Nikola Jokic has officially etched his name into NBA history, becoming the first center ever to average a triple-double for an entire season. This monumental achievement places him in the exclusive company of just two other players—Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson—who have managed to accomplish this statistical feat. But what sets Jokic apart is not just the numbers; it’s the way he plays the game and redefines what a big man can do on a basketball court.
A triple-double—double-digit numbers in three statistical categories, typically points, rebounds, and assists—has long been a benchmark of all-around excellence in basketball. For decades, it was seen as an extremely rare occurrence, especially over the course of a full season. Oscar Robertson was the first to do it back in the 1961–62 season, averaging 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists. More than 50 years later, Russell Westbrook reignited the triple-double phenomenon, averaging one over four separate seasons and setting the all-time record for most career triple-doubles. Now, Nikola Jokic joins these legends—but from the center position, a role traditionally focused on scoring near the rim and rebounding, not orchestrating the offense.
Jokic’s final season averages—over 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists per game—are a testament not only to his incredible basketball IQ but also to the unique way he approaches the game. Standing 6-foot-11 and weighing nearly 285 pounds, Jokic moves with deceptive agility, sees the floor like a point guard, and delivers passes with a level of creativity and precision that rivals the league’s top guards. His ability to read defenses, anticipate movements, and make the right play is virtually unmatched among players at his position.
This historic accomplishment underscores Jokic’s continued dominance in an era brimming with athleticism and elite talent. Despite being a two-time MVP already, Jokic continues to expand what’s possible from the center spot. His impact goes far beyond the box score: he elevates his teammates, anchors the Denver Nuggets’ offense, and changes the geometry of the game with his passing lanes and decision-making.
What makes this season even more special is that Jokic didn’t chase numbers—he played within the flow of the game, letting his production arise naturally. He didn’t force shots or seek assists just to pad stats. Everything he did came in service of winning. And the Nuggets benefited, once again securing a top seed in the Western Conference and positioning themselves as serious contenders to defend their NBA title.
The broader significance of Jokic’s triple-double season lies in what it signals about the evolution of basketball. Positions are becoming increasingly fluid, and Jokic is perhaps the ultimate example of this shift. He is a center who can run the fast break, hit step-back threes, operate in the post, and, most famously, throw no-look, behind-the-back passes that split defenses wide open. He is the embodiment of the modern NBA—positionless, skilled, and cerebral.
With his name now alongside Robertson and Westbrook, Jokic’s place in NBA history is undeniable. But unlike the other two, who were both guards, Jokic is a one-of-one: a big man with the soul of a playmaker. His triple-double season isn’t just a statistical anomaly; it’s a revolution in real time.
As we look back at this historic campaign, it’s clear that Jokic hasn’t just matched a record—he’s rewritten what we thought possible from a big man. And while his numbers are extraordinary, the lasting impact of his game will be measured not just in stats, but in how it inspires a new generation of basketball to dream bigger—and pass better.
