Here’s a bold statement: Nikola Jokic just redefined what it means to be a dominant NBA center, and it’s not just about scoring. But here’s where it gets controversial—while many celebrate his record-breaking assists, some argue that a center’s primary role should still be dominating the paint. So, is Jokic revolutionizing the position, or is he an outlier in a league that values traditional big men? Let’s dive in.
On Thursday night, Nikola Jokic didn’t just make history—he honored it. After surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most career assists by an NBA center, Jokic paid tribute to the man who shaped his unselfish approach to the game: Dejan ‘Deki’ Milojevic, his late coach from Serbia’s Mega Basket. ‘I always say the assist makes two people happy,’ Jokic reflected after Denver’s 126-115 victory over Orlando. ‘My coach, Deki Milojevic, he always said that.’ It’s a philosophy that’s now etched into Jokic’s legacy.
Milojevic’s sudden passing in January 2024, while serving as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, left a void in Jokic’s life. Yet, his influence remains alive. Jokic often wears a shirt during practice and warm-ups that reads ‘Brate’ (meaning ‘brother’) with a heart enclosing Milojevic’s initials—a silent yet powerful tribute to their bond.
Jokic’s journey from benchwarmer to NBA champion and Finals MVP is a testament to consistency. His first assist, to Will Barton in 2015, and his record-breaking pass to Jalen Pickett on Thursday, both highlight his unwavering commitment to teamwork. ‘Damn. I wish I was on that,’ joked Bruce Brown, who narrowly missed being the recipient of the historic play. ‘This is why I came back. You get easy ones. All eyes are always on him.’
And Brown isn’t wrong. Defenders constantly shadow Jokic, yet he effortlessly finds the open man. On Thursday, he dished out 13 assists to seven different players, showcasing his court vision. Cam Johnson received five, while Brown, Julian Strawther, Jonas Valanciunas, Jamal Murray, Spencer Jones, and Pickett each benefited from Jokic’s generosity. ‘He plays the game without thinking about who’s who and why,’ Nuggets coach David Adelman explained. ‘He just does exactly the right thing for his teammates.’
And this is the part most people miss—Jokic’s unselfishness doesn’t just elevate his stats; it transforms his teammates. Murray, Jokic’s longtime running mate, has thrived under this approach. ‘Passing Kareem in anything is pretty cool,’ Murray said. ‘It just speaks to his greatness and how unselfish he is.’ Even when Jokic’s passes don’t register as assists, like his behind-the-back feed to Murray on Thursday, they leave a lasting impression.
When asked about his favorite pass, Jokic shrugged off the flashiness. ‘I think it’s making the right play,’ he said. ‘Maybe it’s not a flashy pass, but when you make the right play, you kind of feel good about yourself.’ It’s this humility that sets him apart in a league often obsessed with individual glory.
Jokic’s achievement is even more remarkable when compared to Abdul-Jabbar’s 20-year career spanning 1,560 regular-season games. In just his 11th season, Jokic has already surpassed the legend in assists. ‘Don’t get tired of this, because it’s unique,’ Adelman urged. ‘Our guy tonight—from Denver—just passed him in a category. Take that into account. Remember it.’
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is Jokic’s playstyle the future of the center position, or is he a once-in-a-generation anomaly? Let us know in the comments. One thing’s for sure—whether you’re a teammate, a fan, or a critic, Jokic’s impact is impossible to ignore.
