Nikola Jokić Joins Westbrook and Robertson: Historic Triple-Double Season – Will the ‘Joker’ Continue to Dominate the NBA?

Nikola Jokić continues to redefine what’s possible for a big man in the modern NBA. The Denver Nuggets superstar has now cemented his place among basketball royalty by becoming only the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double over the course of an entire season. This rare feat has only been accomplished by two other legends: Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook. Jokić’s achievement marks not just a statistical milestone but a revolutionary moment in the evolution of the center position in professional basketball.

Let’s explore how Nikola Jokić’s triple-double season came to be, why it’s so significant, and what it means for the future of the NBA.

Jokić Joins Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook in NBA Lore

When Oscar Robertson averaged a triple-double during the 1961–62 season, it became an almost mythical achievement. He tallied 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game—a record that went unmatched for decades. Then came Russell Westbrook, who brought electrifying athleticism to the guard position. Westbrook averaged a triple-double not once, but four times (2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, and 2020–21). His feat was considered nearly impossible in today’s era of speed and defensive intensity.

Now, Nikola Jokić, a 7-foot center known for his elite passing, deliberate pace, and basketball IQ, has joined this exclusive club. But unlike Robertson and Westbrook, Jokić did it from the frontcourt, combining the responsibilities of a traditional big man with the vision of a floor general.

According to official NBA stats, Jokić finished the regular season averaging:

• 26.4 points per game

• 12.4 rebounds per game

• 10.1 assists per game

He is the first center in NBA history to average a triple-double over a full season, setting a new standard for his position.

The Rise of Nikola Jokić: From Second-Round Pick to MVP Superstar

It’s remarkable to think that Nikola Jokić was drafted 41st overall in the 2014 NBA Draft—his selection even aired during a Taco Bell commercial. His rise from an overlooked Serbian prospect to a two-time NBA MVP and now a historic triple-double performer is the embodiment of hard work and unique talent.

What makes Jokić’s story even more impactful is how he’s transformed the role of the modern center. For decades, big men were viewed as screen setters, post scorers, and rim protectors. Jokić broke that mold entirely. He’s the team’s primary playmaker, floor leader, and go-to option in clutch situations. His understanding of timing, angles, and space makes him nearly impossible to defend.

Throughout the 2024–25 season, Jokić’s consistency was unmatched. He recorded over 30 triple-doubles, maintained elite shooting splits, and led all centers in assists by a wide margin. He showcased that basketball IQ and precision can dominate just as effectively as speed and explosiveness.

A Triple-Double from the Center Spot: Redefining the Game

What sets Jokić’s triple-double achievement apart from those of Robertson and Westbrook is his position. Centers are rarely seen initiating offense. They’re traditionally stationed near the paint, not the perimeter. But Jokić functions as a point center, handling the ball, calling plays, and reading defenses like a seasoned guard.

This evolution is monumental for basketball. Jokić has shown that centers can become the focal point of an offense not just through scoring, but through elite decision-making and playmaking. His ability to hit cutters, thread no-look passes, and shoot from distance forces opposing defenses to stay honest—opening up lanes and options for everyone around him.

Coaches often describe preparing for Jokić as one of the most complex challenges in basketball. Double-teaming him creates open shots for teammates. Playing him straight-up means dealing with an unstoppable post presence. His versatility and unpredictability make him a constant mismatch, no matter who defends him.

How Jokić’s Triple-Double Impacted the Nuggets’ 2025 Season

The Denver Nuggets have been championship contenders ever since their 2023 title run. But in the 2024–25 season, Jokić’s historic triple-double production elevated them to a new level of dominance. With Jamal Murray returning to full health and strong contributions from Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon, Denver became one of the most complete teams in the NBA.

Jokić’s unselfish approach to the game had a ripple effect. The Nuggets were near the top of the league in offensive efficiency and assists per game. Every starter on the team benefited from Jokić’s floor presence, with role players often finding themselves wide open thanks to his pinpoint passes.

Denver closed out the regular season as one of the top seeds in the Western Conference, largely due to Jokić’s night-to-night brilliance. His ability to control the pace of games and perform under pressure made the Nuggets one of the toughest teams to beat.

A Season That Redefined Greatness

While triple-doubles themselves are rare, averaging one across a full NBA season is among the greatest feats in basketball history. Only three players have done it. Jokić now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Robertson and Westbrook in this regard. But what makes his version of the feat stand out is not just the numbers—but the position he plays and the way he achieved it.

Jokić didn’t rely on volume shooting or relentless fast breaks. He mastered the fundamentals—positioning, passing, footwork, and timing. His performances felt surgical. He dictated the rhythm of games with quiet precision, often outthinking rather than outmuscling his opponents.

Even more impressive is the efficiency with which he produced. Despite leading the Nuggets in usage, Jokić kept his shooting percentages high and turnovers low. That combination of high volume and high efficiency is what turns great players into all-time legends.

Jokić’s Legacy and What Comes Next

With this historic season now in the books, Jokić’s legacy is entering rare air. He’s already a multiple-time MVP, an NBA champion, and now a statistical trailblazer. As far as all-time rankings go, he’s well on his way to becoming one of the greatest big men to ever play the game.

Here’s a quick glance at his growing résumé:

• Two (possibly three) NBA MVPs

• One NBA Championship (with potential for more)

• Multiple All-NBA First Team selections

• The first center to average a triple-double over an entire season

His impact on the game goes beyond trophies. He has influenced how future centers are trained, how offenses are structured, and how defenses prepare. Like Stephen Curry’s transformation of the point guard role, Jokić is doing the same for centers.

As the playoffs approach, the spotlight on Jokić will only grow brighter. If he can carry the Nuggets to another championship—especially after such a historic season—he may officially enter the conversation for top 10 players of all time.

The Future of the Center Position Looks Different Now

Jokić’s influence is already visible in today’s younger generation of bigs. Prospects like Victor Wembanyama, Alperen Şengün, and Evan Mobley are embracing more versatile, guard-like skills. Playmaking, floor-spacing, and agility are now essential traits—not bonuses—for centers looking to succeed in the NBA.

But duplicating what Jokić has done will be a challenge. His blend of size, court vision, patience, and basketball IQ is exceptionally rare. While many will follow his blueprint, few may reach the heights he’s achieved.

What’s certain is that basketball has changed, and Jokić played a huge role in that transformation. The days of paint-bound, one-dimensional centers are over. The new era belongs to versatile bigs who can read, react, and lead their teams in every category.

Conclusion

Nikola Jokić’s 2024–25 campaign will go down as one of the most revolutionary seasons in NBA history. By averaging a triple-double from the center position, he not only joined a legendary statistical group—but also redefined what’s possible for players at his size and role.