On the ‘Byron Scott’s Fast Break’ podcast, Derek Fisher drew a striking comparison between Nikola Jokic and several of the NBA’s all-time greats, such as Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Michael Jordan.
Fisher highlighted the distinctive and formidable aspects of Jokic’s play, likening his influence on the court to the unparalleled dominance that marked the careers of these legendary players.
“People have no idea how big and strong Shaquille O’Neal was. It’s not even close to any comparison. As dominant as Nikola Jokic has been, and deserving of the MVPs, the way he dominates the game is obviously extremely different from Shaq.”
“But the concept is the same: you have no matchup for Nikola Jokic, and everybody knows it. Everyone says it—there is no matchup for this dude, right? That was Shaq. There was no matchup for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. None. There was no matchup for Michael Jordan.” (27:11)
Fisher began by highlighting the sheer physical presence of Shaquille O’Neal. Fisher pointed out that O’Neal’s size and strength allowed him to overpower opponents in a way that was nearly impossible to counter. Similarly, while Jokic may not share O’Neal’s raw physicality, his dominance in the modern game operates in a similarly uncontainable fashion.
The comparison is striking because Jokic, despite not being as physically imposing as O’Neal, exerts an equally devastating influence on the game, albeit in a different manner. Jokic’s dominance stems from his basketball IQ, passing ability, and versatility, which, much like O’Neal’s physical dominance, leaves opposing teams without a solution to stop him.
Fisher continued by extending the comparison to other legendary players, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan. The point he made was that certain players transcend the conventional strategies and defenses of the game. Whether it’s Kareem’s skyhook, Jordan’s scoring prowess, or Jokic’s combination of size, skill, and basketball intelligence, these players operate on a level where opponents struggle to find any answers.
Ultimately, Fisher’s analysis underscores Jokic’s place among the NBA’s greatest, recognizing that while his style of play is fundamentally different from the likes of Shaq, Kareem, or Jordan, his impact on the game is equally profound. Teams face the same dilemma: no one can find a consistent way to slow him down.
Nikola Jokic Is Still Yet To Have A Hall Of Fame Level Teammate
Nikola Jokic is widely considered one of the most dominant and skilled players in the NBA today. With three MVP awards and a championship under his belt, Jokic is already on track for a Hall of Fame career. However, unlike many other all-time greats, Jokic has yet to be paired with a teammate of a similar Hall of Fame caliber.
While Jamal Murray has proven to be a key contributor to the Denver Nuggets‘ success, particularly during their 2023 championship run, he is not widely seen as a player who is guaranteed to reach the Hall of Fame.
In NBA history, almost every player in the conversation for the top 10 all-time had at least one Hall of Fame teammate. Michael Jordan had Scottie Pippen, a perfect complement to his game, who also became a Hall of Famer. Shaquille O’Neal dominated alongside Kobe Bryant, who many argue is also in the top 10 of all time.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was paired with Magic Johnson, arguably the best point guard in NBA history. LeBron James has had a trio of Hall of Fame-level teammates, from Dwyane Wade and Anthony Davis to Kyrie Irving. Stephen Curry won two championships with Kevin Durant and had Klay Thompson by his side for all four of his titles. These legendary duos or trios were critical in helping build their respective legacies, leading to multiple titles and cementing their place in NBA history.
For Jokic, winning one championship is already a significant accomplishment, but if he wants to be mentioned alongside the Jordans, LeBrons, and Kareems of the world, he will likely need multiple championships. To do that, having a Hall of Fame-caliber teammate could be crucial. While Murray is an elite scorer and an ideal partner for Jokic’s unique skill set, he does not carry the same weight as a Kobe or a Pippen in terms of legacy-building potential.
To build on their 2023 achievements and achieve multiple championships, the Nuggets may need to either elevate Murray to a Hall of Fame-caliber player or acquire another top-tier talent. Without such additions, Jokic might be left to shoulder the burden alone, lacking the Hall of Fame-level support that many other great players have enjoyed.
