Nikola Jokic Honored for Historic Stat-Stuffing Season

Nuggets star receives trophies for leading NBA in rebounds and assists

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:36am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting Nikola Jokic's basketball skills and accomplishments, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form that capture the multifaceted nature of his game.Jokic's historic stat-stuffing season is captured in a cubist, deconstructed illustration that highlights his unparalleled versatility.Denver Today

Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic received special trophies from the NBA to commemorate his historic accomplishment of leading the league in both rebounds and assists this season. Jokic, a three-time MVP and NBA champion, is the first player in league history to achieve this feat.

Why it matters

Jokic's ability to dominate both the scoring and playmaking aspects of the game is unprecedented, cementing his status as one of the most well-rounded and impactful players in NBA history. This achievement further solidifies his place among the all-time greats and highlights the Nuggets' reliance on his unique skillset.

The details

Jokic was presented with the trophies at Nuggets practice ahead of their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In a mild-mannered response, Jokic expressed appreciation for the honor while also offering suggestions to the league, such as featuring all-time great passers like John Stockton on the assist trophy and including legendary rebounders on the rebound trophy.

  • Jokic received the trophies on April 16, 2026, ahead of the Nuggets' first-round playoff series.
  • Jokic led the NBA in rebounds and assists during the 2025-26 regular season.

The players

Nikola Jokic

A three-time NBA MVP and one-time NBA champion, Jokic is the first player in league history to lead the NBA in both rebounds and assists in the same season.

John Stockton

An NBA legend and one of the all-time great passers, Jokic suggested that Stockton's name should be featured on the assist trophy.

Karl-Anthony Towns

The second-best rebounder in the NBA this season, finishing a full rebound per game behind Jokic.

Cade Cunningham

The second-best passer in the NBA this season, finishing 0.8 assists per game behind Jokic.

Russell Westbrook

One of only two other players to average a triple-double, but he never dominated the rebounding category like Jokic.

Oscar Robertson

The other player to average a triple-double, but he also never challenged the league's best rebounders like Jokic.

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What they’re saying

“Ohhh! Let's go! Assists champion? They should put someone like John Stockton (on the award). Some advice for the NBA. And who is leading the league in rebounds (all time)? They need to put him on it. Just some advice. But thank you – I appreciate it. Cool.”

— Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets Superstar

What’s next

Jokic is unlikely to win his fourth MVP award this season, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the favorite. However, Jokic is expected to be named to the All-NBA First Team for his historic accomplishments.

The takeaway

Nikola Jokic's ability to dominate both the scoring and playmaking aspects of the game is unparalleled in NBA history. His historic feat of leading the league in rebounds and assists in the same season cements his status as one of the most well-rounded and impactful players the game has ever seen.