2025-26 Season: A Golden Opportunity for Jokic to Become a Legend with an Undying Record

As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, Nikola Jokic is not just preparing to lead the Denver Nuggets on another title run—he’s on the brink of NBA history. The two-time MVP and 2023 NBA champion is steadily climbing the statistical ladder, and this season he may etch his name in the record books in a way that few players ever have.

While many players are chasing points, accolades, or All-Star appearances, Jokic is quietly eyeing one of the most prestigious all-around metrics in basketball: the NBA’s all-time triple-double record.

Jokic’s Triple-Double Legacy Is Already Among the Greatest

At just 30 years old, Nikola Jokic has already amassed a staggering 164 career triple-doubles—a number that places him third on the NBA’s all-time list. The only two players ahead of him? Oscar Robertson with 181, and Russell Westbrook, the current leader with 203.

Westbrook broke Robertson’s long-standing record during the 2020-21 season, cementing his name in history. But Jokic, with his unparalleled combination of scoring, rebounding, and passing as a center, is redefining what it means to be an all-around player.

Unlike most big men who dominate in the paint, Jokic functions as Denver’s primary playmaker. His basketball IQ, court vision, and passing accuracy from the post are already legendary, allowing him to rack up assists at a rate previously unheard of for his position.

How Close Is Jokic to the Record?

The gap between Jokic and Westbrook sits at 39 triple-doubles. That might sound like a tall order—until you consider what Jokic accomplished last season.

In the 2024-25 NBA season, Jokic played 70 games and posted a career-high 34 triple-doubles—the most in the league. That means he recorded a triple-double in nearly 49% of the games he played. If he were to maintain that same pace over a full 82-game season in 2025-26, he would finish with roughly 40 triple-doubles, just enough to surpass Westbrook and claim the all-time lead.

Of course, expecting any player to complete a full 82-game campaign—let alone at such a high level—is not always realistic. Injuries, rest days, and team management can all get in the way. Still, Jokic doesn’t need perfection; he just needs consistency, something he’s proven capable of year after year.

Why Jokic Is Built to Break the Record

What makes Jokic so uniquely positioned to break this record isn’t just his stats—it’s the way he plays the game. Most players rely on athleticism to rack up stats across multiple categories, but Jokic relies on finesse, footwork, and sheer intelligence. These qualities don’t fade as quickly with age, which means his triple-double potential isn’t necessarily on the decline.

He’s also in the perfect system. The Nuggets offense is built around his versatility, and his teammates know how to move off-ball, find space, and trust him to make the right read. Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon all benefit from Jokic’s passing wizardry, contributing to assist totals on any given night.

Rebounding, another key element of a triple-double, is also locked in for Jokic. He averages over 12 rebounds per game, often cleaning up both ends of the glass. And with scoring never being an issue for him—averaging close to 30 points per game—Jokic routinely finds himself hovering near a triple-double every time he steps on the court.

Could Westbrook Still Add to His Total?

Technically, yes. Russell Westbrook is still an active NBA player. However, his days of logging frequent triple-doubles appear to be behind him. Over the last three seasons, Westbrook has recorded just nine triple-doubles combined. As he continues to adjust to a reduced role with the Los Angeles Clippers, and possibly other teams in the future, it’s unlikely that he’ll make a significant push to extend his lead.

This makes Jokic’s pursuit of the record even more plausible. If Westbrook’s number remains static—or barely increases—Jokic has a clean path to becoming the undisputed triple-double king.

What This Record Would Mean for Jokic’s Legacy

While MVPs and championships often define a player’s career, certain statistical achievements carry weight beyond accolades. Passing Westbrook to become the NBA’s all-time triple-double leader would place Jokic in unprecedented company—especially as a center.

No player at his position has ever come close to this level of production across all facets of the game. Jokic is, in many ways, a positionless player, blurring the lines between point guard, center, and floor general. This record would be a testament not just to his skills, but to his ability to evolve the modern game.

And let’s not forget—he’s only 30. He could own this record for a very long time, perhaps even putting it out of reach for future generations.

Will the Nuggets Prioritize the Record?

Don’t expect Jokic or the Denver Nuggets to actively chase the record. If anything, Jokic’s calm demeanor and selfless playstyle mean he probably isn’t even thinking about it. For him, the focus will be on winning games, staying healthy, and competing for another NBA title.

But the beauty of Jokic’s game is that he can accumulate triple-doubles without trying. His playing style organically produces these stat lines. That’s why this record feels not only possible but even likely—without the need for him to chase it directly.

If the Nuggets remain healthy and Jokic plays 70+ games again in 2025-26, the numbers may take care of themselves.

Conclusion: An Unbreakable Record Within Reach

Records are made to be broken—but some feel untouchable. Russell Westbrook’s 203 triple-doubles once seemed like a milestone that would stand the test of time. Yet here comes Nikola Jokic, quietly, methodically, and brilliantly closing the gap.

With 39 more triple-doubles, Jokic can cement his place in history as the NBA’s all-time triple-double leader. The 2025-26 season could very well be the one where he does it—and based on his trajectory, it would be more than deserved.

As Jokic enters what should still be the prime of his career, this isn’t just a statistical chase—it’s a statement. A statement that Nikola Jokic is not only one of the greatest big men of all time, but perhaps one of the most complete players the game has ever seen.