International talent has taken over the NBA in the past few years. Believe it or not, the takeover is real! 3 of the 5 players from the All-NBA First Team are European. And it’s been a similar scene for the last four years. That brings a question to mind- Are the current European hoopers the greatest international players to have ever played in the NBA? Now, Nikola Jokic can make a case for the same, holding 3 MVP titles under his name along with a ring. However, is he better than the bigs from the 90s?

There have been multiple debates surrounding the all-time greats. Now, fans believe the league is much more talented than it was three decades ago. Whereas older fans would find ways to counter this argument. Though recently, Kendrick Perkins listed his top 5 international players and interestingly, put Nikola Jokic over the legendary Hakeem Olajuwon. His list included Joker at the top, followed by Hakeem Olajuwon, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Dirk Nowitzki, and Manu Ginobili.

“When you talk about Clutch City, when you talk about a guy that filled up that stat sheet, it’s a reason why Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, they went to work out with Hakeem. His footwork, the slippery eels, the up and unders, the defensive blocks, everything.”, Big Perk said about Olajuwon on NBA Today. 

KP also praised the Joker’s resume as he ranked him on the top of his list. “Nikola Jokic, Mr. Triple-Double himself. The most skilled center to ever touch the game, to play the game of basketball. You want the dimes? He got that. You want the rebounding? He got that. You want the scoring package? He got that and he’s an NBA champion,” Perkins added.

Not to mention, The Dream was a dominant force in the paint. Olajuwon averaged 27.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting over 52% from the field in his back-to-back championship seasons. The hoops legend also won an MVP award and a DPOY award during this stretch. In 1995, Olajuwon and the Rockets swept Shaquille O’Neal and the Orlando Magic. Not to mention, Big Diesel would go on to become one of the greatest centers in the history of the game.

Hakeem Olajuwon dominated the league for 18 years. Whereas Nikola Jokic will be entering his 10th NBA season this fall. Is it too early to consider the Joker to be the greatest international player of all time? Well, 3 MVP titles in four years and an NBA championship definitely speak volumes. On the other hand, statistics might set him apart from the Rockets legend.

Nikola Jokic has a long way for the Hakeem Olajuwon comparisons to properly begin

Here’s a comparison considering the best four seasons of the Nikola Jokic (2020-24) and Hakeem Olajuwon (1992-96).

Now, there are a few things to note here. Back in the day, big men weren’t considered playmakers. Coming from Europe, Jokic learned the game quite differently compared to other big men in the league. Also, Hakeem aged 30-33 during his best four-season stretch. Nikola Jokic is yet to turn 30. There is no doubt that the Serbian has made the case for the greatest international player of all time. If anything, he has a long way to go!

However, the Greek Freak seems to be the only player to compete with Nikola Jokic for this title. Giannis Antetokounmpo is already a two-time MVP and an NBA champion. The Bucks are one of the top contenders in the East, and considering how Giannis has been playing, he might pass Hakeem Olajuwon on this list.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see whether the Joker can win another title in the coming years. The Nuggets are among the top contenders in the West and will likely make their way back to the Finals next year. What are your thoughts on Perk’s all-time list? Do you think Nikola Jokic deserves to be on top of the list? Let us know in the comments.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.