Jason Kidd believes Nikola Jokić deserves to be recognized as the NBA’s best point guard, regardless of the position beside his name.
Nikola Jokić is officially listed as a center, but Hall of Fame point guard Jason Kidd believes the Denver Nuggets superstar is the best player at a different position.
During an interview with Bilyonaryo News, Kidd was asked to identify the NBA’s best point guard. The Dallas Mavericks head coach selected Jokić because of the three-time MVP’s ability to control games and create opportunities for his teammates.
“The best point guard is probably not listed as a point guard, but he is probably a center, and that would be Jokić in Denver,” Kidd said.
“When you talk about just his ability to make plays for his teammates, he makes the game easy. He can score, he can rebound, but again, his passing is like a point guard.”
That is significant praise from someone who understands the position as well as anyone.
Kidd Knows Elite Point Guard Play
Kidd was one of the NBA’s premier playmakers during his 19-year career. He finished with 12,091 assists and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
Apr 30, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Denver Nuggets centerNikolaJokic(15) shoots the ball over Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) in the second half during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn ImagesHe also spent several seasons coaching Luka Dončić in Dallas, giving him a close view of another generational offensive creator.
Kidd’s assessment of Jokić reflects how traditional positions have become less important in the modern NBA. Jokić may defend centers and operate from the post, but Denver’s offense runs through him in the same way another team’s offense runs through its point guard.
The ball frequently reaches Jokić at the top of the floor, the elbow or the low post. From there, he reads the defense, directs teammates and creates high-percentage opportunities with passes few players can execute.
He does not merely accumulate assists. He manipulates defenses by anticipating rotations before they develop.
Jokić Redefines His Position
Jokić has averaged 7.5 assists across his NBA career and at least 10.2 assists in each of the past two seasons. He also averaged a triple-double during both campaigns, further demonstrating the breadth of his production.
His passing creates a unique problem for opponents. Sending a second defender toward him can open a cutter or shooter, but defending him individually allows one of the league’s most efficient scorers to attack.
That combination has made Jokić the foundation of Denver’s sustained championship contention.
Kidd’s comment should not be interpreted as a slight toward established guards such as Dončić, Stephen Curry or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. It is recognition that point guard is as much a responsibility as it is a listed position.
Jokić initiates Denver’s offense, controls its tempo and consistently puts teammates in positions to succeed. By those standards, Kidd has a compelling argument.
The Nuggets may list Jokić at center, but when the ball is in his hands, he functions as the most imposing point guard in basketball.
