Nikola Jokić’s rise to prominence in the NBA has sparked debates about his place among the game’s greatest players. His unique blend of size, skill, and playmaking has set him apart from traditional big men and redefined what it means to be a dominant center in modern basketball. As Jokić continues to collect accolades and break records, his impact on the game is undeniable, and even the most respected NBA legends are taking notice of his talent and contributions. However, as with any player challenging established norms, Jokić’s innovative approach has not been without its critics.

Jokić’s style is unlike that of any traditional big man in NBA history. He is not only known for his size and strength but also for his court vision and playmaking ability. His uncanny ability to act as a primary facilitator for his team while still being a dominant scorer and rebounder has forced many to rethink how a center should be used in today’s game. The NBA’s older generation of stars, who played in an era where athleticism and physicality were paramount, initially found it hard to understand Jokić’s success. After all, he does not possess the same explosive athleticism or imposing presence of past legends. Instead, he relies on intelligence, skill, and basketball IQ, which have led to his evolution as one of the best players in the league.

One of the most iconic and highly regarded figures in the history of the game, Michael Jordan, recently spoke out about Jokić’s growing legacy. Jordan, often considered the greatest basketball player of all time, acknowledged the Serbian center’s ability to control games and praised his all-around skill set. In a rare statement, Jordan said, “The way he controls the game is something special,” adding, “he’s already one of the greats, and he’s changing how the game is played.” These words from Jordan carry a lot of weight, and they solidify Jokić’s place among the game’s elite. The acknowledgment from Jordan, a player whose legacy was built on athletic dominance, indicates that even the most traditional stars recognize Jokić’s brilliance.

Larry Bird, another player whose basketball intelligence has become legendary, has also weighed in on Jokić’s skill set. Bird’s own career was defined by his ability to read the game and make others around him better, which is why Jokić’s playstyle resonates with him. Both Bird and Jokić share an uncanny ability to break down defenses not only through scoring but also with their visionary passing. Bird, who was known for his high basketball IQ, expressed admiration for Jokić’s unique style, commenting that he would “love to play against him.” Bird further explained that Jokić’s ability to mix old-school post play with modern skills like shooting threes makes him a unique player. Bird is hopeful that Jokić stays healthy to continue playing at a high level, and he even compared Jokić’s playstyle to the fun and excitement that fans felt when watching the Golden State Warriors in their prime.

Shaquille O’Neal, who has long positioned himself as a gatekeeper for the big man position, has been one of the most vocal critics of the current generation of NBA centers. O’Neal, who dominated the league during his career with unmatched physicality and presence in the paint, has often downplayed the contributions of modern big men. However, when it comes to Jokić, even Shaq has had to relent. During an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, O’Neal admitted that Jokić is currently the best big man in the NBA, acknowledging his dominance and diverse skill set. O’Neal praised Jokić for his ability to score, pass, and rebound while also appreciating his versatility. Shaq even admitted that he initially downplayed Jokić’s impact, but after seeing him continue to improve year after year, he now fully recognizes the Serbian big man’s greatness.

What makes Jokić so exceptional, according to O’Neal, is his ability to dominate the game in a variety of ways. Unlike traditional big men who rely solely on strength or size, Jokić can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, acting like a guard in certain situations. Shaq also pointed out that Jokić can still overpower defenders in the post when needed, making him a throwback to the classic centers of the past. His ability to blend these different aspects of the game, from old-school post play to modern perimeter shooting, makes him a nightmare for defenders and gives him a complete offensive arsenal that few other big men in NBA history have possessed.

Despite these accolades from basketball legends, some critics, like former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, have been skeptical of Jokić’s place among the elite. Arenas has questioned Jokić’s MVP victories, arguing that his statistical accomplishments don’t reflect true greatness compared to the accomplishments of MVPs from other years. Arenas has even gone as far as calling Jokić “the worst MVP winner” in the last 40 years, citing the Nuggets’ lack of success in comparison to other teams with MVP-caliber players. However, this argument fails to take into account that the MVP award is not solely determined by team success. Jokić’s ability to elevate the Denver Nuggets, a team that lacks the depth of other championship contenders, shows his true value. When Jokić is on the court, the Nuggets are contenders; when he’s off the floor, the team struggles. His impact goes far beyond statistics, as he is the player who makes everyone around him better.

Another respected voice, Charles Barkley, has also been vocal in his praise for Jokić. As a former dominant big man himself, Barkley has a deep understanding of what it takes to be great in the NBA, and he sees Jokić as a once-in-a-generation talent. Barkley has criticized the Nuggets’ front office for not surrounding Jokić with the necessary talent to maximize his championship potential. He argues that Jokić’s prime is too valuable to waste and that the Nuggets need to get more aggressive in building a championship-contending team around him. Barkley’s passionate critique highlights the importance of strong franchise management in helping players reach their full potential, as he points to past situations where teams failed to build around great players like LeBron James and Kevin Garnett.

Jokić’s defensive abilities, which often go overlooked by casual fans, have also earned praise from former NBA players like Joakim Noah. Noah, known for his exceptional defense, has acknowledged Jokić’s brilliance on offense, but he has also highlighted the areas of his game that often get overshadowed. Although Jokić’s defense may not be as flashy as some of his peers, his intelligence and positioning allow him to dominate in unconventional ways. Rather than relying on athleticism to grab rebounds, Jokić uses his anticipation, timing, and positioning to control the game. This skill set makes him a unique player in today’s NBA, where traditional centers are often criticized for their lack of versatility.

Ultimately, Jokić’s combination of old-school post dominance and modern playmaking and shooting has revolutionized what it means to be a center in the NBA. As he continues to break records and win accolades, his place among the all-time greats becomes more and more secure. Whether it’s the respect from legends like Jordan, Bird, and O’Neal, or the recognition of his dominance on the court, Jokić has proven that his unorthodox style and skill set are here to stay.