DwigҺt admires Jokic as a player, but he won’t disparage himself or his contributions to the N.Ƅ.a.
DwigҺt Howɑrd recently made waves when he asserted that he was superior to Niƙola Jokic, the current two-time MVP and champion, and used his exemplary performances and statistical prowess as proof. In addition, the former Los Angeles Laƙers center said that he was among the top ten centers in N.Ƅ.a history.
While Jokic is well-known for his scoring ability, Howɑrd highlights how he also put up great numbers in a slower-paced N.Ƅ.a without getting as many touches on offense as the Denver Nuggets superstar gets today.
“Obviously, people going to say Jokic can score. He got all those offensive skills. But at the same time, I was getting 38 and 20, 45-18, 19, 20, and I’m doing all this with twos,” Howɑrd said in an interview with Complex’s Zion Olojede. “No threes, all twos. I’m doing this with lobs. I’m not getting a lot of post-up attempts like Jokic.”
Howɑrd’s take, however, ignores Jokic’s tremendous playmaking ability. Joker is widely considered one of the best playmaking centers of all time—he averaged 9.8 assists per game average in the 2022-23 season. Niƙola’s court vision and passing abilities make him a continuous triple-double threat and distinguish him as one of the most unique big men the N.Ƅ.a has ever seen.
Despite Jokic’s brilliance, Howɑrd feels his prime was better than the Serbian’s and that his accolades speak for themselves—DwigҺt piled up eight All-Star appearances, five first-team All-N.Ƅ.a and four first-team All-Defensive team selections, three Defensive Player of the Year honors, and several seasons leading the league in blocks and rebounds.
It’s been a while since N.Ƅ.a fans witnessed DwigҺt’s prime years. However, the former Orlando Magic superstar is confident he left a great mark on the N.Ƅ.a.
“I love Jokic, and I’m happy for him. I think he’s one of the best centers that ever played the game of basketball, but I’m not going to throw dirt on my own name. I’m DwigҺt Howɑrd. I know what I’ve done in this league. All-time centers, I’m top 10,” Howɑrd asserted firmly.
DwigҺt had an unrivaled impact on the game while he was at the height of his abilities. Howɑrd was primarily a defensive powerhouse who protected the rim at an all-time great level, despite putting up outstanding offensive numbers. Jokic, on the other hand, is the ideal all-around offensive threat, the complete opposite. They are both unquestionably among the best centers the N.Ƅ.a has ever seen, though.
Despite this, discussions of the greatest big men in history will always be debatable. While opinions vary, one thing is certain: Howɑrd’s influence on the center position will be remembered for years to come. Anyone who watched him play while he was a member of the Orlando Magic is aware that he is a lock for the Hall of Fame and the largest snub on the N.Ƅ.a Top 75 Team.