To say Nikola Jokic has been on an absolute tear of late might be an understatement. Jokic has recorded 104 points, 30 rebounds, 16 assists, and four steals in his last two games for the Denver Nuggets and Jeff Teague had some high praise for him on the Club 520 Podcast.
“I think he the most skilled center,” Teague said. “Between him and Hakeem (Olajuwon). I think Shaq’s (Shaquille O’Neal) the most dominant. If I had to pick a center, I’m picking Shaq… His size, you can’t match that… But I’ve never seen nobody skilled as Jok bro.”
It’s not an outlandish statement anymore to say that Jokic is the most skilled center of all time. He can score inside and outside, is a terrific rebounder, and is an exceptional playmaker.
Jokic is averaging 32.3 points, 13.6 rebounds, 10.2 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game for the Nuggets this season. The 29-year-old has been ridiculously efficient too, shooting 56.1% from the field, 50.0% from beyond the arc, and 80.9% from the line.
Jokic has been simply sensational and the only reason the Nuggets are currently down at seventh in the West with a 12-10 record is because he hasn’t gotten much help. If he wasn’t on this team, they might well be battling with the Utah Jazz and the New Orleans Pelicans at the bottom of the conference.
I agree with Teague that Hakeem Olajuwon is the only real challenger to Jokic for that most skilled center title. Olajuwon was a wizard in the post as he bamboozled defenders with his incredible footwork and moves. He could also step out and shoot from the mid-range.
While Olajuwon wasn’t anywhere near as good a passer as Jokic, he was a far better defender and that’s obviously a skill too. I think you can make a good case for either of these two to get that title but if I had to pick one, I’d go with Jokic.
Getting back to Teague, he gave his list of the greatest centers in NBA history later on in the podcast. He initially had Shaquille O’Neal at the top and Jokic at three, but changed his mind and put Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at the top.
“I’mma keep Kareem one, Shaq two, Hakeem three, Jok four,” Teague said.
Teague had Jokic over the likes of Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, which I find quite interesting. I’m not sure too many others would put him above those two icons just yet and I certainly won’t.
Jokic’s resume is undoubtedly incredible. He has won a title, a Finals MVP, and three MVPs. He is also a six-time All-Star and has made six All-NBA teams.
While that’s impressive, Jokic needs to win another title before I consider putting him above the likes of Chamberlain and Russell. I don’t think someone can eclipse them with just one title to their name. So, will Jokic win more? Well, I have to say I have some doubts considering how poorly his supporting cast is playing but he still has time on his hands.
While we will spend a lot of time talking about Jokic’s legacy and rankings and whatnot, the man himself certainly doesn’t care too much about any of this. The only thing he’ll be focusing on is the next game and the Nuggets will take on the Los Angeles Clippers next at Ball Arena on Friday at 9 PM ET.
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