It’s not hyperbolic to predict that Jokic will be one of the greatest of all time when all is said and done. We’re talking about the top 10 ever. His combination of playmaking and scoring has never been seen at the center position. When players revolutionize their position, like Steph Curry at the point or Wilt Chamberlain at center, they end up on Mount Rushmore. Joker passes like Magic Johnson, scores on the block like the Big Fundamental and comes up clutch like Hakeem Olajuwon. It’s possible he could be the greatest international player of all time if he ties or surpasses Olajuwon’s two rings. In a recent game against the Pacers, Jokic made history with 25 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block on 92.3% from the field. Per Basketball Reference, Jokic became the first player in NBA history to record this stat line on at least 90% from the field. Stat lines like those are insane to think about from a center, but not surprising, considering Jokic is unlike any player before him. In the recent battle of MVP contenders, Embiid erupted for 41 points, 10 assists and 7 rebounds, while Jokic battled admirably with 25 points and 19 rebounds, but ultimately came out on the losing end. But even Embiid admitted after the game he told Jokic, “he’s the best player in the league.”
Best Up-and-Comer: Victor Wembanyama
