Is Joel Embiid NBA’s Next Quad Double?

Apr 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts to an officials call during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 107-93. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts to an officials call during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 107-93. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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May 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Former Houston Rockets Hakeem Olajuwon acknowledges the crowd during Los Angeles Clippers timeout in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Los Angeles Clippers won 117 to 101. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Former Houston Rockets Hakeem Olajuwon acknowledges the crowd during Los Angeles Clippers timeout in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Los Angeles Clippers won 117 to 101. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Quad Double History

Quad double was not even a basketball achievement until Chicago Bulls Nate Thurmond delivered the NBA first on October 18 1974 in a game against the Atlanta Hawks.  His performance sealed the overtime win with 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 blocks. History was made.

The next quad double happened 13.5 years later. San Antonio Spurs great Alvin Robertson delivered it on February 18 1986, scoring 20 points, pulling down 11 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 steals against  the Phoenix Suns.

The only player to achieve a quad double is Hakeem Olajuwon, who managed the feat twice.  His first quad double came on March 3rd 1990 against the Golden State Warriors. In that game, he scored 29 points, as well as pulled down 18 rebounds, 10 assists,  and 11 blocks.

Olajuwon’s second and final quad double came less than a month later, on March 29th 1990, where he recorded 18 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists and 11 blocks against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Finally, the last recorded quad double happened once more for the San Antonio Spurs.   This time, it was the now retired David Robinson delivered  34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 blocks. against the Detroit Pistons on 17 February 1994.

Five times by four players.  That’s as rare as it gets.  But if anyone can do it, Joel Embiid should be able to.

Next: Embiid's Competition Will Be His Teammates