Nikola Jokic adds another accolade to his hall of fame worthy resume

The last things the Nuggets and Nikola Jokic are worried about at the moment are individual awards and accolades as the team is still reeling from its disappointing 7 game playoff loss to the Timberwolves in round two. 

Not enough time has passed to fully process the loss and watching the Wolves look very beatable on Wednesday night, dropping game one of the Western Conference Finals to the Mavericks didn’t exactly ease the pain.

Jokic receiving individual awards and accolades

But the NBA world doesn’t slow down or stop for anyone and the show must go on. And along with the games that means honors and awards. Jokic already received the KIA NBA MVP Award earlier this month. That was his third MVP award, putting him in extremely rarified air as only eight other players have won the award three or more times in a career.

On Wednesday night, the All-NBA teams were revealed and to the surprise of absolutely nobody, Jokic was voted to the first team unanimously, receiving 99 out of 99 first team votes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (who came in 2nd in MVP voting) was also a unanimous selection for the first team and they were joined by Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jayson Tatum.

Jokic continues to climb the historical ladder to all time greatness. This is his fourth time making first team All-NBA. Only 28 players have ever made the first team more than four times. If Jokic retired tomorrow, he would be a first ballot hall of famer without question.

But the Serbian big man is still just 29 years old and should have a lot of basketball ahead of him and many more chances to add to his already infallible legacy. LeBron James holds the all-time record as he has made the first team a ridiculous 13 times. Kobe Bryant and Karl Malone have each been selected 11 times and there are seven other players with 10 appearances.

Jokic may not play long enough to reach those type of numbers, but he could (and should) easily add a few more before he starts to fade. There are only 15 players to ever make the first team seven or more times. That seems within reach for Jokic. 

This season came to an upsetting end for the Nuggets, but we can’t forget to appreciate the greatness of Jokic while he is in his prime. He had another incredible season and has dominated the last four seasons of the NBA like no other. It won’t last forever and we are going to miss it when he’s gone. Enjoy it, Nuggets Nation.