Jason Kidd ignites debate, placing Curry and Jokic in his all-time top five, valuing current dominance over retired legends.
Debates about the greatest players in NBA history are constant, but Jason Kidd added a fresh twist with a bold, present-day perspective.
The Dallas Mavericks head coach recently made waves by placing both Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokić in his personal top five players of all time. It’s a stance that skips the usual "wait until they retire" approach and instead rewards what they’ve already accomplished.
The Hall of Fame point guard made an appearance on Thursday on the Dan Patrick Show, where he stated that if it ended right now, he would place Joker and Chef Curry on his top five all-time.
Kidd’s list still includes the legends most fans expect. Michael Jordan holds the top spot, followed by LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. But rather than filling out the rest with names from past eras, Kidd leaned into the dominance of today’s stars.
Kidd played against multiple generations of talent and now studies the modern game daily as a head coach. That combination gives his opinion weight, especially when comparing players across different eras.
Curry’s shooting ability and off-ball movement have reshaped how offenses operate across the league. Championships, MVP awards, and sustained excellence have already secured his legacy, and you don't have to look very long to see his impact everywhere in the basketball world.
Jokić’s rise is different but just as compelling. His all-around skill set—passing, scoring efficiency, rebounding, and control of tempo—has made him one of the most unique players the league has ever seen. He doesn’t fit the mold of traditional superstars, yet his impact is undeniable.
Not everyone will agree with placing active players that high. Names from previous eras will always be part of the debate, and longevity still matters in these conversations. But Kidd’s comments highlight a shift in how greatness is evaluated.
Instead of waiting for careers to close, the conversation is starting to acknowledge just how dominant some players are while they’re still writing their stories.
And regardless of how how you feel about Curry and Jokić being in the top five, there is absolutely no denying that they have both changed the game and left their mark, despite their careers not being over.