He's only 30!?: Nikola Jokic is Already One of a Kind

Credit: AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Seven-time all-star, six-time all-NBA, three-time MVP, and NBA champion. Nikola Jokic has a resume that most hall of famers dream of, and he is only in his tenth season. On Tuesday, Jokic turned 30 and is already arguably the best European-born player in NBA history. If Jokic retired today, he would be a first ballot hall of famer; here’s why:

The Denver Nuggets drafted Jokic in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft. Viewers did not even have a chance to look at the Serbian prospect when he was selected because he was drafted during an airing of a Taco Bell commercial during ESPN’s coverage of the 2014 NBA Draft. 

The Nuggets picked Jokic with the low risk, high reward mindset. Many scouts liked his IQ and size, but felt his ceiling was limited due to his below average athleticism. Jokic did not let his weaknesses diminish his biggest strength, his work ethic. He gained size and strength, while drastically improving his skill throughout the years. Jokic’s bruising game and soft touch has created a new prototype in today’s game, the point center. That combination is putting him in position to win his fourth MVP in five years.

This season, Jokic is averaging a triple-double. If he continues at this pace, Jokic would be the first center to average a triple-double in NBA history, and the first player to do it since Russell Westbrook in 2020. He is currently third all-time in triple-doubles with 155 and the only center to eclipse 100+ triple-doubles. This season, Jokic has more triple-doubles alone (25) than any NBA team. 

There has not been a more efficient player in the history of the game. This season, he is on pace to break his own record of the highest single season player efficiency rating of 32.85 he set in 2021. Jokic stands alone as the only player to have three of the top fifteen most efficient seasons in NBA history. 

Last night, Jokic had 29 points, 17 rebounds, and 9 assists on 50 percent shooting in a win against the Charlotte Hornets. This season, Jokic has shot over 50 percent in 82 percent of his games. He is averaging a career-high 29.7 points, 12.7 rebounds, and a career-high 10.2 assists on a Nuggets team that currently sits in second place in the Western Conference. Will the current MVP front-runner lead the Nuggets to their second championship in three years? The Nuggets continue their championship pursuit tomorrow at home vs the Los Angeles Lakers, winners of 6 of their last 8 games. 

Thank You for Reading!

Elias Meredith (@EAM_55)