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In the NBA, a player is often not considered exceptional without dominating at least two stat lines for his team. Of course there are exceptions to this rule. Players like Kobe Bryant and Dennis Rodman were so good at the things they did, they never needed to assert dominance in any other aspect of the game. While Bryant is, to-this-date, considered one of the most dominant scorers in the history of the league, Rodman is a rebounder of legendary stats.
That being said, any player capable of putting up double-figure stats in two different categories is an unparalleled asset for their team. In the 2020-21 NBA regular season, Nikola Jokic stood atop the list of the most double-doubles. He registered 60 of them, followed by Russell Westbrook, who had 59 such games. Jokic also won the MVP in the same season. The comparison between his double-doubles and MVP cannot be merely a coincidence.
NBA players with the most double-doubles in the 21st century
Now that the importance of dominating two stat lines has been established, we will take a look at the NBA players with the most number of double-doubles in the 21st century. To create this list, we have considered data from the 2000-2001 season. We have also included the playoffs stats along with the regular stats to create this list.
#5 Pau Gasol - 591 double-doubles
Pau Gasol is one of the best centers of the 21st century. His command over the post was unparalleled. The 7'0" spaniard was picked by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2001 NBA draft and traded to the Memphis Grizlies. Gasol went on to average 17.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game as a rookie, winning the Rookie of the Year award for his performance.
However, Gasol's career magnum opus is his time with the LA Lakers. In his seven seasons with the Los Angeles team, he averaged 17.7 points and 9.9 rebounds. Including his 591 double-doubles, the two-time NBA Finals winner had five double-double seasons.
#4 LeBron James - 637 double-doubles
Anything written about LeBron James is a mortal's commentary on the escapades of a god. He is undoubtedly a living god in the game of basketball. The King has achieved everything possible. James is a four-time MVP, four-time Finals MVP, and four-times champion.
The current Lakers star is one of the few players capable of dominating in rebounding, assisting and scoring. He has recorded 637 double-double games.
#3 Kevin Garnett - 660 double-doubles
Kevin Garnett was an NBA anomaly. As a 6'11" forward, he was nimble as a fawn with handles like a point guard and jump shots like a shooting guard. Garnett, a lethal mid-range shooter and post-up player, garnered 26,071 career points and 14,662 rebounds.
One of the league's most influential players, "The Big Ticket" is a 15-time All-Star, four-time rebounds leader and 2008 NBA champion. He is one of the few players who averaged a career double-double. In his 21-years in the league, Garnett averaged 17.8 points and 10 rebounds.
#2 Dwight Howard - 815 double-doubles
Dwight Howard will begin his third stint with the LA Lakers. His first was a bitter-sweet experience after a fall-out with the late legend Kobe Bryant. Dwight returned to Staples in the 2019-20 NBA season and won his first and only ring. He is set to play the 2021-22 season again with the same team, joining a star studded team led by the trio of LeBron, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis.
Howard at his peak was a demon in the paint. His dominance above and under the rim overwhelmed opponents on a regular basis. His exceptional defensive abilities, jumping prowess and strength remain a story for the ages. The aging Superman has lost much of his scoring abilities but remains a commanding offensive rebounder to this date. He has registered 815 double-doubles in his career.
#1 Tim Duncan - 835 double-doubles
Tim Duncan is perhaps the world's greatest center ever to pick a basketball. His legacy is enscribed with lores of his great conquests. Duncan was one of the most feared offensive players in 2000s. From 2000-2001 to 2015-16 seasons, Timmy registered 835 double-double games.
Over 19 years with the San Antonio Spurs, Duncan averaged 19 points and 10.8 rebounds. He won five NBA championships, appeared in 15 All-Star games, and was awarded three NBA Finals MVPs and two MVPs.
An avid Chicago Bears fan, Duncan was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021. His legacy and impact on the game have become inspirations for young basketball enthusiasts all over the world. Big Fundamental is a master amongst monsters, a phantom that will never be forgotten.
