For decades, NBA centers were defined by size, defense, and rim protection. Legends like Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dominated inside with scoring and rebounding. But in the modern game, Nikola Jokić has completely reshaped the blueprint for what a center can be. The Denver Nuggets superstar isn’t just one of the league’s best big men—he’s one of the best players, period.

Even fellow stars like Rudy Gobert have praised Nikola Jokić as one of the best players in the world, a testament to the respect he commands across the league. His vision, passing, and efficiency are changing the way teams think about the position.

How Has Nikola Jokić Changed the Traditional Role Of Centers?

Historically, centers were asked to score in the paint, rebound, and block shots

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