Why Nikola Jokić Deserves a Place Among the NBA’s Top 10 All-Time Players

The NBA has been graced with an array of legendary players over the decades. From the dominance of Michael Jordan to the versatility of Magic Johnson and the sheer skill of LeBron James, discussions about the greatest players in NBA history are always lively. Yet, a relatively new face has entered this conversation in recent years: Nikola Jokić, the Serbian sensation and reigning force behind the Denver Nuggets. While some might argue it’s too soon to place Jokić among the NBA’s all-time elite, a closer look reveals compelling reasons why he deserves recognition as one of the top 10 players ever.

Jokić’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of extraordinary. A second-round draft pick, he wasn’t even on many radars when he entered the league. But through his exceptional skills, unique playing style, and unparalleled consistency, Jokić has not only revolutionized the center position but has also redefined the boundaries of what an elite NBA player looks like. Here are four reasons why Nikola Jokić belongs in the top 10 all-time NBA player conversation.

1. Revolutionizing the Center Position

Nikola Jokić’s game is a radical departure from the traditional image of what a dominant NBA center should be. Historically, centers have been known for their size, strength, and defensive presence in the paint. Players like Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Wilt Chamberlain exemplified the role of a physically imposing big man who dominated inside. Jokić, however, has redefined the position, proving that finesse, intelligence, and versatility can be just as devastating as brute force.

Jokić is often referred to as a “point-center” due to his unparalleled passing ability. Standing at 6-foot-11, he possesses the vision and creativity of a point guard, a trait unheard of in a player his size. His playmaking has become the cornerstone of Denver’s offense, as he orchestrates plays with precision, often making jaw-dropping assists that leave both fans and opponents in awe. In fact, Jokić’s ability to run an offense has been compared to that of Magic Johnson, one of the greatest point guards of all time. His court awareness and basketball IQ allow him to make reads that very few players can, regardless of position.

By leading the Nuggets’ offense, Jokić has transformed the role of the center into one that can control the tempo of a game through passing, ball-handling, and decision-making. This is a massive shift in the NBA landscape, which has traditionally relegated big men to scoring in the post, rebounding, and protecting the rim. Jokić’s blend of skills shows that the center position can be dynamic, multifaceted, and versatile. His impact is so profound that teams around the league are now rethinking how they build around centers, making him a pioneer in modern basketball.

2. Unmatched Efficiency and Consistency

One of the hallmarks of greatness is the ability to perform at an elite level, night in and night out. Nikola Jokić’s consistency and efficiency place him in rarefied air. Over the past several seasons, Jokić has developed into one of the most reliable players in the NBA, regularly producing triple-doubles and impacting games in every conceivable way. What sets him apart from other greats is how he does this with remarkable efficiency. In fact, one AI sports picks model has Jokić on pace to take over the all time triple-double record about 75% of the way through his career.

Jokić’s shooting splits are a testament to his offensive prowess. With career shooting percentages hovering around 57% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc, he’s not only effective in scoring but also makes the most out of every possession. His decision-making is meticulous—he doesn’t force bad shots or make careless passes. Instead, Jokić plays with a calm and deliberate approach, knowing exactly when to assert himself and when to involve his teammates. His ability to score at all three levels (inside, mid-range, and beyond the arc) combined with his elite passing makes him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons the league has ever seen.

Beyond his efficiency, Jokić’s durability and consistency are equally impressive. In an era where many superstars frequently miss games due to injury management or rest, Jokić is a workhorse. His reliability on the court has allowed the Nuggets to remain competitive year after year, often exceeding expectations despite injuries to key teammates. His ability to consistently perform at an MVP level over an extended period is a crucial reason why he is now being discussed as one of the all-time greats.

3. Unprecedented Playoff Dominance

The true measure of an NBA player’s greatness is often determined by their performance in the playoffs, where legends are made, and careers are defined. Nikola Jokić has excelled on the postseason stage, delivering one of the most dominant playoff runs in recent memory. His 2023 NBA Finals MVP performance was nothing short of historic, as he led the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever championship while etching his name into the annals of NBA history.

During the 2023 playoffs, Jokić elevated his already impressive regular-season play to an entirely new level. He averaged a triple-double—an exceedingly rare feat in the postseason—and his dominance was felt in every aspect of the game. Whether it was scoring, rebounding, facilitating, or defending, Jokić was the linchpin for Denver’s success. His basketball IQ, combined with his ability to make clutch plays, enabled the Nuggets to overcome formidable opponents like the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat on their path to the championship.

What makes Jokić’s playoff performance so remarkable is his ability to control the pace of the game, even in the high-stakes environment of the postseason. Unlike many superstars who rely on athleticism or raw power to dominate, Jokić’s game is based on skill, patience, and intelligence. He reads defenses with the precision of a chess grandmaster, always a step ahead of his opponents. This cerebral approach to the game, combined with his production, makes him a nightmare matchup in the playoffs.

By leading the Nuggets to a championship and earning Finals MVP honors, Jokić proved that he can perform at the highest level when it matters most. His ability to elevate his game in the postseason, combined with his regular-season excellence, solidifies his place as one of the top 10 players in NBA history.

4. Transforming a Franchise

Great players not only elevate their own game but also uplift the entire franchise they represent. Nikola Jokić’s impact on the Denver Nuggets is nothing short of transformative. Before his arrival, the Nuggets were often a mid-tier team, struggling to break through in a competitive Western Conference. Jokić’s emergence has changed the trajectory of the franchise, turning Denver into a perennial contender.

What makes Jokić’s influence so significant is that he doesn’t just dominate individually—he makes everyone around him better. His unselfish playstyle, characterized by his passing and basketball IQ, has turned role players into key contributors and transformed the Nuggets into one of the most cohesive teams in the league. Players like Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. have flourished alongside Jokić, benefiting from the open looks and opportunities he creates. Jokić’s ability to involve his teammates and elevate their performance is a trait shared by only the greatest players in NBA history.

Moreover, Jokić’s leadership extends beyond his on-court production. He embodies the values of humility, hard work, and dedication, setting a tone for the entire organization. Despite his immense success, Jokić remains grounded, often deflecting praise to his teammates and coaches. This selflessness has fostered a strong team culture in Denver, one that emphasizes collective success over individual accolades, which has several NBA computer picks models putting Denver as a favorite to make a title run again in 2024-25 with the addition of Westbrook. In this sense, Jokić’s legacy goes beyond stats and championships—it’s about how he has fundamentally changed the way the Nuggets operate and think about basketball.

One of the Best Ever

Nikola Jokić’s career is a testament to the evolution of basketball. He has redefined what it means to be a dominant center, blending skills traditionally associated with guards into a package that confounds opponents. His efficiency, consistency, playoff dominance, and transformational impact on the Denver Nuggets make a compelling case for his inclusion in the NBA’s top 10 all-time players. While his journey is far from over, Jokić’s body of work already stands among the greatest the league has ever seen. As he continues to build on his legacy, there’s no doubt that his place in basketball history is secure.