding performance against the Bulls, where he contributed 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists and 12 blocks. Despite his mediocre career stats, with only two All-Star selections, his first quadruple-double had a huge impact, which also benefited from the background of the times, and he eventually made his way into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Alvin Robertson's average of 14 points per game as a shooting guard is also a qualified starter. However, he was also great on the defensive end, winning three steals and a Defensive Player of the Year award, and he completed a quadruple-double against the Suns, finishing with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 steals, becoming the only player to have a quadruple-double consisting of steals.
Olajuwon is the leader of the "Big Four", with a well-rounded skill set and a balance between attack and defence. Against the Bucks, he had a stellar performance, contributing 18 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists and 11 blocks, showing his immense impact on the game. As the heart of the team, Olajuwon was recognized as the league's first man during Jordan's first retirement.
Finally, there's David Robinson, who is also one of the "Big Four". Before Duncan joined, he was the absolute core of the team, averaging 20 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks per game. He once put together an astonishing stat of 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 blocks, showing his all-round skills. In today's small-ball era, Robinson's influence would be even greater.
As for active players, Jokic, for example, is average on the defensive end, so a quadruple-double is less likely. The same can be said for Doncic, who averaged a triple-double per game but was average on the defensive end. The focus is on the offensive end, and there is not much energy for organization and defense. Green had a chance to get close to a quadruple-double, but he was past his peak and achieving a quadruple had become hopeless.
If there's one active player with the most promising quadruple-double, it's Ben Simmons. He is a versatile player with a well-rounded skill set and excels on both ends of the floor. He is a top player in offense, passing, defense and tackles. He's still improving, and once he's at his peak, he's more than capable of a quadruple-double. This argument may resonate with readers, as it clearly points out the historical scarcity of quadruple-doubles and analyzes the likelihood of a quadruple-double among active players.