Steve Kerr Bold Claim: Nikola Jokic is the Greatest Center of All Time

In a recent Western Conference matchup, the Golden State Warriors triumphed over the Denver Nuggets, but it was post-game comments from Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr that stole the headlines. While discussing Nikola Jokic’s performance, Kerr went beyond the usual praise and made an audacious statement: Jokic might just be the greatest center to ever play the game. Acknowledging the historical debate surrounding this position, Kerr’s comments have sparked widespread conversation about where Jokic stands in the pantheon of all-time great centers.

A Modern Marvel: Steve Kerr on Jokic’s Unmatched Skill

Steve Kerr Hails Nikola Jokic As The Best Center He’s Ever Seen

For those who follow the NBA, it’s no surprise that Jokic’s name frequently comes up in discussions of the best players in the league. But Steve Kerr’s comments after a hard-fought victory against the Nuggets pushed this conversation to new heights. Kerr, a coach with decades of experience and a keen understanding of the game’s evolution, was unequivocal in his praise of the Serbian big man.

“It’s unfair to compare eras, but he’s the best center I have ever seen,” Kerr began, setting the tone for his bold assertion. Kerr, who had the opportunity to play against and watch legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during his own career, didn’t shy away from drawing a comparison. He pointed out that while he had competed against Abdul-Jabbar, the all-time leading scorer and a dominant force in his era, Jokic’s game surpasses even the skills of the legendary Laker center in many ways.

Kerr didn’t stop there. He continued, “For one year, I played against Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, watched him, but he couldn’t do this stuff.” Kerr’s statement underscores the unique nature of Jokic’s skill set. Whereas Abdul-Jabbar’s game was defined by his near-impossible skyhook and dominance in the paint, Jokic’s versatility and ability to impact the game in a variety of ways set him apart. He’s not only a traditional center but also a brilliant playmaker, capable of orchestrating offense from the top of the key, a skill that no center before him has demonstrated at the same level.

Jokic’s Unique Blend of Skills and Intelligence

Warriors’ Steve Kerr on Nikola Jokic: ‘Best center who’s ever played’

One of the most striking elements of Steve Kerr’s praise was his emphasis on Jokic’s overall intelligence and competitiveness. In modern basketball, the mental aspects of the game are often overlooked in favor of raw athleticism and highlight-worthy plays. However, Kerr was quick to note that Jokic’s genius on the court goes far beyond his physical abilities.

“It goes so far beyond the skill level, it’s the competitiveness, the intelligence,” Kerr explained. “He’s absolutely one of the smartest players ever, and you see it in so many different ways.”

Kerr’s words are a testament to how Jokic’s basketball IQ stands out in a league filled with incredibly talented athletes. Jokic’s understanding of spacing, timing, and defensive rotations is second to none. What sets him apart from many centers—especially those of previous eras—is his ability to read the game as a playmaker. His court vision is elite, often threading passes that result in highlight-reel assists. This isn’t a common trait for players of his position. Traditionally, centers are expected to dominate in the post and on the boards, but Jokic brings an element of creativity and decision-making that few, if any, have matched at the center position.

Moreover, Kerr’s acknowledgment of Jokic’s competitiveness further highlights the driving force behind his success. Despite his laid-back demeanor, Jokic is fiercely competitive. This edge has propelled him to be not just one of the best centers, but arguably one of the top players in the entire NBA.

The Evolution of the Center Position: A Changing Game

Kerr’s comments also touch on the larger debate of how the center position has evolved over time. The NBA has changed dramatically over the past few decades, with the modern game shifting toward a more perimeter-oriented style. The three-point revolution has altered the role of big men, making the traditional “back-to-the-basket” center less common.

In this new era, Nikola Jokic stands as a prime example of how centers can adapt and thrive in an evolving game. Unlike the dominant centers of the past—such as Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Shaquille O’Neal—Jokic is as comfortable facilitating offense as he is scoring in the post. His ability to shoot from outside, pass like a point guard, and rebound at a high level makes him a throwback to the traditional center, while also being ahead of his time in how he impacts the game.

This combination of old-school center dominance and modern skill versatility is what makes Jokic a unique player in the history of the game. It is this blend that has led Steve Kerr to call him the best center he’s ever seen, even if that label comes with the caveat of comparing different eras.

Historical Context: Where Does Jokic Rank Among All-Time Greats?

Kerr’s bold claim about Jokic being the greatest center of all time is sure to provoke debate among NBA fans and analysts alike. Historically, the center position has been home to some of the most dominant and iconic players to ever play the game.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with his six championships and unmatched skyhook, remains one of the most revered centers in history. Bill Russell, a winner of 11 championships with the Boston Celtics, is often hailed as the most successful center in NBA history. Wilt Chamberlain, a statistical marvel who averaged 50 points per game in a season, redefined what was possible for a big man in the 1960s. And Shaquille O’Neal, whose sheer physicality and dominance in the paint made him a force of nature, left an indelible mark on the league during his prime.

Comparing Jokic to these legends is no easy task. His ability to impact the game as a passer and floor general is certainly unprecedented for a center, but he doesn’t have the same number of championships or accolades as some of the players mentioned. However, in terms of sheer skill, basketball IQ, and versatility, Jokic’s case as the best center of all time continues to gain traction. His ability to shape an entire offense, his passing, his scoring, and his leadership make him a player unlike any other.

What’s Next for Jokic?

While the conversation around Nikola Jokic’s place in NBA history is ongoing, one thing is clear: Jokic is already one of the most transformative players of his era. As the Denver Nuggets continue to contend for titles, Jokic’s legacy will only grow. Whether or not he ultimately surpasses the all-time greats like Abdul-Jabbar, Russell, and Chamberlain remains to be seen, but his unique skill set and basketball IQ have already secured him a place in the history books.

Steve Kerr’s comments serve as a reminder of just how special Jokic is. The Nuggets star has already achieved a level of greatness that places him in the conversation for the greatest center of all time, and his story is still unfolding. In a league that continues to evolve, Jokic has redefined what it means to be a center, and it will be fascinating to see how his career progresses in the years to come.