By Adiel Kalonji | NBA Editor
While he is highly anticipated to win his third MVP in the following days, Nikola Jokic is also at the heart of a major debate on the ranking of all-time players. An influential voice in the league compared him to Tim Duncan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
In the last three MVP trophy awards, Nikola Jokic finished in the top two each time with two trophies up for grabs. Author of another breathtaking regular season, the Nuggets superstar positions himself as the big favorite to obtain this title again. The pivot’s track record is starting to become well stocked, especially since he is the reigning champion with his Colorado team.
In addition, the Denver franchise has a good chance of achieving back-to-back according to some analysts. In any case, the first stage is almost validated since it leads 3-0 in the first round against the Lakers. Therefore, a big discussion about the Serbian’s all-time status arose during Bill Simmons’ podcast. The journalist then compared him to some of the greatest legends of the orange ball:
Nikola Jokic at the same table as Duncan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson?
At this point, it’s him against Moses Malone, Shaquille O’Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon. We start arguing about whose territory he is in. Nikola Jokic could join Tim Duncan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Places 5, 6, 7, 8. He’s going to win three MVPs in the last four years and finished second the other year. He is the favorite to achieve the back-to-back.
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He’s kind of the opposite of Joel Embiid, because there’s something incredibly durable about him. I don’t remember seeing Jokic get injured. He played 79 matches this year. He will play 20 to 25 playoff games and will return next year. Duncan was also very tough, there are guys who are just tough. But I think that’s where he’ll end up, he’s so good and it’s justified. The statistics confirm this.
Like Jokic, Tim Duncan has won two MVPs. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird have obtained it 3 times during their careers. But what differentiates these Hall of Famers from the Joker so far is that they have lifted the Larry O’Brien trophy several times. The Spurs legend has done it 5 times, that of the Lakers too and the ex-Celtic has 3 rings on his fingers. However, that could soon change for the Nugget.
Because if Bill Simmons considers, as it stands, that the 29-year-old interior sits at the same table as Moses Malone or Shaquille O’Neal, who would be slightly lower in the rankings, a new title won by the All-Star would change his mind. He would therefore be more inclined to listen to those who give him a place between the 8th and 5th best player in history. That said, Jokic still has time to fill his list.
Given that he’s been winning all the trophies and racking up records lately, Nikola Jokic represents a big topic of debate in the all-time rankings. That’s why Bill Simmons said the superstar could become the equal of Tim Duncan, Magic Johnson or Larry Bird at the end of his career.
2024-04-27 20:20:00
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