Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic Can Become The Greatest Center Ever
Theo Pinson says Jokic's ability to "control everything" makes him great
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic isn’t the most flashy NBA superstar or the most social individual. But his talent can’t be disputed. Many have already considered him to be, not only one of best centers ever, but one of the greatest players of all-time.
On Dec. 28, a video went viral of Theo Pinson and AJ Richardson’s podcast Run Your Race. In that clip, Pinson admitted that Jokic could become the greatest center of all-time.
“Jokic got a chance to be the best center to ever play this game,” Pinson said. “Because the way he controls everything and makes the game so easy for everybody. You never seen it at that size.”
Jokic can certainly earn himself that title.
He has already accomplished so much during his nine-year career. He is a five-time All-Star who earned back-to-back MVP awards. Just recently, he won the 2023 NBA championship while being named Finals MVP. During that championship run, he logged in a total of 600 points, 269 rebounds and 186 assists, becoming the first player ever to lead an entire postseason in those statistics.
Now, Jokic is in the midst of another great season.
He is averaging 26.1 points, a career-high 12.3 rebounds and 9.2 assists, leading the team in all three statistics. He even started the year on a historic note as he became the first player since Elgin Baylor to begin a season with 12 games of 20-plus points and 10-plus rebounds.
He recently broke another record. On Dec. 28, he recorded 26 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in a victory against the Memphis Grizzlies. While doing so, he shot 100% from the field, joining Wilt Chamberlain as the only players in history to log in a triple-double while 100% shooting.
Sure, Jokic has some competition in front of him regarding the all-time centers list. There’s big men such as Bill Russell, Shaquille O’Neal and Chamberlain. But Jokic could definitely find himself on top of the list if he continues to perform on this level.
Cory Nelson is a contributor to Fansided’s “Wiz of Awes”. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson and Instagram @ckenzynelson