As one of the least likely superstars in NBA history, Nikola Jokić has transformed from an overlooked second-round pick into one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. In just over a decade, Jokić has achieved three MVP awards, an NBA championship, a Finals MVP, eight All-Star and eight All-NBA appearances in just 11 seasons.
Although Jokić reached his prime after the NBA unveiled its 75th Anniversary Team, when the league celebrates its 100th anniversary, his name will undoubtedly be among the most prominent on the list. Jokić still has many years ahead of him to continue building his legacy. For now, here is where he currently ranks among the NBA’s all-time greats.
Jokić Has Already Passed Giannis, Durant and Dirk
To provide a baseline for Jokić’s all-time standing, this evaluation will use ESPN’s 2022 ranking of the players selected to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. Although Jokić was already one of the league’s best players at the time, his resume has grown significantly since those rankings were released.
Giannis Antetokounmpo provides a good starting point for this ranking, as ESPN placed him at the No. 18 spot. Since that ranking was released, Antetokounmpo has continued to add to his resume. However, Jokić’s past several seasons have allowed him to move ahead of Giannis on the all-time list, as injuries have played a major role in Jokić surpassing him.
Although Antetokounmpo holds a significant advantage defensively, resulting in a Defensive Player of the Year award and multiple All-Defensive selections, Jokić’s one-of-a-kind offensive dominance and individual accomplishments edge him in front for the time being.
Additionally, Jokić has passed players such as Dirk Nowitzki, Moses Malone, Julius Erving, and Kevin Durant. While these players have impressive legacies, Jokić’s combination of MVP awards and historic offensive production gives him the advantage. Without an NBA championship, however, this conversation would look much different.
Jokić’s ability to consistently put up record-breaking triple-doubles as a big man is unheard of. Jokić is currently on pace to be the all-time leader in triple-doubles next season, and he finds himself behind only former teammate Russell Westbrook.
Kobe, Bird and Duncan Still Rank Ahead — for Now
Rather than discussing the legends who clearly rank above Jokić, the more compelling debate comes from the players arguably just ahead of him. Kobe Bryant, who ranked No. 10 on ESPN’s list, provides one of the closest comparisons.
Some may argue Bryant’s five NBA championships place him above Jokić all-time. While Bryant’s scoring ability and championship success are undeniable, Jokić has not had the same level of Hall of Fame support (like Shaquille O’Neal) that Bryant had throughout his career. Although Bryant still ranks ahead of him in many people’s eyes, Jokić continues to close the gap with each passing season.
Just ahead of Bryant are Larry Bird and Tim Duncan, who currently remain ahead of Jokić in the all-time rankings. Although both also benefited from playing alongside Hall of Fame teammates, they were the centerpieces of dynasties while also winning multiple MVP awards.
Bird is one of three players in NBA history to win three consecutive MVP awards. Duncan also had a stellar defensive career in addition to his offensive success, earning 15 All-Defensive selections. Duncan made an All-Defensive team in 15 of his 19 seasons, showcasing his consistency as one of his greatest attributes.
Jokić is Borderline Top 10 All-Time
At this point in his career, Jokić is the most recent player to enter the conversation among the NBA’s all-time greats. However, there is certainly room for debate among the players around the No. 10 spot, as they have all had amazing careers.
And if Jokić continues on this trajectory, he could find himself much higher on the all-time rankings. With the NBA season approaching, every campaign he puts together only adds more weight to that argument.
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