Lou Williams doubts Jokic’s position? The NBA community erupted in fierce reactions!

In the hyper-reactive world of the NBA, even a single comment can send shockwaves across social media and television debates. That’s precisely what happened when Lou Williams, a beloved three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year, questioned Nikola Jokic’s place among the all-time greats.

During an episode of “Run It Back” on FanDuel TV, Williams raised a polarizing question: Should Jokic really be considered one of the top 10 players in NBA history at this point in his career?

Williams didn’t outright discredit Jokic’s accomplishments but offered a comparison that immediately sparked outrage. He likened Jokic’s current run to that of Russell Westbrook, pointing out that Westbrook, despite averaging a triple-double for multiple seasons, was never seriously considered a top-10 player.

“We didn’t make this argument for Russell Westbrook when he was doing it,” said Williams, suggesting that Jokic’s status might be overhyped due to current fan narratives rather than long-term achievements.

Nikola Jokic: A Meteoric Rise to Stardom

To understand the backlash, one must first grasp just how meteoric Nikola Jokic’s rise has been. Drafted 41st overall in 2014 — so low that his name was announced during a Taco Bell commercial — Jokic has shattered every expectation placed upon him.

He’s already a three-time NBA MVP, including back-to-back awards in 2021 and 2022, and he led the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship in 2023. In doing so, Jokic was named Finals MVP, dominating the postseason with a style of play rarely seen from a big man.

His combination of scoring, rebounding, and elite passing makes him a once-in-a-generation player. Jokic’s style is so unorthodox that even traditional basketball analysts struggle to categorize him. He’s essentially a point center who runs the entire offense while also anchoring the defense.

The Westbrook Comparison: Apples and Oranges?

Lou Williams’ comparison to Russell Westbrook was seen by many fans as misguided. While Westbrook’s triple-doubles were historic, critics argue that they didn’t translate into postseason success.

Westbrook has one NBA MVP award (2017) and numerous statistical milestones, including becoming the league’s all-time leader in triple-doubles. However, he has often been criticized for inefficient shooting, poor decision-making in crunch time, and an inability to adapt his game in team-first systems.

On the other hand, Jokic has thrived in both regular season and playoff environments. His efficient shooting, elite basketball IQ, and unselfish playstyle have led the Nuggets to deep playoff runs — culminating in a title.

One fan online summarized the difference succinctly:

“Jokic is already better than Westbrook in the history books. He’s led his team to a championship and won multiple MVPs. Russ couldn’t do that even in his prime.”

Fan Reactions: Jokic’s Supporters Bring Receipts

It didn’t take long for fans to react. Many took to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Instagram to defend Nikola Jokic, passionately arguing that his accolades and impact already surpass Westbrook’s.

Another fan responded:

“Westbrook didn’t win a championship either. The league has to come up with excuses NOT to give Jokic the MVP awards he’s rightfully earned because he’s won too many for the status quo.”

The comment echoed a growing sentiment that some media figures are hesitant to elevate Jokic to legendary status — not because of merit, but due to lingering biases about what a superstar “should look like.”

Some fans believe that Jokic, being a humble, non-American big man with a low-key personality, doesn’t fit the traditional NBA superstar mold, and therefore doesn’t receive the same fanfare others might.

Legacy Building: Jokic’s Career Isn’t Just Great — It’s Historic

Let’s take a step back and evaluate Jokic’s resume objectively.

• 3× NBA MVP (2021, 2022, 2025)

• 1× NBA Champion (2023)

• 1× NBA Finals MVP

• Multiple All-NBA First Team selections

• Career averages near a triple-double, with elite efficiency

Statistically, Jokic ranks among the most efficient and impactful players in NBA history. His advanced metrics, such as Player Efficiency Rating (PER), Box Plus-Minus (BPM), and Win Shares, are consistently among the best in league history.

During the 2023 playoffs, Jokic averaged 30+ points, 12+ rebounds, and 9+ assists per game — all while shooting over 50% from the field. No other center in modern history has put up numbers like that through an entire playoff run.

So when fans compare his body of work to that of all-time greats, it’s not without justification.

Is It Too Early for Top-10 Talk?

Lou Williams’ main argument wasn’t that Jokic isn’t great — it was that the top-10 all-time conversation is premature. And in fairness, that argument does have merit.

The list of NBA’s all-time top 10 players usually includes names like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, and others with decade-long resumes of success.

Jokic, while dominant, is still in his early 30s. He’s had a brilliant 6–7 year peak so far, but longevity and sustained excellence often weigh heavily in all-time rankings.

As Lou Williams hinted:

“Jokic still has a long career ahead to be evaluated.”

So, is it unreasonable to wait before putting him above legends who’ve played 15+ seasons and racked up titles, MVPs, and unforgettable moments?

Jokic vs. the Status Quo: The Bigger Conversation

What this debate truly reveals is the tension between new-era analytics-driven evaluation and old-school legacy standards.

Fans who embrace modern basketball analysis see Jokic as one of the most valuable players in history based on impact, efficiency, and winning. Traditionalists, however, prefer resumes built over time, emphasizing iconic moments, sustained dominance, and multiple championships.

So perhaps this isn’t just about Jokic vs. Westbrook, or whether he’s already top-10 — it’s about how the criteria for greatness are evolving.

In a data-rich era, where every pass and screen can be quantified, Jokic shines brighter than most. But in the court of public opinion, especially among former players like Lou Williams, intangibles and historical narrative still carry massive weight.

The Path Forward: What Jokic Needs to Seal His Legacy

If Nikola Jokic wants to silence all doubters and secure a place in the top-10 all-time conversation, there’s a clear path forward:

1. Win more championships — Multiple rings would strengthen his case significantly.

2. Sustain his MVP-level performance for at least another 4–5 years.

3. Create defining moments — memorable playoff runs, clutch game-winners, and iconic performances under pressure.

4. Stay healthy — availability is part of greatness.

If he accomplishes these, there will be no need for debate. Jokic won’t just be in the conversation — he’ll be carved into the Mount Rushmore of basketball legends.

Final Thoughts: A Debate Worth Having

The Lou Williams vs. Jokic debate has done something valuable — it forced fans, analysts, and former players to re-examine what greatness really means in today’s NBA.

Whether you agree with Lou Williams or side with Jokic’s passionate defenders, one thing is clear: Nikola Jokic is rewriting the rules of what a dominant NBA superstar looks like.

Quiet, unassuming, and incredibly efficient, Jokic may not scream greatness. But with every no-look pass, every playoff triple-double, and every MVP trophy, he’s making it impossible to ignore.