In this era of the NBA, Nikola Jokic stands tall above most. He is an MVP and an NBA champion. Plus, he embodies the modern big man: dominant in the paint, but he can also handle the ball at the top of the key.

Recently, Jokic named his top 4 NBA GOATs who inspired him, with one notable exception, per John McDougall of Sport Bible. He named Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Michael Jordan. However, he chose Stephen Curry instead of LeBron James.

“Probably Bill Russell because of the championship”, Jokic said.

“Michael Jordan because he changed the game. Probably Wilt Chamberlain because all the numbers and all the crazy stats. And I'm going to put Steph Curry because he changed the game and he's kind of my generation.”

“I played against the guy, so he kind of changed the game. So those are the four.”

Each of these players Jokic had mentioned had revolutionized the game. Russell and Chamberlain transformed the center position from passive to athletically inclined and central to the game. Jordan played above the rim and popularized the game globally. Curry brought the game back down to where the 3-point shot is today, what the dunk was in Jordan's era.

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Meanwhile, LeBron has Jordan's explosiveness with Curry's shooting range.

In some ways, Jokic combines aspects of Russell, Chamberlain, and Curry. He can lock it down in the paint and score in bunches, but he can play outside. Furthermore, Jokic has become an effective playmaker who can make others better.