Season after season, Nikola Jokic 's dominance on the court grows, and more and more of his critics become his fans. As we head into the 2024-25 season, 'The Joker' again carries substantial momentum after leading his national team to an Olympic bronze medal almost single-handedly.
Acknowledging this period of dominance, during which Jokic is expected to be among the best players, Brian Scalabrine expressed no hesitation in labeling the 6'11" center as the undisputed best player in today's NBA.
Furthermore, the former Celtics star emphasized that Jokic's reign of dominance is equivalent to that of Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal.
Scalabrine on Jokic
Over the past four seasons, Joker has averaged 26.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per game, consistently earning All-NBA selections and remaining a top-two contender for MVP honors.
Having won the award in three of those seasons, the one year he did not claim it, Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever championship and also captured the Finals MVP trophy after averaging 30.2 points and 14 rebounds per game.
Recognizing the greatness of the Serbian center, Scalabrine gushed over how effortlessly Jokic has emerged as the best player in the league, as Mike and Shaq did in their respective eras, in the most effortless manner.
"I'll triple down on he's the best player in the league, and I'll also triple down on this, I think that this is the greatest… if not a top five, four seasons we will ever see. Last four seasons, three MVPs, and an NBA Championship," Brian said during his appearance on the Sirius XM NBA Radio. "Have we ever seen a stretch like this? This is like Michael Jordan-type of level of a stretch. Shaquille O'Neal, when they won those three championships together."
While some might argue against Scalabrine's comparison, pointing out that both Jordan and O'Neal led their teams to multiple championships during their peak years, Jokic has secured only one title thus far. However, there is no denying that the six-time All-Star has been the most influential player in recent seasons.
Related: "I remember him sitting in the bathroom close to tears" - Doc opened up about a heartbreaking way Shaq's career ended
Nuggets with Joker are a team to beat
White Mamba also discussed the Nuggets roster ahead of the season. He believes they lost key role players, including Jamal Murray, who will need to step up like he did two seasons ago when the Nuggets claimed their championship. But title hope in Mile High City starts and ends with their superstar.
"Denver always has a chance because of that guy right there," Brian added.
As long as Jokic remains healthy and continues to play over 70 games like Jordan and O'Neal did during their primes, the Nuggets are still strong contenders for another championship and a team nobody likes to play in the playoffs.
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