NBA Today: 3 NBA stars that could average a triple-double for the 2019-20 season

Less than a half a decade ago, triple-doubles in the NBA were a rare occurrence. The task of grabbing at least 10 points, rebounds, and assists was viewed as a sizeable task, and few believed that anyone would be able to match Oscar Robertson's accolade of averaging a triple-double over the course of an entire season.

Nevertheless, during the 2016-17 season, Russell Westbrook and James Harden combined for a ridiculous 64 triple-doubles - and Westbrook eventually finished the campaign as the first man since Robertson to average a triple-double for the season. Westbrook has since repeated the feat in the 17-18 and 18-19 seasons, and the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard are among the players currently nearing a triple-double for the new season.

Nevertheless, the task of averaging a triple-double over 82-games remains incredibly difficult, and here we will take a look at the three NBA stars most likely to average a triple-double for the 2019-20 season.

#3 Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic averaged 16 triple-doubles during the 18-19 season

Not many centers around the league have ever posted a triple-double, although Nikola Jokic continues to do it on a regular basis. The 24-year-old is quickly transforming into one of the NBA's top players, and many experts have already labeled him as the best passing big man that the league has ever seen.

In his rookie year, Jokic averaged just 2.4 assists per game, although the Serbian has since developed his playmaking skills and finished the 18-19 season with an incredible 7.1 assists per game. Jokic will once again increase that number this year, and the Denver Nuggets star managed two triple-doubles during the opening week of the season.

As a dominant 7 ft 0 in center, Jokic is always likely to post double digits in points and rebounds - leaving his triple-double efforts almost exclusively dependant on assists.

#2 LeBron James

LeBron James has yet to average a triple-double for a season but came close during the 17-18 NBA season

Ever since Russell Westbrook first averaged a triple-double in the 16-17 season, many analysts have identified LeBron James as the individual that could replicate Westbrook's achievement. While James has yet to do this, he came close during his final year with the Cleveland Cavaliers - averaging 27.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists over 82 appearances.

LeBron is now in Year 17, although the 15-time All-Star has started the season at point guard for the first time in his career, and the 19-20 season may be his best shot at averaging a triple-double to date. Through four games, LeBron is only at 23.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 9.5 assists - however, we have yet to see the 34-year-old hit top form following one of the longest breaks in his career. His numbers will improve in the coming weeks and this could be the year that James becomes just the third player to average the feat.

#1 Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook has averaged a triple-double for three consecutive seasons

Russell Westbrook averaged a triple-double during his final three seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, a feat that is unlikely to be ever replicated. Nevertheless, following his summer trade to the Houston Rockets, few backed the point guard to make it four straight seasons due to the presence of James Harden.

However, despite seeing less of the ball, Westbrook has started the season in excellent form and is averaging a triple-double through four games. His effort on the boards has been noteworthy - and the 30-year-old is currently averaging a career-high 12.0 rebounds per game. His playmaking skills also continue to improve, and he should be able to find open shooters to ensure 10 assists per night.

Ultimately, no player in the NBA is in a better position to average a triple-double this season, and Westbrook could once again make history by extending his streak to four-seasons.