Few debates in basketball generate as much passion as discussions surrounding the greatest players of all time. That conversation has increasingly included Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, whose accomplishments over the past decade have elevated him into rare company among the NBA’s legendary centers.
The latest chapter in that debate unfolded during FanDuel TV’s Run It Back, where veteran broadcaster Michelle Beadle participated in a blind-ranking exercise featuring some of the sport’s most iconic big men. The challenge required participants to rank each player without knowing which names would follow, leading to several difficult decisions.
By the end of the segment, Beadle’s final list placed Shaquille O’Neal first, followed by Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Jokic. The result quickly drew attention, not only because of Jokic’s placement but also because of the circumstances surrounding the exercise itself.
While the ranking sparked discussion among fans, it also highlighted a broader reality: Jokic is now firmly part of conversations once reserved exclusively for basketball’s most celebrated figures. For a player still actively competing at an elite level, that alone represents a remarkable achievement.
1. The Challenges of Blind Rankings
Blind rankings have become a popular format in sports media because they often produce surprising outcomes. Participants must make immediate decisions without knowing which options remain, creating situations where even respected analysts can end up with controversial lists.
That was the case for Beadle, who expressed visible frustration as the exercise unfolded. The format left little room for adjustment, forcing her to commit to placements before seeing the complete group of candidates.
Her final rankings placed Jokic behind four universally recognized legends. Yet the list also featured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in fourth place, illustrating how unpredictable blind rankings can become when multiple all-time greats are involved.
Rather than serving as a definitive statement on Jokic’s standing, the segment underscored the difficulty of comparing players across different eras. Differences in rules, playing styles, competition, and longevity continue to make such debates among the most subjective topics in sports.
2. Jokic’s Growing Historical Resume
Regardless of where individuals place him, Jokic’s accomplishments have become increasingly difficult to ignore. The Denver center has captured three Most Valuable Player awards while establishing himself as one of the most unique offensive players in NBA history.
His combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking has redefined expectations for the center position. Few players at his size have ever possessed his vision or ability to orchestrate an offense, making him a challenging comparison to traditional big men from previous generations.
Jokic’s résumé also includes an NBA championship and multiple deep playoff appearances. At just 31 years old, he still has an opportunity to add significantly to his legacy in the years ahead, which is why many analysts hesitate to make definitive judgments about his historical standing.
For Nuggets fans, the fact that Jokic is regularly mentioned alongside O’Neal, Russell, Chamberlain, and Abdul-Jabbar is itself a testament to his impact. Entering those conversations while still in the midst of his career places him among a select group of players in league history.
3. Leading Denver Into Another Season
The debate surrounding Jokic’s legacy comes as Denver prepares for another season with championship aspirations. After an unexpected first-round playoff exit, expectations remain high for a franchise that continues to build around its superstar center.
Jokic’s responsibilities have expanded beyond his production on the court. Following Denver’s coaching transition that elevated David Adelman, the three-time MVP has increasingly embraced a leadership role within the organization.
His influence is frequently evident during games, where television broadcasts often capture him discussing adjustments with teammates and mentoring younger players. Christian Braun, among others, has benefited from Jokic’s willingness to share his experience and understanding of the game.
Although Jokic has joked that coaching is “the worst job on the planet,” his actions suggest otherwise. His basketball intelligence and communication have effectively made him an extension of the coaching staff, further reinforcing his value to a Nuggets team determined to return to championship contention.