Former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy has ignited a major basketball debate by suggesting Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic might be the greatest player in league history on The Zach Lowe Show, challenging traditional views of the NBA’s all-time hierarchy.
Van Gundy built his argument on two key points. He first emphasised the natural evolution of athletes, suggesting the best players in history have likely emerged in the last 20 years due to advances in training and game intelligence.
His second point highlighted Jokic’s complete package of skills, leadership, and consistent all-around impact, not just his historic statistics. Van Gundy is not alone in his high praise for the Nuggets centre. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr recently called Jokic the best centre he has ever seen.
If SVG had to pick one guy in the history of the NBA right now, he’s going with Jokic.
He explains to @ZachLowe_NBA why Jokic might be the best player in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/XhU6f0jH9I
— The Ringer (@ringer) November 26, 2025Former Nuggets coach George Karl once stated he believes Jokic may be the best basketball player he has ever watched. Jokic’s former teammate, Michael Porter Jr., also declared him the greatest ever, noting he could have won the MVP award five years in a row.
Jokic’s on-court performance makes this theoretical debate statistically credible. Since 2020, he leads all qualifying NBA players in points, assists, rebounds, and steals for the decade. This statistical dominance across multiple categories is unprecedented. Even legendary players like Michael Jordan and LeBron James never led a decade in such a sweeping range of metrics.
Beyond individual numbers, Jokic has transformed the Denver Nuggets franchise. He led them to their first NBA championship in 2023, proving his value as a franchise-altering cornerstone who delivers both stats and ultimate team success.
