.In a groundbreaking and somewhat controversial move, ESPN has officially named Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić the greatest basketball player of the 21st century. The Serbian center, known for his unparalleled court vision, elite passing ability, and unselfish style of play, has been selected ahead of a star-studded list that includes LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Garnett, and Dirk Nowitzki.
The decision comes on the heels of Jokić’s continued dominance in the NBA, which has seen him collect multiple MVP awards, a Finals MVP, and lead the Denver Nuggets to their first NBA championship in franchise history. What separates Jokić from his contemporaries, according to ESPN analysts, is not just his statistical excellence, but the transformative impact he has had on the center position and modern basketball as a whole.
Jokić, a second-round pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, has defied expectations from the moment he entered the league. While early comparisons placed him among skilled big men, few foresaw the extent of his impact. With an unmatched basketball IQ, he has redefined what a center can be in today’s game—operating as a point center, orchestrating offense from the high post, and dictating pace with surgical precision.
ESPN’s panel of analysts cited Jokić’s combination of individual accolades and team success, along with his revolutionary style of play, as key reasons behind his selection. “Jokić has not only put up historic numbers—he’s reshaped how we think about offense in the NBA,” said analyst Zach Lowe. “No player in recent memory has blended dominance with such unselfishness. He makes everyone around him better.”
While the announcement has sparked debates across social media and among fans, the criteria for the list heavily emphasized influence on the game, versatility, efficiency, and leadership. While players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry have more championships and longer stretches of dominance, ESPN analysts highlighted that Jokić’s peak might be the most efficient and complete display of basketball the sport has seen in decades.
LeBron James, widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever play the game, was placed second. His longevity, leadership, and influence on the game are undisputed, but ESPN pointed out that his style, while dominant, was less revolutionary compared to Jokić’s reinvention of the center role. Stephen Curry, whose three-point revolution changed the geometry of the game, came in third, recognized for his offensive firepower and transformative impact on shooting.
Kevin Durant, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kevin Garnett were acknowledged for their excellence as scoring forwards and their contributions to the evolution of big men who can shoot. Dwyane Wade, meanwhile, was praised for his championship pedigree and two-way play.
The naming of Jokić as the greatest of the 21st century marks a significant shift in how greatness is evaluated. While rings, longevity, and popularity have traditionally been key measures, ESPN’s choice reflects a deeper appreciation of impact, innovation, and advanced metrics. Whether or not fans agree with the choice, one thing is certain: Nikola Jokić has etched his name into basketball history—and changed the game forever.
