Last season, Nikola Jokic missed out on the MVP title partly because some voters hesitated to place him among the elite few who had won the award three times or more, a group led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with an impressive six victories. However, denying Jokic the award this year is simply impossible — his performance speaks for itself.

The six-time All-Star showcased his dominance during last season’s championship run, solidifying his status as the league’s top player. This year, he has continued to impress with his deadly jump shot, unparalleled floater skills, exceptional passing ability for a big man, and unstoppable post presence.

While other talented players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Doncic have had notable seasons, Jokic’s consistency and impact make him the clear choice for Sporting News NBA Player of the Year. One only needs to watch him play to understand his exceptional talent, a sentiment echoed when he previously won the award in 2022.

The remaining question surrounding Jokic pertains to his place in the all-time NBA debate. The center position boasts a rich history of legendary players, but Jokic’s remarkable skills and achievements are gradually elevating him in the rankings.

In our previous all-time rankings from 2023, Jokic was ranked as the 19th best player overall and the 7th best center. Considering another year as the NBA’s top player, it’s evident that his standing in the all-time discussion is on the rise.

Jokic’s remarkable season, during which he averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists while leading one of the league’s top teams, has propelled him up one spot in our rankings, surpassing Moses Malone and placing him ahead of Hakeem Olajuwon.

Breaking into the top five centers of all time is an extraordinary achievement. We previously mentioned that for Jokic to be considered among the greats, he would need to secure another MVP award and an NBA championship. Remarkably, he is on track to accomplish just that. With strong odds of winning MVP and the Denver Nuggets positioned as the second-favorite team, behind the Celtics, to clinch the championship according to NBA title odds from BetMGM, Jokic’s ascent in the rankings appears increasingly likely.

Just a year ago, ranking centers would have been a straightforward task. However, today, it’s much more nuanced, with Nikola Jokic and Hakeem Olajuwon easily interchangeable between the fifth and sixth spots among all-time centers.

Currently, Olajuwon holds the edge in consistency. He boasts an impressive 12 All-NBA team selections compared to Jokic’s anticipated six after this season’s awards. Additionally, Olajuwon has one more championship under his belt, although Jokic could potentially even the score this year.

The most significant contrast lies in their defensive prowess. Olajuwon is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time, having earned nine All-Defensive team selections, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and excelling as a premier shot blocker, averaging 4.6 blocks per game throughout the 1989-90 season.

However, Olajuwon’s passing ability was not on par with Jokic’s. While he could make basic reads, he sometimes struggled to pass out of double-teams. In contrast, Jokic possesses a significant advantage in this aspect of the game.