In the fast-paced era of basketball, one name has emerged as a captivating force, redefining the game with his remarkable skills and unassuming presence. Nikola Jokic, the Serbian-born center for the Denver Nuggets, has sparked a heated debate among basketball enthusiasts, leaving many to ponder a captivating question: Is Jokic the best player in the NBA today? With his unique blend of versatility, court vision, and basketball IQ, Jokic has mesmerized fans and analysts alike, pushing the boundaries of what is expected from a player in his position. In this article, we delve into the captivating rise of Nikola Jokic, examining his skill set, impact on the game, and the case for him being the premier player in the league as well as discussing why we think he already owns the honor of being the best player in the NBA right now.
Accolades
At 28 years old, Nikola Jokic has already achieved more than 90% of NBA players ever had. The Serbian superstar is in the middle of his prime, and fortunately, he is not done yet.
His recent accolades make a case for being a future Hall-of-Famer and an all-time great in the making. Here are just some of Jokic’s achievements in his fruitful career:
- 2-time NBA MVP
- 5-time NBA All-Star
- NBA Western Conference Finals MVP (2023)
- 3-time All-NBA First Team
- 2-time All-NBA Second Team
- NBA All-Rookie First Team
- 3-time Serbian Player of the Year
- ABA League MVP (2015)
This list alone already separates him from many guys in his draft class (2014), such as Andrew Wiggins, Julius Randle, Aaron Gordon, Zach LaVine, and even the 2023 MVP Joel Embiid.
Talent and Skill
Right now, Nikola Jokic is the most talented and skilled player. We might be making an overstatement, but you can’t deny how excellent Jokic’s basketball skills are.
Jokic’s great court vision and basketball IQ make him one of the only few players of his caliber. As someone already part of a new breed of players called “point centers,” Jokic prides himself on being the Denver Nuggets’ primary playmaker and the team’s best scorer and rebounder. He may not be your most athletic big man, but he will beat every man on the court with his unstoppable post moves and shooting.
Consistency and Efficiency
In the current era of the NBA, where the three-ball is the go-to option, Nikola Jokic is the perfect epitome of consistency and efficiency. He is a career 55.3% shooter in the field and a career 34.8% shooter from behind the arc. But, this season, he has a career-high field goal percentage of 63.2%, making him the eighth most efficient player.
Not only that, his production has been very consistent, especially in the playoffs. In this year’s playoffs, Jokic only scored less than 20 points once. But, on a nightly basis, the two-time MVP can easily get you more than 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Team and individual success
Need I say more? The Denver Nuggets found a diamond in the rough by drafting the Serbian kid back in 2014 with their 41st pick. Picked 41st overall; nothing much is expected with Jokic. But, after his sophomore season, it was evident that he may become the franchise’s future. Jokic slowly broke out as one of the best centers in the league at that time. He is already considered the best among them all (sorry, Joel Embiid).
Nikola Jokic continues to make history 👏 pic.twitter.com/n7Cl1GuK36
— NBA (@NBA) June 5, 2023
His accolades and achievements already speak for his individual success. However, what he has done to Denver is already unimaginable. The 28-year-old superstar brought the Nuggets to their first-ever Finals appearance, which Carmelo Anthony should have done in the 2000s. Since Jokic became their cornerstone, Denver Nuggets have constantly been in the playoffs. Truthfully, Jokic is just starting to dominate the whole league, and his career is far from over. Maybe in a few years, Denver will become a dynasty just like how Steph Curry led the Golden State Warriors.
Dominant and Effective
If you look at how The Joker plays, you would see a very dominant big man who can control the game’s pace. To those who do not know, Jokic is an outstanding post player and a more impressive passer. Down low, he can dominate his defenders and play bully ball with them, allowing him to score in the paint easily. Not only that, he is an effective space creator.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWWFxdQ1j4M
Overall, he is a dominant force who can create space and pass to his teammates when needed. He may not have won the MVP this year, but he is obviously the best player in the league in controlling the game at his own pace.
Leadership
Without a doubt, Nikola Jokic is the real leader of this fantastic Denver Nuggets team. For years, he has constantly led this team to massive success in the postseason and regular seasons. But this year could be when he finally brings a championship to Denver.
His impact on the game may not be as significant as that of LeBron James, Steph Curry, or Luka Doncic, but his impact on his team and the league is unquestionable.
Do you believe Nikola Jokic will be an All-time great once he retires? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us here at Spiel Times. Make sure you subscribe to our push notifications and never miss an update. You can also follow us on Spiel Anime, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Until next time!
