In a league of extraordinary players, one man is rewriting the record books. Nikola Jokić, the Denver Nuggets' powerhouse, is on a historic path, leaving fans and analysts alike in awe. But here's the catch: he's not alone in this elite club.
Jokić has just tied the legendary Oscar Robertson for second place in the NBA's all-time triple-double list. With 181 career regular-season triple-doubles, Jokić is now a mere 26 triple-doubles away from the top spot, currently held by the iconic Russell Westbrook. And this is no small feat, as Westbrook has been a triple-double machine, averaging one over an entire season multiple times.
The 'Big O', Oscar Robertson, set the bar high. His 1963-64 MVP season with the Cincinnati Royals was a testament to his all-around brilliance. But it was Jokić who recently surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the all-time leader in assists for centers, adding another feather to his cap.
And this is the part most people miss: Jokić is doing all this in his 11th season, while it took Robertson 14 seasons to reach the same milestone. But here's where it gets controversial—Westbrook, at 37, is still going strong, adding four triple-doubles this season alone. He's a constant reminder that records are meant to be broken, and his presence adds an intriguing twist to Jokić's pursuit.
With Jokić's recent knee injury, which caused him to miss 16 games, one might wonder if he can keep up the pace. Yet, the three-time NBA MVP is on track to join Westbrook in an exclusive club—averaging a full-season triple-double multiple times. A feat so rare, it's only been achieved by Westbrook so far.
As Jokić continues his ascent, the basketball world is left with bated breath. Will he surpass Westbrook? Or will the veteran guard hold onto his record a little longer? Only time will tell, and the debate is sure to spark passionate discussions among fans and analysts alike.
