The double-double is a common stat sheet line item in basketball. It is a statistic that records the number of double-digit totals in two of five statistical categories—points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks—in a single game. The NBA has seen many great double-double players throughout its history, but who has the most double-doubles?
The NBA’s All-Time Leader in Double-Doubles: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, is also the league’s all-time leader in double-doubles. The Hall of Famer racked up an impressive total of 922 during his 20-season career. Abdul-Jabbar is one of only two players in NBA history to have compiled more than 900 double-doubles, the other being Wilt Chamberlain.
The Unstoppable Force: Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain holds several NBA records, including the highest scoring game in NBA history (100 points) and the most rebounds in a single game (55). It should come as no surprise then that Chamberlain is second on the all-time list of double-doubles. He compiled 910 double-doubles during his 14-year career, second only to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The Iron Man: Karl Malone
Karl Malone was one of the NBA’s most durable players throughout his career, appearing in more than 1,400 games. He was also one of the league’s most consistent double-double players. During his 19-year career, Malone recorded 867 double-doubles, good for third place on the all-time list.
The King: LeBron James
LeBron James is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history, and he is rapidly climbing up the all-time double-double list. Through the 2019-20 season, James had compiled 854 double-doubles, good for fourth place on the all-time list. At only 35 years old, it’s likely that James will overtake Malone and move into third place on the list before his career is over.
The Big O: Oscar Robertson
Oscar Robertson, AKA “The Big O,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Robertson is fifth on the all-time double-double list with 801 during his 14-year career. Robertson is the only player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season, a feat he accomplished during the 1961-62 season.
Other Notable Double-Double Performers
Tim Duncan (742), Kevin Garnett (717), Charles Barkley (663), and Moses Malone (652) round out the top 10 on the all-time double-double list. Other notable double-double performers include Dwight Howard (619), Hakeem Olajuwon (614), and Shaquille O’Neal (539).
Conclusion
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the all-time leader in double-doubles with an impressive 922 during his 20-season career. Wilt Chamberlain is second on the list with 910 double-doubles, followed by Karl Malone (867), LeBron James (854), and Oscar Robertson (801). These five Hall of Famers are some of the greatest players in NBA history, and their domination of the double-double record books is a testament to their greatness.