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Nikola Jokic has Made Himself an All-Time Great

Bryant

Two weeks ago, Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets won their first NBA championship. It was a truly dominant run by the Nuggets and one of the best playoff runs of this century. The Nuggets' 16-4 playoff run has only been rivaled by the Shaq & Kobe Lakers, the dynasty Warriors, and the Cavs in that same time. How did the Nuggets become such a dominant force on their way to their first championship? Nikola Jokić.


Nikola Jokić after his first championship
via Ron Chenoy / USA TODAY Sports

Jokić showed why he was a former two-time MVP in this playoff run, leading the entire playoffs in points, rebounds, assists, and win shares. He's the first player in NBA history to ever do that, etching his name in history. In the Finals, he averaged 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists, while securing his first NBA Finals MVP. This was a well-earned ring that shut any doubters up.


I would like to say that Jokić has already entered the top 25 all-time status, and maybe even higher. He already has multiple MVPs and now a ring to add to it. He is the engine for the Nuggets' offense, and they would be a lottery team without him. He is already on par with players like Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Kevin Garnett, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. My hot take is that he is also close or maybe on par with Kevin Durant, as I believe his ring is more meaningful than either of KD's two rings, where he had to join a superteam to get them.


Jokić is only 28 years old, so as his career goes on, his impressive résumé will expand. I believe Jokic could find himself in the top 10 before his career ends. If anyone out of the new generation can do it, it would be Jokić, and he is already well on his way.


Nikola Jokić holding his Finals MVP trophy
AAron Ontiveroz /Denver Post / Getty Images

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