In the NBA’s storied tapestry filled with towering legends and jaw-dropping talent, Nikola Jokic stands tall — both literally and metaphorically. Coming from Serbia, Jokic has steadily rewritten the narrative for centers in the league, straying away from conventional expectations and establishing a new paradigm of play.
Over the past four seasons, Jokic hasn't just been a dominant force for the Denver Nuggets; he's transformed the game. With three MVP honors under his belt and a streak of seven consecutive All-Star selections, Jokic has not only etched his name alongside some of the game's tallest figures, he's pushing the envelope even further.
The capstone of his recent endeavors? Leading Denver to its first NBA championship and securing the Finals MVP — achievements that carve him a special niche in basketball lore.
However, being universally recognized in the upper echelons isn't as cut and dry as it seems. Recently, during a lively debate on the show First Take, Marcus Morris made waves by claiming Jokic doesn’t belong in the top 20 greatest players, at least not if he were to hang up his sneakers today. Such a statement was met with headshakes and gasps from others on the panel and fans alike, who pointed to Jokic's staggering numbers and unparalleled impact as counterarguments.
Jokic’s statistical feats resemble a rarefied company. He’s steadily on pace to join Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook in the exclusive club of players who’ve averaged a triple-double over a season — a testament to his multifaceted brilliance.
Let’s dive deeper into why Nikola Jokic might just deserve a nod among the top 20 NBA players of all time:
Jokic’s Astonishing Statistics
For a center to possess the versatility Jokic flaunts was once the stuff of basketball fantasies. This season, he shattered records during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, posting a mind-boggling 61-point triple-double. It’s not just the highest for a center, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain's 53-point mark, but it's also the pinnacle of triple-double scoring in NBA history, unseating prior record-holders Luka Doncic and James Harden.
Jokic’s Remarkable Resume
When it comes to accolades, Jokic is already brushing shoulders with the sport's elite. Only five players in NBA history have more MVP trophies than Jokic, who boasts three. A fourth would usher him into an exclusive fraternity, shared only by the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, and LeBron James — figures that define greatness.
The Serbian sensation also spearheaded the Nuggets to an NBA title in 2023, earning the Finals MVP for his gargantuan efforts throughout the series. Averaging 30.2 points, 14 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks in that championship series, Jokic displayed dominance reminiscent of the legends.
His legacy of accolades continues with seven All-Star nods and four selections to the All-NBA First Team. The numbers are monumental, the impact is undeniable, and Jokic's legacy?
It's still being crafted. While opinions like Morris’s spark discussions, the evidence leans heavily in Jokic's favor.
If he isn't cemented in that top 20 yet, he's knocking on the door — harder and louder than perhaps anyone before him.
