Larry Bird vs Nikola Jokic: Ultimate Showdown of Stats, Accolades, Records, and Achievements

Basketball fans love a good debate, don’t they? Whether it’s comparing eras, arguing over MVPs, or building the perfect all-time starting five, nothing gets the hoops community talking like a clash of titans. And for comparing legends, Larry Bird and Nikola Jokić might just be one of the juiciest matchups out there. Picture this—Larry Bird, the ultimate showman of the ’80s, draining impossible jumpers, delivering no-look assists, and trash-talking his way into opponents’ heads. They didn’t call him Larry Legend for nothing.

Now, flash forward to today’s game, where Nikola Jokić, the reigning maestro of the Denver Nuggets. His ability to pass, score, and control the flow of the game has fans and analysts scratching their heads in awe. Even Hall of Fame coach George Karl once weighed in, saying, “A former pro hoops owner told me this week Jokić is the most complete offensive player he’s ever seen… I give him a slight nod there over Bird because of his passing skills”. While there is no concrete way of figuring this out, a statistical comparison can shed further light on the debate.

Regular season stat comparison between Larry Bird and Nikola Jokić

Both are legends who revolutionized their positions. But if we pit their regular-season stats against each other, who comes out on top? First up, scoring. Larry Bird averaged an incredible 24.3 points per game, slightly ahead of Jokić’s 21.1. Bird was a bucket-getter, capable of taking over games with his scoring.

Poll of the day

Poll 1 of 5

Who would you pick as the ultimate basketball legend: Larry Bird or Nikola Joki??

Larry Bird for his killer scoring and leadership

Nikola Joki? for his all-around brilliance

Both are equally legendary

Neither, someone else

When did you watch your first NBA game?

Before 1990 (Age 45+)

1990s (Age 35-45)

2000s (Age 25-35)

2010s (Age 18-25)

2020s (Under 18)

We Want to Know
You Better!

Participate in our 5 min
survey & Win $50 gift card

Take The Survey

It’s game night, and your team is playing. What’s your home setup?

Just me, locked in

Me and my spouse

Spouse is around, I watch solo

Whole family, loud and proud!

Do you think the NBA made the right decision by moving away from TNT?

Yes, it's all about business and growth

No, TNT and NBA were a perfect match

Maybe, but the impact on employees is too harsh

I don't care as long as I can watch the games

How do you feel about the future of "Inside the NBA" on ESPN and ABC?

Excited, new beginnings are always good

Worried, it won't be the same without TNT

Indifferent, it's just a show

Hopeful, the crew will keep the magic alive

Want to dive deeper?

Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.

AD

Jokić, though, takes the efficiency crown, shooting a remarkable 55.8 percent from the field compared to Bird’s 49.6 percent. So, do you value volume or efficiency more? Now, let’s talk about rebounding. Jokić edges Bird here, grabbing 10.8 boards per game to Bird’s 10.0.

It’s close, but Jokić’s ability to dominate the glass—especially as the centerpiece of Denver’s offense—gives him a slight nod. Similarly, when it comes to playmaking, Jokić shines slightly better. His 7.0 assists per game surpass Bird’s 6.3, and as a center, his passing feels almost magical.

Imagine a big man threading no-look dimes—Jokić makes it look effortless. But don’t sleep on Bird; he was also an elite passer, orchestrating Boston’s offense with precision. As far as other aspects of shooting are concerned, Bird’s 37.6 percent from deep and jaw-dropping 88.6 percent from the free-throw line showcase his silky touch, besting Jokić’s; 35.5 percent and 82.7 percent, respectively.

Now, let’s talk accolades. Did you know Bird only missed the playoffs once in his 13-year career? That’s insane consistency. Jokić, on the other hand, has reached the postseason in just 6 out of 10 seasons, but hey, he’s still writing his story. The same goes for All-Star appearances. Bird had 12, while Jokić was sitting at 6. But does that take away from Jokić brilliance? Not at all.

Both have 3 MVP awards, a testament to their dominance, but Bird’s 9 All-NBA First Team selections compared to Jokić’s 4 show just how consistently elite the Celtics legend was. And let’s not forget Bird’s Rookie of the Year honor—a head start Jokić didn’t have.

So far, however, it seems individual preference between Bird’s killer scoring and shooting or Jokić’s all-around brilliance. But the former Boston Celtics clearly has a slight statistical edge in the offensive department. But that’s about regular season performance. Let’s have a closer look at the comparison of stats and accolades earned by the two players in the postseason.

Postseason stat comparison between Bird and Jokić

Larry Bird and Nikola Jokić are two legends of the game, each leaving their mark on the playoffs in very different eras. When it comes to scoring, Jokić takes the edge. His 27.7 points per game in the playoffs are higher than Bird’s 23.8, and he’s done it with incredible efficiency, shooting 53.1 percent from the field compared to Bird’s 47.2.

Even from beyond the arc—a shot Bird was known for in his time—Jokić has the better percentage, hitting 39.0 percent of his threes against Bird’s 32.1 percent. That’s not to say Bird wasn’t efficient; it’s just a testament to how Jokić thrives in today’s era, where spacing and three-point shooting are king.

Rebounding and playmaking are also areas where Jokić’s shines. He pulls down 12.3 boards per game, compared to Bird’s 10.3, and dishes out 7.5 assists to Bird’s 6.5. But here’s the thing—Bird’s contributions weren’t just about stats.

He brought intensity and leadership that turned great teams into champions, earning three titles and two Finals MVPs. Jokić, with one championship and a Finals MVP to his name, isn’t far behind. Another factor, however, to be taken into consideration is the difference between playing conditions.

The modern-day NBA is much more offense-favoring than it used to be back in the 80s or 90s. Rules like a ban on hand checking and allegations like softer officiating come to mind. The real question is, how will Jokić’s story continue? Bird’s playoff legacy is set in stone, but Jokić’s is still being written.