Nikola Jokic is on a historic run in the NBA. Since the 2020-21 season, Jokic has won three MVPs, an NBA title, a Finals MVP, and is currently averaging a triple-double for the 2024-25 NBA season. This is likely why Steve Kerr has recently stated that Nikola Jokic is better than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
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“It’s unfair to compare eras,” Kerr began, “but [Jokic] is the best center I’ve ever seen. I played against Kareem. Kareem couldn’t do all this stuff. And again, eras dictate a lot of that. So we’re in the modern era, and we are watching a guy [in Jokic] who is doing things nobody’s ever done before.
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“It goes so far beyond the skill level with Jokic,” Kerr continued. “It’s the competitiveness. It’s the intelligence. He is absolutely one of the smartest players ever. And you see it in so many different ways.”
Steve Kerr says Nikola Jokic is better than Kareem Abdul-Jabarr ???? pic.twitter.com/g8CwuXA5KB
— Ball Exclusives (@ballexclusives) April 5, 2025
Even though Jokic has been on a tear as of late, Kerr’s statement is a little far-fetched. Abdul-Jabbar is a player who is always mentioned in the GOAT debate, along with Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Abdul-Jabbar was the all-time leading scorer in NBA history for over 38 years, until LeBron broke it.
Abdul-Jabbar has also won more MVPs (6) in league history than any other player. Plus, he’s a six-time NBA champion.
Abdul-Jabbar had the most unstoppable shot in NBA history with the skyhook. Jokic cannot make this claim at all. Plus, Abdul-Jabbar was a good defender, something that Jokic struggles with.
So, is Kerr wrong for saying this? As of now, yes. But if Jokic can keep up his historic play and win a few more championships, maybe Kerr’s words will be proven true.
