Gilbert Arenas has never been one to shy away from bold opinions, and his latest take might be his most controversial yet. In a recent interview with Vlad TV, the former NBA All-Star revealed that if he had to revise his list of the top five centers in NBA history, he would remove 11-time champion Bill Russell to make room for Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic.
“For Jokic? I’m knocking off Bill Russell. Let’s just be honest – he played in the ’60s? Yeah, so there’s what six, seven black players in the league at that time.”
Arenas’ logic stems from a belief that Russell, while undeniably dominant in his own era, didn’t face the same level of competition or athleticism that Jokic does in today’s NBA.
Jokic is not only more skilled offensively, but he’s navigating a much deeper and more physically gifted league. That distinction, in his view, is enough to warrant a reshuffling of basketball’s historical hierarchy.
Nikola Jokic has certainly made his case. A three-time MVP and two-time runner-up, Jokic has redefined what it means to be a center in the modern game. He’s not just the Nuggets’ top scorer, he’s their primary playmaker, their top rebounder, and perhaps the smartest player in the league today.
His ability to dissect defenses with his passing, punish double teams, and dominate in clutch moments has elevated him into a tier reserved for only the game’s most transcendent big men.
In contrast, Bill Russell built his legacy on defense, rebounding, and intangibles. He anchored the greatest dynasty in NBA history, leading the Boston Celtics to 11 championships in 13 seasons. His leadership, basketball IQ, and unrelenting competitiveness are still referenced as gold standards.
However, as Arenas sees it, the league Russell dominated was vastly different, featuring fewer teams, a slower pace, and a glaring lack of athletic parity. He also benefited from playing alongside multiple Hall of Famers, which, Arenas implies, gave him an advantage not afforded to Jokic.
Still, there are valid counterarguments. Many historians argue that Russell’s impact transcends numbers or era-based comparisons. He was the league’s most feared defender, an unparalleled winner, and someone who would have likely adapted to any era. His influence on the game, from how defense is played to how champions are measured, remains unmatched.
Yet Arenas’ opinion reflects a broader shift in perception. As Jokic continues to post triple-doubles, lead playoff series in points, rebounds, and assists, and carry the Nuggets to title contention, the basketball world is beginning to accept that he belongs in the all-time conversation.
For some, like Arenas, that means adjusting the Mount Rushmore of centers.
In the end, top-five lists are always subjective, shaped by nostalgia, statistics, and era bias. What’s undeniable is that Jokic’s brilliance is forcing even the most traditional thinkers to reconsider what greatness looks like at the center position.
Whether or not he has surpassed Bill Russell is up for debate, but that he’s in the discussion is a testament to just how special Nikola Jokic has become.
