The NBA and the way the teams play the game have evolved significantly in the last 10 years or so. However, players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard have transcended eras. Nikola Jokic, who many consider the best player in the world right now, should surely be a shoo-in among those stars. But Rashad McCants can’t quite say that with confidence.
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When it comes to what it takes to be an elite baller in 2026, Jokic is a master of the craft. The three-time MVP has dominated the competition despite a lack of athleticism. His skill and IQ have more than made up for his weaknesses. There was a period of time, specifically in the 2010s, when dominant centers were becoming obsolete. Jokic is considered the main reason for the revival of the center position.
Back during his time in the NBA (2005 to 2009), McCants experienced firsthand the grueling experience these big men imposed within the paint. In an exclusive interview with The SportsRush’s Nickeem Khan, McCants revealed his hesitancy to believe Jokic could have asserted dominance against that kind of competition.
“There are a lot of stars that would compete,” McCants said. “It’s a difference between dominating and competing. Dominating is tough because a lot of the big guys, like Joker and Embiid, as good as they are, it would be tough for them to dominate because they were such highly competitive guys. Seven footers, shot blockers, guys who were really high IQ guys that can really defend.”
Jokic and Joel Embiid are both MVP award winners who have dismantled defenses with ease. Embiid has scored 70 points in a single game, while Jokic has put up a 30-20-20 performance. It seems ridiculous to even debate whether or not they can succeed in another era. However, McCants made some excellent points to support his arguments.
“It was more of an IQ game back then. So with these guys, it’s a lot easier for them to take advantage of the low IQ and not having schemes or smart enough players to know how to stop certain moves and make them go to counters,” McCants said.
It’s undeniable that the NBA has become more reactionary than ever before. Teams don’t run nearly as many set plays. Instead, their offensive sets begin with a screen and roll and flow with how the defense reacts. That wasn’t the case in the 2000s.
Each player on the court had to have extensive knowledge of both sides of the ball back then. This was quite evident with big men, who were the defensive anchors.
McCants touched upon this while sharing his take on Jokic. He proceeded to list a few players he believes would’ve done a great job making things difficult for Jokic and Embiid.
“The stronger bigs. Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O’Neal, Tyson Chandler, Samuel Dalembert, Marcus Camby, Kenyon Martin, and even Michael Olowokandi,” McCants proclaimed. “Certain guys were strong as oxes, and they were good defensively on the block.”
McCants is happy to put his faith in the ability of bigs of the past to enforce their defensive presence on stars of the present. However, Jokic and Embiid have something they could bank on while taking on those big men.
They are far more versatile than any other center those bigs may have faced during their careers. Jokic and Embiid’s ability to shoot and make plays could prove to be the deciding factor in a potential matchup. It’s an interesting conversation to have, even though we will never witness Jokic perform in such a setting.
