Nikola Jokic on Verge of Unprecedented NBA Rebounding and Assists Feat

The Denver Nuggets star is tracking to lead the league in both rebounds and assists per game, a combination never seen before.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:35pm

A cubist, geometric painting depicting Nikola Jokic's basketball movements and statistics in overlapping planes of color, conceptually representing his unprecedented dual dominance as the league's top rebounder and assist leader.Nikola Jokic's historic season blends the traditional roles of a dominant rebounder and elite facilitator, redefining the modern NBA center.Denver Today

With just three games left in the regular season, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is on the verge of accomplishing something unprecedented in NBA history. Jokic currently leads the league in both rebounds per game (12.9) and assists per game (10.9), a combination that has never been achieved in the same season. No player has ever led both categories even across different seasons, making Jokic's statistical profile this year truly historic.

Why it matters

Jokic's dual dominance as both the league's best playmaker and most productive rebounder from the center position represents a fundamental shift in positional basketball. The idea of a center leading the NBA in assists was once novel, but Jokic has taken that versatility to an unprecedented level by also pacing the league in rebounding.

The details

Jokic is averaging 28.0 points, 12.9 rebounds (1st in NBA), and 10.9 assists (1st in NBA) per game this season while shooting 56.8% from the field. Historically, players who lead the league in rebounds tend to be physical interior presences focused on controlling the glass, while assist leaders are typically ball-handling guards who orchestrate the offense. Jokic has erased that distinction, functioning as both the league's best playmaker and most productive rebounder from the center position.

  • With just 3 games remaining in the regular season, Jokic is on the verge of making history.
  • In his last 5 games, Jokic has averaged well over 12 rebounds and 12 assists, including multiple triple-doubles.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The star center for the Denver Nuggets who is on the cusp of leading the NBA in both rebounds and assists per game, a feat never accomplished before.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The final three games of the regular season will determine if Jokic can cement his place in NBA history by finishing the season as the league leader in both rebounds and assists per game.

The takeaway

Nikola Jokic's potential achievement of leading the NBA in both rebounds and assists per game in the same season represents a fundamental shift in positional basketball, as the Nuggets center has erased the traditional distinction between interior presences and playmaking guards.