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Nikola Jokić is about to break an NBA record only he could break
TL;DR
Nikola Jokić is set to break the all-time triple-doubles record next season, doing so in nearly 500 fewer games than Russell Westbrook. He also led the NBA in both rebounds and assists while averaging a triple-double for the second consecutive year.
Over the years, we've seen Nikola Jokić manage some remarkable accomplishments.
At the age of 31, the Denver Nuggets superstar is already a three-time NBA MVP; he's one of only nine players to ever manage that feat. He has a championship ring, earned in 2023, and is obviously trying to stack more rings in his prime. He's an eight-time All-Star and a soon-to-be eight-time All-NBA team member. He's also the NBA career player efficiency rating (PER) leader, above such names like, oh, I don't know, Michael Jordan and LeBron James. And, sometime next regular season, he will likely break Russell Westbrook's all-time triple-doubles record ... in almost 500 fewer games.
But what Jokić is about to do is easily his most unique accomplishment. It's so unique that it might never be done by any NBA player again. Well, unless he does it again in the future (which he very well might!).
You see, while averaging a triple-double for the second straight year, Jokić also led the NBA in both rebounds and assists this season. No matter what happens in Sunday's regular-season finale against the San Antonio Spurs, that will not change (he is a full statistical rebound and assist ahead of No. 2 in both categories). At face value, you might think relatively little of Jokić doing this. I get it.
I mean, it's still impressive, to be sure, but why is that so notable?
Well, dearest readers, before this season, no one in the 79-year history of the NBA had ever led the league in both rebounds and assists in a single season. In fact, no one had ever even done either in separate seasons. Not Jordan. Not James. Not Magic Johnson. Not Larry Bird. No one.
Only Jokić.
And when you think about the incredibly different skillset needed between a rebound and an assist, it makes you realize just how special this Jokić achievement is. Guys who get rebounds are usually massive and lumbering. Meanwhile, guys who get assists are usually rather small and quick by comparison. But those traditional conventions don't apply to Jokić, who is a seven-footer with the skill and playmaking vision of a guard.
Jokić is both the NBA's best rebounder and the best passer. At the same time. Better said, he is one of one, the definition of a unicorn. We will never see another basketball player like him again.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Nikola Jokić will be first in NBA history with this absurd achievement
Q&A
How many triple-doubles does Nikola Jokić have in his career?
Nikola Jokić is on track to break the all-time triple-doubles record, currently holding a significant number that will surpass Russell Westbrook's record next season.
What unique statistical achievement is Nikola Jokić accomplishing this season?
This season, Nikola Jokić is averaging a triple-double while also leading the NBA in both rebounds and assists, a feat that is extremely rare in the league.
How does Nikola Jokić's performance compare to other NBA legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James?
Nikola Jokić currently holds the highest career player efficiency rating (PER) in NBA history, surpassing legendary players such as Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
