Nikola Jokić’s 30-20-20 Triple-Double: A New Era of Dominance or Wilt Chamberlain’s Legacy Rewritten?

Nikola Jokić’s achievement of a 30-20-20 triple-double is certainly historic and demonstrates just how unique his game is, drawing comparisons to some of the all-time greats like Wilt Chamberlain. However, comparing Jokić to Wilt Chamberlain is an interesting discussion because of their different playing styles, eras, and impacts on the game.

Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Wilt Chamberlain’s Dominance:
   • Wilt Chamberlain was known for his sheer physical dominance, often putting up astronomical numbers that were unfathomable at the time. His 100-point game and multiple seasons of averaging over 50 points or 20 rebounds per game are feats that may never be replicated. Chamberlain was often so far ahead of his competition in terms of size, strength, and skill that his numbers seem out of place for his era.
2. Jokić’s Unique Skill Set:
   • Jokić, on the other hand, is a more modern, finesse player. While he doesn’t have the same physical dominance as Chamberlain, his basketball IQ, passing, and overall playmaking are unparalleled for a player of his size. He can control the game through his decision-making, whether it’s scoring, facilitating, or rebounding. A 30-20-20 triple-double is a reflection of Jokić’s all-around game and versatility, and while Chamberlain dominated through sheer force, Jokić dominates through his cerebral approach.
3. The Context of the Eras:
   • Chamberlain played in a much different era, where the competition and level of athleticism were not the same as today. His size (7’1″, around 250-275 pounds) was far beyond what most players of his time could contend with, and the league was much less advanced in terms of athleticism, skill development, and coaching strategies.
   • Jokić, while also a big player (7 feet tall), competes in a more evolved league, where the pace of play is faster, shooting is more integral to the game, and the skill level of players across the board is more uniform. His ability to play in the modern NBA with such an unusual style for someone his size is what sets him apart.
4. Team Success and Legacy:
   • Chamberlain had incredible individual success, but his teams didn’t always win championships (he won two, compared to Bill Russell’s 11). Jokić, while having a relatively shorter career so far, has already led his team to great heights, including an NBA championship in 2023.
   • For many, legacy and success in the postseason are key factors in comparing all-time greats. Jokić’s ability to adapt his game to help his team win a title is something that could ultimately shape his legacy in ways similar to other greats, even if he doesn’t rack up the same gaudy statistics that Chamberlain did.

Final Thoughts: While Jokić’s 30-20-20 triple-double is a mind-blowing accomplishment, it’s still early to place him on the same pedestal as Wilt Chamberlain. Jokić’s ability to impact the game through skill and versatility is certainly extraordinary and places him in rarefied air, but Wilt’s dominance and the records he set during his era are nearly mythical. If Jokić continues to win titles and redefine what’s possible for a center in the NBA, the comparisons could get stronger over time, but for now, they’re different types of greatness.

So, can Jokić be compared to Wilt? Yes, in terms of being an all-time great and rewriting the expectations of his position, but it’s still hard to compare the two directly given the different contexts of their careers.