Nikola Jokic’s early-season dominance has reached a historic level, surpassing the career highs of NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan, and Chris Paul in key statistical categories. Through 11 games of the 2024-25 season, Jokic is averaging 29.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 11.7 assists—figures that eclipse the career-highs of O’Neal’s 29.67 PPG, Duncan’s 12.9 RPG, and Paul’s 11.6 APG.
Jokic’s extraordinary performance puts him on track for a potential fourth MVP, joining elite company like LeBron James. While Shaq and Duncan led their teams to championships, Jokic’s all-around game, which includes an unprecedented playmaking ability for a seven-footer, is setting him apart as one of the greatest offensive players ever. If the Denver Nuggets remain a top contender, Jokic’s case for another MVP will be undeniable, though his pursuit of more championships will be key for his all-time legacy.
Jokic’s impressive stats have made a powerful case for his legacy in the making. His ability to average a triple-double at his size, a feat only previously achieved by Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook, speaks volumes about his versatility. What makes Jokic even more exceptional is his ability to dominate the game in ways that go beyond scoring. His playmaking from the center position adds a new dimension to the game that was once unimaginable for a player of his stature.
Despite his unparalleled offensive impact, Jokic’s defense remains a question when compared to the likes of Tim Duncan, whose two-way game was one of the most well-rounded in NBA history. However, Jokic’s ability to outpace Duncan’s best rebounding season is no small feat, and it only underscores his greatness as a player.
While Jokic is already a champion and one of the most dominant players in the league, his quest for more championships remains crucial to cementing his place among the all-time greats. Duncan and O’Neal, who each secured multiple titles throughout their careers, set a high bar that Jokic is still chasing. Nonetheless, his MVP accolades have already solidified him as one of the best players of his generation.
As the Nuggets continue to find success and Jokic keeps improving his game, it seems only a matter of time before the Serbian big man climbs even further up the ranks of NBA history. However, his journey to solidifying a place among the top 10 players of all time may ultimately hinge on adding a few more championships to his trophy case. If Jokic can guide the Nuggets to another title this season, his place among the game’s elite will become even more undeniable.
