The Erosion of the Wow Factor: Near Triple-Doubles in the Modern NBA

The trend of players averaging near triple-doubles in the National Basketball Association (NBA) has recently lost some of its wow factor. This shift in perception can be attributed to several underlying factors, including increased triple-double frequency, statistical inflation, and changing team dynamics. In this article, we will explore why near triple-doubles are no longer as astonishing as they once were.

Increased Triple-Double Frequency

The modern NBA has seen a significant rise in the number of players achieving triple-doubles. This trend is largely driven by players such as Russell Westbrook, Nikola Jokic, and Luka Don?i?, who have made triple-doubles more common. As a result, the rarity and impact of these achievements have diminished, making near triple-doubles less of a standout accomplishment.

Statistical Inflation

The modern game has embraced a fast-paced, high-scoring style that emphasizes shooting and movement. This environment provides players with more opportunities to accumulate points, rebounds, and assists, thus making near triple-doubles less impressive. For instance, Dejounte Murray's impressive average of 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, along with 10 triple-doubles, is less awe-inspiring than it would have been in the past.

Team Success vs. Individual Stats

The selection criteria for the All-Star game often considers a player's impact on their team's success. Even if a player like Dejounte Murray is putting up impressive individual numbers, his team's overall performance can affect his All-Star candidacy. If the team performs poorly, the player's remarkable statistics may not be enough to guarantee a spot on the All-Star team.

Position and Role

The evolving role of point guards and the versatility of players in the modern NBA have also contributed to the diminishing wow factor of near triple-doubles. Many players today are capable of contributing across multiple statistical categories, making it less remarkable when a player approaches a triple-double. For example, Dejounte Murray's ability to excel in various aspects of the game has become more commonplace, diluting the significance of his near triple-double average.

All-Star Selection Criteria

The selection process for All-Star teams can be subjective and influenced by various factors, including team success, media presence, and fan vote. Players on winning teams or those with strong media coverage can often overshadow others with similar or better statistics, further decreasing the perceived impact of near triple-doubles.

In summary, while averaging a near triple-double remains an impressive feat, the broader context in which it occurs, alongside the increased frequency of such performances and the changing dynamics of the league, can significantly reduce its perceived significance. The modern NBA has evolved into a fast-paced, high-scoring league where the accumulation of stats has become more normalized, leading to a diminished awe in the achievement of near triple-doubles.

As the game continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the significance of these statistics changes. For now, the frequency and cultural shift around these achievements suggest that the wow factor is indeed eroding, making near triple-doubles a less glamorous aspect of NBA play than they once were.