Pre-2019-20 Rank: #42, Pre-2020-21 Rank: #31, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #13, Pre-2021-22 Rank: #8, Pre-2023-24 Rank: #6
*Peak Period: 2017-18 to 2023-24.
What does it say about the quality of active players in the NBA when we have a three-time MVP and one-time NBA Champion who we have at only #6 among active players for HOF contention?
Nikola Jokic goes into the 2024-25 season as a three-time MVP and the favorite to win it again. His Nuggets are also top contenders, and he is also a four-time All-NBA First Team Selection. The only question for the “Joker” is not when he is a first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee but when that will occur.
Jokic gives us Tim Duncan vibes, as he is unassuming, does not seek the spotlight, and is the consummate team player. He is now in the conversation as the greatest European player of all time, and he has the goods in him to be a top ten all-time player.
We are blessed to be able to watch him play basketball.
Somehow, we might have convinced ourselves to place him at #2, but that could quickly happen with a fourth MVP, and notably, he is still in his peak.