Nikola Jokić

For a player already on a trajectory unlike any other over the NBA’s near-eight-decade-long history, it was, perhaps reasonable to wonder if Nikola Jokić could take his otherworldly game to even higher tiers in 2024-25. And yet, in between no-look passes and never-before-observed box scores, the three-time Most Valuable Player’s message was fittingly clear: just like the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 5, 2024, even basketball’s closest observers have seen nothing yet. Behind on the scoreboards, but predictably ahead in his processing, Jokić powers downfloor as the “point center,” selling the idea of a pass to the perimeter persuasively enough to freeze every blue jersey within view. Chessmaster-like in his ability to maneuver the floor’s pieces to his liking, Jokić concludes by uncorking a visionless dime to a cutting teammate, securing a highlight assist. As it often does, Jokić’s many highlights arrived alongside a share of history, even in December 5, 2024’s loss. In leaving behind a standout statistical tally — 27 points (on 13-of-26 shooting), 20 rebounds, 11 assists, and three steals — Jokić passed up a “Showtime” legend in purple-and-gold, with triple-double No. 139, third-most in league history.