The Legendary Oscar Robertson Up Close | Photo

Last month, Lance Martinez of My Detroit Sports gathered this original photo of NBA legend Oscar Robertson at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland.

Robertson has been talked about more in the last few years thanks to Russell Westbrook twice tying his mark of averaging a triple-double over the course of an entire season. Robertson achieved this feat in 1961-62, with Westbrook doing so during the last two seasons.

Otherwise, sadly, Robertson largely flies under the radar when the best players in NBA history are discussed.

Nicknamed “The Big O,” the Indianapolis product starred at the University of Cincinnati, before playing professionally for the old Cincinnati Royals (now the Sacramento Kings), followed by a stint with the Milwaukee Bucks, playing alongside Lew Alcindor, who of course became Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Without any question, the now 79-year-old was one of the best point guards ever to play.

The icon was a six-time NBA assist leader, nine-time All-NBA first team player and a 12-time All-Star. In addition, Robertson was named the 1964 NBA MVP.

All told, the hall of famer averaged 25.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 9.5 assists a game. Robertson capped his career by winning a championship with the Bucks in 1971.

The hoops icon was also a member of the US men’s basketball squad that earned the Gold Medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics.