What Is a Double Double in Basketball? Information Explained
October 29, 2024
Basketball is a sport filled with moments of skill, athleticism, and strategy, all captured in statistical achievements that measure a player’s impact on the game. Among these accomplishments, the “double-double” is one of the most celebrated, particularly for its reflection of a player's versatility and consistency. When a player records a double-double, it signals their ability to contribute significantly across multiple facets of the game. But in basketball, what is a double-double exactly, and why is it so important?
This article delves into the double-double in basketball, examining what it is, how it varies by player position, and why it matters in evaluating players. We’ll also look at similar terms and other statistical benchmarks that further showcase a player’s all-around performance.
What Is a Double-Double in Basketball?
In basketball, a double-double is achieved when a player records double-digit numbers (10 or more) in two of the five major statistical categories within a single game. These categories include:
- Points
- Rebounds
- Assists
- Steals
- Blocks
The two most common types of double-doubles occur with points and rebounds or points and assists. For example, if a player scores 15 points and grabs 12 rebounds in a game, they’ve achieved a double-double. This accomplishment demonstrates the player's ability to excel in multiple areas, contributing more than just scoring or defense.
So, in basketball, what is a double-double? It’s a significant statistical feat that highlights both a player’s well-rounded game and their ability to affect outcomes in multiple ways. Coaches, fans, and analysts often view double-doubles as a measure of a player’s consistency, strength, and focus.
Typical Double-Doubles for Perimeter-Related Basketball Positions
Different player positions in basketball lend themselves to various combinations of double-doubles, influenced by each role's responsibilities. For perimeter players, such as point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards, the most common type of double-double is typically achieved through points and assists. Perimeter players are often tasked with handling the ball, setting up offensive plays, and creating scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates. This leads them to record high numbers in points and assists.
1. Points and Assists Double-Double
Guards and small forwards often score points through jump shots, layups, and free throws, reaching double digits in points more frequently. In addition, since guards frequently facilitate plays and direct ball movement, they often accumulate assists. Players like Chris Paul, Magic Johnson, and John Stockton were known for regularly achieving double-doubles in points and assists due to their roles as primary ball-handlers and playmakers.
2. Points and Rebounds Double-Double
Some perimeter players are also skilled at rebounding, especially if they are strong and aggressive enough to challenge for rebounds despite their position. For instance, guards like Russell Westbrook, who is known for his athleticism and energy on the court, frequently achieved double-doubles with points and rebounds. Westbrook’s ability to score consistently while also competing for rebounds is unusual for a guard and further illustrates his versatility.
3. Points and Steals or Blocks Double-Double
While much rarer, a double-double involving points and steals (or blocks) can occasionally be seen among certain perimeter players known for their defensive prowess. A player like Gary Payton, known as "The Glove" for his defensive skills, was occasionally able to achieve double-digit steals, resulting in rare points and steals double-doubles.
Typical Double-Doubles for Post-Associated Basketball Positions
In contrast to perimeter players, post-associated players—such as power forwards and centers—usually achieve double-doubles in points and rebounds. Their physical presence and positioning around the basket allow them to excel in scoring close to the rim and securing rebounds, both offensive and defensive. Let’s take a closer look at the double-double combinations most typical for these positions.
1. Points and Rebounds Double-Double
The points-rebounds double-double is the most common and recognizable type of double-double for post players. Power forwards and centers have the strength, height, and reach to secure rebounds around the rim, and their scoring often comes from close-range shots, put-backs, and dunks. Legends like Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Shaquille O’Neal, and Dwight Howard are famous for their proficiency in points and rebounds double-doubles. This combination emphasizes a post player’s value in controlling the paint and contributing both offensively and defensively.
2. Points and Blocks Double-Double
Some elite defensive centers are also known for achieving double-doubles through points and blocks. Although less common, the points and blocks double-double is a testament to a player’s shot-blocking ability. Centers like Hakeem Olajuwon, Dikembe Mutombo, and David Robinson regularly recorded points and blocks double-doubles. Such players can dominate the game defensively, intimidating opponents and preventing easy baskets while contributing offensively with points.
3. Rebounds and Blocks Double-Double
On rare occasions, a player may achieve a double-double through rebounds and blocks alone, contributing to the game in a purely defensive manner. Centers like Ben Wallace were known for achieving this combination, shutting down the paint and racking up impressive defensive numbers. Although less common, rebounds and blocks double-doubles emphasize a player’s defensive intensity and ability to alter shots, making it challenging for opponents to score inside.
What Are Additional Terms Similar to the Double-Double?
In basketball, other statistical achievements similar to the double-double recognize even greater versatility and impact. These terms help illustrate the range of ways a player can contribute to a game.
When a player achieves double-digit numbers in three different statistical categories within a game, it’s called a triple-double. The most common triple-double combination is points, rebounds, and assists. Triple-doubles are rarer and require a player to have a well-rounded skill set. Players like Russell Westbrook and Magic Johnson are famous for their frequency of triple-doubles, with Westbrook breaking the record for most triple-doubles in a single season.
An exceptionally rare feat, a quadruple-double is achieved when a player records double-digit numbers in four statistical categories in a single game. Only four players in NBA history—Nate Thurmond, Alvin Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon, and David Robinson—have recorded quadruple-doubles, making it one of the rarest accomplishments in basketball. Quadruple-doubles typically involve points, rebounds, assists, and either steals or blocks, requiring a unique combination of offensive and defensive skills.
The quintuple-double, though theoretically possible, has not been recorded in professional basketball and represents double digits in all five major statistical categories. A quintuple-double would require exceptional ability in scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defense—an almost superhuman level of all-around skill.
A double-double is a versatile and valuable achievement in basketball, showcasing a player’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways. In basketball, what is a double-double? It’s more than just a statistical milestone; it’s a mark of consistency, effort, and skill across two essential areas of gameplay. Whether it’s a guard achieving points and assists or a center contributing with points and rebounds, a double-double illustrates the various ways players can excel and support their teams.
For those interested in further developing their basketball skills, Cheltenham Sports offers Travel Basketball Tryouts for Winter 2024 and Intramural Basketball for kids in grades K-8, led by our head trainer Ed Reynolds. This is an excellent opportunity for young players to enhance their abilities, develop teamwork, and work toward achieving double-doubles of their own!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is known for having the most double-doubles in NBA history?
Wilt Chamberlain holds the record for the most double-doubles in NBA history, largely due to his dominance in scoring and rebounding. Wilt’s physical presence and skill allowed him to secure double-digit points and rebounds with consistency, setting records that still stand today. Tim Duncan, Karl Malone, and Kevin Garnett are also recognized among the leaders in career double-doubles, especially for their contributions in points and rebounds.
How significant is a double-double in evaluating player performance?
A double-double is an excellent indicator of a player’s versatility and impact. Achieving double-digit numbers in two categories demonstrates a player's influence beyond a single skill area, highlighting their ability to support the team on both ends of the court. While double-doubles are not equally accessible to all positions, they serve as a valuable benchmark for evaluating players, especially those who consistently contribute in multiple statistical areas.
Do double-doubles vary by position?
Yes, double-doubles vary by position due to each position’s role on the court. Perimeter players like guards often achieve double-doubles through points and assists, while post players like centers and power forwards are more likely to achieve them through points and rebounds. However, exceptional players sometimes record double-doubles in areas not typical for their position, showcasing their adaptability and all-around skill.