A quadruple double is when a player achieves double figures in 4 separate stat categories (i.e. at least 10 points, 10 assists, 10 rebounds and 10 blocks). This is an incredibly rare feat and it has only been recorded 4 times in NBA history (listed below)
Nate Thurmond on 10/18/1974: 22 points, 13 assists, 14 rebounds, 12 blocks
Alvin Robertson on 2/18/1986: 20 points, 10 assists, 11 rebounds, 10 steals
Hakeem Olajuwon on 3/29/1990: 18 points, 10 assists, 16 rebounds, 11 blocks
David Robinson on 2/17/1994: 34 points, 10 assists, 10 rebounds, 10 blocks
It seems like only yesterday when triple doubles were these crazy stat lines that were as rare as a Ben Simmons 3. It was only 5 seasons ago that Lance Stephenson led the NBA in triple doubles with 5 (46 total) compared to the last 2 seasons with Russell Westbrook leading all players with 42 (117 total 2016/17)and 25 (108 total 2017/18) respectively.
Now triple doubles are old news, we need a new crazy stat to track, and what could be better than a quadruple double. I'm sure you are aware that no active player has recorded a quadruple double but some have been close. I have made a list of 7 players I believe have the best chance and how their individual skills set led to this.
1. Draymond Green
Green had one of the most unique stat lines I've ever seen when, in February 2017 he had the first ever triple double without points. I believe points are the easiest part of the feat and the fact his final stat line from that game was 4 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 steals shows his versatility. He also threw in 5 blocks for good measure. Draymonds skills set and the system he is in makes him the ideal player to achieve this as he is one of the primary play makers for the Warriors. Playing at the Power Forward position allows him to grab rebounds at a higher rate than most play makers, his rebound numbers are also high because he has rarely played with a great rebounding center. Finally he is an elite defender and is capable of getting blocks as well as steals at a high rate.
2. Russell Westbrook
Mr. Triple Double was always an obvious choice, as on any given night he more often than not has enough points, assists and rebounds. If turnovers counted Westbrook would have the best chance of any player but lets stick to positive stats. Westbrook has recorded games with 7 and 8 steals but none since 2013. In his MVP season where he had 42 triple doubles (all points, rebounds and assists) his game high for steals was 4. He had 4 triple doubles with 4 steals in that season and I think that if he locks on a bit more defensively he can boost these numbers. Mr triple double is definitely a threat to become Mr quadruple double.
3. Nikola Jokic
The new unicorn on the block looking to continue to grow his case in being the greatest play-making center ever. Jokic is fast becoming one of my favourite players and with 10 triple doubles last year, in his third season you can see how he is settling into the NBA. Similarly to Draymond Green, a lot of the offense runs through him and his height allows him to see passes others may not. His points and rebounds take care of themselves and a career high 17 assists shows how much of a threat he is. I mentioned how Westbrooks defensive number are what is holding him back from recording a quadruple double and Jokic is in the same boat. He has had game with 5 blocks/steals so he is a threat as an on ball defender and a rim protector. He is only 22 so he has year to improve as a defender and I feel that somewhere along the line he is capable of either 10 blocks or steals in a single game.
4. Anthony Davis
The Brow is a walking stat stuffing machine and has cemented himself as one of the premier players in the NBA through his scoring, rebounding and defence. In March 2018 against the Utah Jazz he recorded a stat line of 25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 blocks. His career high for assists is 7 and considering he played PG in high school I expected him to have at least 1 double digit assist game. AD is a guaranteed double double machine and I am confident he can have a game where it all comes together for him and he can get a quadruple double. Back in 2015, in the 2OT loss against Denver he had a crazy game where he had 36 points,14 rebounds, 9 blocks & 7 assists. This is proof that he has the tools to do it all at a high level.
5. Ben Simmons
The Fresh Prince is fresh off his first NBA season and looks like he's going to be special. Despite his shooting struggles he can score easily as he boasted a career high 32 points on 72% to go along with his game winning free throws. His rebounding numbers are ridiculous for a rookie guard and his play making abilities are rare. He has solidified himself as a triple double threat and he still has time to be an effective defender. He has game high of 6 steals and 4 blocks and I believe going forward he will surely shatter these numbers. His height plays a massive advantage as to why I have selected him as he can compete with anyone in the paint while dwarfing fellow guards when he comes out to guard them. With another decade of solid basketball on the horizon (and championships) Ben Simmons has a great chance to do the impossible and record a quadruple double.
6. Karl Anthony-Towns
Towns is the most reliable double double threat we currently have and add to that the fact he has had at least 9 assists in a game in each of his first 3 seasons shows he is capable of finding a good pass. Towns isn't known for his defence but his career high for blocks is 6 and this provides the glimmer we need to show he can be capable of being a great defender when he is locked in. With Thibs coaching him, KAT will play heavy minutes and this is maybe what he needs to drop a quadruple double.
7. Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Greek Freak is one of the most dominant players and could be the most valuable to his team. In 2016/17 he became the 5th player ever to lead his team in all 5 major statistical categories (the other 4 were Dave Cowens, Scottie Pippen, Kevin Garnett & LeBron James). On a nightly basis he is responsible setting an example on both sides of the ball. Despite only having 1 triple double last season, he remains a triple double threat as he can do everything. He is no stranger to double digit rebound and assists games and of course he scores effortlessly, it the other sides of the ball where his numbers are not as high as we would like to see. With 7 blocks and 5 steals as his career highs he is definitely in contention for a quadruple double. I feel that with a better coach and Khris Middleton's development, Giannis can assist at a higher rate and improve his defensive numbers.
If you haven't already noticed a trend here, let me break it down. Maybe aside from AD, all the other players are great a recording stats that aren't necessarily crucial for their positions (i.e. rebounding guard/play making big man). I hope one day, in the near future we get to see an NBA player achieve this.