Is Nikola Jokic The Best Playmaking Center Ever? A Look At Nuggets Star’s Historic Assist Records

Nikola Jokic humorously explains why he has never eaten at Taco Bell
Nikola Jokic (Photo by Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)

Nikola Jokic’s rise to dominance has been nothing short of magical. While the NBA has evolved into a more perimeter-oriented game, the significance of having a dominant center like him remains vital. But after all sorts of comparisons, another question arises. Is Nikola Jokic the best playmaking center ever?

Technically, yes! But theoretically, he is just behind NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain. Drafted 41st overall in 2014, Jokic entered the league with little fanfare. Unlike other centers that arrive with lofty expectations, he has carved a niche with his exceptional ability to facilitate plays. Jokic recently set a career-high with 19 assists in a game against the Indiana Pacers. By doing so, he became the first center since Chamberlain in 1968 to achieve that feat.

Let’s have a look at where Jokic stands in the most assists in a game by a center:

When evaluating Jokic’s playmaking prowess, it’s crucial to consider the historical context. He joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the only two centers to surpass 5,000 career assists. While Abdul-Jabbar is renowned for his scoring, Jokic has a unique combination of size, skill, and extraordinary court awareness.

Statistically, Jokic underscores his case as an elite playmaking center with a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 28.03. And that is well above legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon. Currently averaging 29.4 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, Jokic’s contributions are critical to the Denver Nuggets’ success. At just 29 years old and already a two-time MVP, Jokic’s legacy is far from complete.

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Also Read: Nikola Jokic Feels “Weird” Not Having Luka Doncic At The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend

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Nikola Jokic Showed Up On The Right Occasion For The Nuggets

Nikola Jokic proved once again why he’s considered one of the most exceptional talents in the NBA. The superstar Serbian stepped up when it mattered most for the Denver Nuggets against the Indiana Pacers. Coming off a tough loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Nuggets needed a strong performance to reclaim their momentum, and Jokic delivered in spades.

Not only did he score 18 points, but he also put his playmaking genius at work and dished out a career-high 19 assists. During the contest where the Pacers were known for their high-scoring abilities, Jokic’s defensive awareness also shone through. He played a crucial role in limiting Indiana’s effectiveness, particularly from beyond the arc.

Jokic turned at just the right time and helped the Nuggets stifle a team that had been riding a wave of success, winning 16 of their last 21 games prior to this matchup. The synergy between Jokic and his teammates, especially in the fourth quarter, proved impactful.