Is Nikola Jokic the Greatest of All Time?
Since the Denver Nuggets’ triumphant 2023 Finals victory and Nikola Jokic’s ascent to MVP status, the debate over his place among the NBA’s elite has intensified with each jaw-dropping performance. But could he truly be the best ever?
This season, Jokic’s dominance has reignited this conversation, with some prominent figures in the league boldly suggesting the Nuggets’ center might be the greatest talent the NBA has ever seen.
Stan Van Gundy Makes a Bold Claim
During an appearance on The Zach Lowe Show, former coach Stan Van Gundy sparked a lively discussion by suggesting Jokic could be not only the best offensive talent in NBA history, but the greatest player overall. “He might be the best player in the history of the NBA,” Van Gundy stated.
Van Gundy’s reasoning is straightforward: as the league evolves, so do its players. He argues that the best basketball players in history likely played in the last two decades. Jokic’s incredible stats and skills make it hard to ignore the exceptional talent in today’s NBA.
“To me, right now, LeBron’s the best player in the history of the game,” Van Gundy continued, acknowledging the Jordan vs. LeBron debate. “Players have gotten better. These guys are the best player ever in every sport. It’s not trying to demean anybody; that’s just evolution.”
The Case for Jokic’s Offensive Prowess
While Jokic still needs to build his resume to compete with the all-time greats, there’s a strong argument that his offensive talent is unmatched. He’s currently averaging nearly 30 points per game with an astounding 62.6% field goal percentage, leading the league with 11.1 assists, and grabbing 12.8 rebounds per game. These numbers are unprecedented, especially when sustained over a full season.
But here’s where it gets controversial…
Jokic, at age 31, is putting up career-best averages, a clear sign he has no intention of slowing down. As he continues to dominate, the case for his inclusion in the top-tier conversations will only strengthen.
What do you think?
Do you agree with Stan Van Gundy’s assessment? Is Jokic on track to become the greatest NBA player of all time? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s discuss this exciting topic!