The Denver Nuggets have been led by Nikola Jokic for years now. He's developed from an unknown second-round pick to a surefire superstar and future Hall of Fame player. He's got a championship under his belt, along with three MVP victories and a Finals MVP trophy.
Jokic has achieved anything a player might want to, yet he's still having a career year. He's averaging a career high 32.3 points per game while adding 13.6 rebounds per game and 10.2 assists per game. It's also been a career year passing the ball for Jokic, too, as he's on pace to average a triple-double for the first time.
There isn't an aspect where Jokic doesn't impact the game, though there is one area where he absolutely controls the game. The Serbian big man is highly regarded as the best passing center in the NBA's history. He's got a case for being one of the best passers in the game as a whole right now.
When speaking of his teammate, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso was highly complimentary of his passing, but he was sure to give Jokic his flowers as the best passing big man.
"He's a phenomenal passer. People don't talk about him as a passer as a big in the league. Obviously Jokic is in a category of his own," Caruso said. "That's a different guy. Not many bigs in the league can pass it and have the ball skills he has."
Caruso is just one of many to recognize Jokic's passing ability, though the statistics speak for themselves. However, teams can't run the entire offense through their center like the Nuggets can, and it makes for an incredible brand of basketball.
There is a reason Jokic could be on par for his fourth MVP victory in five seasons, which would be an enormous feat if he's able.
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This story was originally published December 10, 2024, 2:43 PM.