Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki praised Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic for his unique skill set, calling him “arguably the best player in the world” on Haymaker Presents. Nowitzki highlighted Jokic’s combination of size, basketball IQ, and passing, noting that his ability to dominate against smaller defenders sets him apart.
“He’s incredible. With the lack of athleticism, you really have to say that he’s maybe arguably the best player in the world,” Nowitzki said, via HoopsHype. “Just skill level out of this world. How he reads the game, his basketball IQ, it’s just incredible. And he’s just so big and overpowering with little guys.”
Nowitzki compared Jokic’s dominance in the post to his own experience, noting the challenge of guarding the Nuggets center. “See, with me, you could always get away with guarding me with little guys. I had problems fighting them, getting down in the post, but he is just so big that you cannot guard him with little guys. He just makes it impossible.”
The former Mavericks star also praised Jokic’s versatility as a rebounder and floor general. “He’s so good as a rebounder, too. And with the big guys, he just draws them out. You can post them, draw them out, run the pick-and-roll. He’s got the three-point shot now… But what impresses me is how he reads the game, and the passing is just next level.”
Jokic has backed up Nowitzki’s praise with consistent production. The Serbian center, a three-time NBA MVP (2021, 2022, 2024) and 2023 NBA champion, averaged 21.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists over his 757-game career, showcasing elite efficiency with 56.2% shooting from the field and 36.1% from three.
He has also earned seven All-Star selections, five All-NBA First Team nods, and two All-NBA Second Team honors. Internationally, Jokic has claimed a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and a bronze at the 2024 Paris Games while representing Serbia.
Nowitzki, who spent his entire 21-year NBA career with Dallas, emphasized Jokic’s impact on modern basketball. “I’ve always been a fan of his game, obviously, how he plays the game,” he said, citing Jokic’s ability to control tempo, facilitate offense, and punish defenses from multiple positions on the floor.
As the Nuggets continue to contend in the 2025-26 season, Jokic’s blend of size, skill, and vision reinforces his reputation as one of the most unique and dominant players of his generation.
