Nikola Jokic’s MVP Pursuit Sparks Debate on All-Time Greatness

DENVER, Colo. — Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, the 41st overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, continues to solidify his legacy as one of the league’s most dominant players. With three MVP awards in the last four years and a 2023 NBA Championship under his belt, Jokic is now vying for his fourth MVP this season, averaging 31.6 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per game with elite shooting splits.

Jokic’s remarkable performance has reignited debates about his place among the NBA’s all-time greats. Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant recently called Jokic a top-ten player in NBA history, but former LA Clippers guard Lou Williams offered a more measured perspective. “I don’t know if [Jokic] makes my personal top ten, but he’s for sure one of those guys that’s going to make a huge mark on this league,” Williams said on the Run It Back show. “What he’s been able to accomplish, what he’s still building out throughout his career. But right now, I for sure have got ten guys in front of him that I feel like have put together better bodies of work.”

Despite Williams’ reservations, Jokic’s resume is undeniably impressive. The Serbian big man has led the Nuggets to consistent success, culminating in their 2023 championship run, where he earned Finals MVP honors. This season, he is once again a frontrunner for the league’s top individual award, showcasing his versatility and dominance on both ends of the floor.

Williams acknowledged that another championship or MVP could shift the narrative. “Another championship would do Jokic a lot of justice in that conversation,” he said. “It would create a different conversation.”

Jokic’s unique skill set as a center who can score, rebound, and facilitate at an elite level has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s legends. However, critics argue that his relatively short peak and limited Finals appearances keep him from surpassing players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the all-time rankings.

As the 2024-25 NBA season progresses, Jokic remains focused on team success. The Nuggets, currently in contention for the top seed in the Western Conference, are banking on their star center to lead them back to the Finals. If Jokic can secure another MVP and championship, the debate over his place in NBA history may tilt in his favor.