NBA Legend Robert Parish Praises Nikola Jokic as Only Modern Star on Par with Larry Bird

Parish says Jokic is the only current player who can be mentioned in the same conversation as the Celtics great.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:35pm

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In a recent interview, NBA legend Robert Parish shared his thoughts on modern NBA superstars, stating that only Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is in the same conversation as all-time great Larry Bird. Parish acknowledged the accomplishments of players like LeBron James and Kevin Durant, but argued that the "best of the best" have a hard time getting a "seat at that table" alongside Bird, with Jokic being the lone exception among the current generation of NBA stars.

Why it matters

Robert Parish's comments provide an interesting perspective from a Hall of Fame player who competed against Bird during the Celtics' dynasty in the 1980s. His high praise for Jokic, who has emerged as one of the league's premier big men, highlights the unique skillset and impact the Serbian center has had on the modern NBA game.

The details

In the interview, Parish was asked about recent claims from "new talking heads" that place players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard ahead of Bird on the all-time NBA rankings. Parish firmly disagreed, stating that those players are "not in the same conversation" as the Celtics legend. The only current player Parish believes can be mentioned alongside Bird is Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, praising the Serbian's old-school game and impact.

  • The interview with Robert Parish took place on March 31, 2026.

The players

Robert Parish

A Hall of Fame center who played for the Boston Celtics from 1980 to 1994, winning four NBA championships alongside Larry Bird.

Nikola Jokic

The star center for the Denver Nuggets, who has emerged as one of the NBA's premier big men and is praised by Parish as the only current player on par with Larry Bird.

Larry Bird

A legendary forward who played for the Boston Celtics from 1979 to 1992, winning three NBA championships and three MVP awards.

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What they’re saying

“First of all, with all due respect to those guys, they're not in the same conversation with Larry. The best of the best, it's hard, hard to get a seat at that table. The only one that I think may be able to get a seat at that table other than obviously LeBron and Durant... but both are old-school! I'm talking about the new guys. Maybe the big fella up there in Denver, Nikola Jokic.”

— Robert Parish, NBA Legend

The takeaway

Robert Parish's high praise for Nikola Jokic as the only modern NBA star who can be mentioned in the same conversation as the legendary Larry Bird underscores just how special and impactful the Nuggets center has been. Jokic's unique skillset and old-school game have earned him the respect of an all-time great like Parish, further cementing his status as one of the premier players in the league today.