Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic currently holds the title of the top player in the NBA. While there may be arguments for others, he is widely regarded as the consensus best player in the league. He possesses a versatility that renders him immune to matchup challenges, showcased by his leadership in guiding his team to a championship victory last year. Jokic’s dynamic playing style sets him apart as one of the most exceptional players the league has ever seen.

With a plethora of accolades and skills, Jokic stands poised to be remembered among the greatest players in NBA history and as one of the premier centers in the league. Having earned two NBA MVP titles in 2021 and 2022, the 29-year-old superstar began solidifying his status as the league’s top player during that time, with little dispute at present. Some argue that Jokic operates in a league of his own, and unless faced with unforeseen setbacks, he is likely to secure his third MVP award in four years.

Despite these accolades, one NBA executive holds a contrasting opinion, suggesting that Jokic’s achievements may not stand the test of time. Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas expressed his view on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast, Nightcap, asserting that Jokic is the least deserving MVP winner in the past four decades. Arenas attributes this opinion to Jokic’s failure to produce historically exceptional statistics.

“I do understand when they say this about Jokic. Jokic is probably, statistically, when it comes to the overall game, the worst MVP winner in the last 40 years… When Jokic in 2021, Jokic’s team was fifth; he averaged 26, 8, and 10; what was the historic part of that? A big man, almost, not did, almost won the triple-double, and they gave it to him when his team record was like that. When you talk about historic, Jokic fifth and tenth (seed).”

To summarize, Areans is saying Jokic didn’t put up historical numbers compared to the past MVP winners and didn’t lead his team to the number one or two seed in those seasons.