Hakeem Olajuwon vs. Nikola Jokic Career Comparison

Hakeem Olajuwon and Nikola Jokic are two of the greatest NBA centers of all time, and we will have to compare them to get an idea of who has the better career. Olajuwon is a Houston Rockets legend who is the master of the “Dream Shake”, while Jokic is one of nine players to have ever won at least three MVP trophies and is the greatest player in the history of the Denver Nuggets. Here is our career comparison between the two legendary centers.

NBA Championships

Hakeem Olajuwon: 2 (1994, 1995)

Nikola Jokic: 1 (2023)

Hakeem Olajuwon’s championship success came during the mid-90s, as he led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995. In an era dominated by elite big men, Olajuwon’s skillset and leadership helped him elevate his team over strong competition. His 1994 title run was especially notable as the Rockets defeated Patrick Ewing’s New York Knicks in a grueling seven-game series, followed by a sweep of Shaquille O’Neal and the Orlando Magic in 1995. Importantly, Olajuwon won these championships without a second superstar, making his back-to-back triumphs even more impressive.

Nikola Jokic won his first championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023, leading them to their first title in franchise history. Jokic’s unique style of play, combining his passing vision with scoring and rebounding, made him the focal point of the Nuggets’ offense. During the 2023 playoffs, Jokic averaged a historic 30.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game, leading Denver past the likes of the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat. While Jokic has only one title to his name so far, the 2023 run cemented his place as one of the most dominant players of his era.

Advantage: Hakeem Olajuwon

Finals MVP Awards

Hakeem Olajuwon: 2 (1994, 1995)

Nikola Jokic: 1 (2023)

Hakeem Olajuwon’s two Finals MVP awards, in 1994 and 1995, reflect his unmatched performance on the grandest stage. In 1994, he averaged 26.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks per game, outplaying Patrick Ewing in a thrilling seven-game series. The following year, Olajuwon elevated his play even further, averaging 32.8 points and 11.5 rebounds against Shaquille O’Neal and the Magic, once again proving he was the best player on the floor when it mattered most. These Finals MVPs highlight Olajuwon’s ability to deliver when the stakes were highest, further enhancing his championship legacy.

Nikola Jokic won his first Finals MVP award in 2023, where his dominance was undeniable. Over the five-game series against the Miami Heat, Jokic averaged 30.2 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game, showcasing his all-around brilliance. His ability to control the tempo of the game with his passing and scoring was key to Denver’s success, and his Finals MVP award was the perfect capstone to an incredible playoff run. Jokic’s unique versatility separates him from traditional centers, as he can dominate in multiple facets of the game.

Advantage: Hakeem Olajuwon

MVP Awards

Hakeem Olajuwon: 1 (1994)

Nikola Jokic: 3 (2021, 2022, 2024)

Hakeem Olajuwon captured his lone MVP award in 1994, a season in which he led the Rockets to a 58-24 record while averaging 27.3 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game. Olajuwon was not only dominant on offense but was also the anchor of one of the league’s best defenses. His ability to control the paint on both ends was unmatched that season, and his MVP award solidified his status as the best player in the league during a time when Michael Jordan had briefly stepped away from the NBA.

Nikola Jokic, on the other hand, has established himself as a regular-season juggernaut with three MVP awards (2021, 2022, and 2024). Jokic’s triple-double prowess and elite efficiency make him a statistical marvel. In 2022, Jokic became the first player in NBA history to record 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 500 assists in a single season, showcasing his all-around dominance. His ability to elevate his teammates with his passing and decision-making makes him one of the most impactful players in NBA history, and his three MVPs highlight his sustained excellence in the regular season.

Advantage: Nikola Jokic

Defensive Player of the Year Awards

Hakeem Olajuwon: 2 (1993, 1994)

Nikola Jokic: 0

Hakeem Olajuwon’s defensive prowess was one of the cornerstones of his Hall of Fame career, and his two Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1993 (4.2 BPG, 1.8 SPG) and 1994 (3.7 BPG, 1.6 SPG) are a testament to his impact on that end of the floor. Olajuwon’s ability to protect the rim, combined with his quick feet and intelligence, made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. In addition to his shot-blocking, he was an exceptional post defender, routinely shutting down elite centers. His defensive dominance was a key factor in Houston’s success, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time.

Nikola Jokic, while a brilliant offensive player, has not had the same impact on defense as Olajuwon. Jokic’s game is built around his vision, passing, and scoring, and although he is an underrated post defender and rebounder, his defensive abilities have never been elite. Jokic has not won a Defensive Player of the Year award, and while his offensive contributions often outweigh his defensive limitations, this is one area where Olajuwon clearly holds the upper hand.

Advantage: Hakeem Olajuwon

Scoring Titles

Hakeem Olajuwon: 0

Nikola Jokic: 0

Neither Hakeem Olajuwon nor Nikola Jokic has won a scoring title, though both have consistently been elite offensive players throughout their careers. Olajuwon’s offensive game was built around his precision footwork and post moves, most famously his signature “Dream Shake.” While he didn’t lead the league in scoring, Olajuwon’s career-high 27.8 points per game in 1995 was evidence of his offensive dominance, and he was a reliable go-to scorer throughout his prime.

Similarly, Nikola Jokic has never won a scoring title but consistently ranks among the league’s most efficient and effective scorers. Jokic’s scoring is characterized by his high basketball IQ, utilizing pump fakes, floaters, and mid-range shots, while also extending his range to the three-point line. Jokic's career-high came in 2021-22 when he posted 27.1 points per game which earned him his second MVP trophy. 

Advantage: Even

All-NBA Teams

Hakeem Olajuwon: 12 (6 First Team, 3 Second Team, 3 Third Team)

Nikola Jokic: 6 (4 First Team, 2 Second Team)

Hakeem Olajuwon’s longevity and consistent dominance earned him 12 All-NBA Team selections, including six First Team honors. Over the course of his career, Olajuwon remained among the elite centers in a highly competitive era that included players like David Robinson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Patrick Ewing. His blend of offensive and defensive prowess allowed him to maintain his position as one of the top players in the league for more than a decade.

Nikola Jokic has already secured six All-NBA Team selections, including four First Team honors, despite being in the prime of his career. As the centerpiece of the Denver Nuggets’ success, Jokic’s offensive versatility and ability to elevate his teammates have made him a mainstay on All-NBA rosters. If Jokic continues at his current pace, he could eventually surpass Olajuwon in total All-NBA selections, but for now, Hakeem’s edge in longevity gives him the advantage.

Advantage: Hakeem Olajuwon

All-Star Appearances

Hakeem Olajuwon: 12

Nikola Jokic: 6

Hakeem Olajuwon made 12 All-Star appearances during his career, showcasing his consistency and status as one of the league’s premier players for more than a decade. Whether he was dominating the paint or controlling the game on defense, Olajuwon’s presence at the annual All-Star Game was almost a given during his prime. His ability to perform at a high level year after year, even as the league’s landscape shifted, solidified his legacy as one of the most respected big men of all time.

Nikola Jokic, with six All-Star appearances thus far, is steadily building his case as one of the top players of his generation. Given that Jokic is still in the prime of his career, it is likely that he will continue to rack up All-Star selections. Jokic’s unique style of play, which blends scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, makes him a fan favorite and a perennial All-Star starter. While he’s behind Olajuwon for now, Jokic’s trajectory suggests that he could close the gap in the years to come.

Advantage: Hakeem Olajuwon

All-Defensive Teams

Hakeem Olajuwon: 9 (5 First Team, 4 Second Team)

Nikola Jokic: 0

Hakeem Olajuwon’s defensive brilliance is reflected in his nine All-Defensive Team selections, including five First Team honors. His ability to alter shots, protect the rim, and guard both big men and perimeter players made him a defensive anchor for the Rockets. Olajuwon’s defensive impact went beyond just blocking shots; he was a master at forcing turnovers, as evidenced by his ranking as the all-time leader in blocked shots and his top-10 placement in career steals for a center. He finished his career with averages of 1.7 steals and 3.1 blocks per game.

Nikola Jokic, while a capable defender in certain situations (career 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG), has not been recognized on an All-Defensive Team. His game is heavily focused on offense, and while he has improved his defensive awareness, especially in terms of positioning and rebounding, Jokic does not possess the elite defensive skills that Olajuwon had. His value on the court lies more in his offensive versatility, and though he is not a liability on defense, this is an area where Olajuwon clearly has the upper hand.

Advantage: Hakeem Olajuwon

Total Win Shares

Hakeem Olajuwon: 162.8

Nikola Jokic: 111.6

Hakeem Olajuwon’s total win shares of 162.8 reflect his sustained dominance over a lengthy career. Win shares measure a player’s contributions to team success, and Olajuwon’s ability to impact games on both ends of the floor allowed him to rack up impressive totals. His dominance in the post, both as a scorer and defender, made him one of the most complete players in NBA history, and his win shares total reflects the integral role he played in the Rockets' success.

Nikola Jokic, with 111.6 win shares thus far, is on an impressive pace considering his relatively shorter career. Jokic’s ability to impact the game with his scoring, passing, and rebounding has made him one of the most valuable players in the league, and his win shares reflect that. Jokic's versatility and efficiency, particularly on offense, have helped the Nuggets become perennial contenders during his time with the team. Given his age and continued high level of play, Jokic is on pace to significantly increase his win shares total, though he still trails Olajuwon’s career number at this point.

Advantage: Hakeem Olajuwon

Career Player Efficiency Rating (PER)

Hakeem Olajuwon: 23.6

Nikola Jokic: 28.1

Hakeem Olajuwon’s career Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 23.6 is indicative of his all-around excellence and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. PER is a stat that attempts to boil down a player’s contributions into one number, factoring in both offensive and defensive performance. Olajuwon’s high PER showcases his ability to score efficiently, rebound at a high level, and defend the rim with elite shot-blocking. While 23.6 is an outstanding mark, it reflects the all-encompassing nature of his game rather than just offensive production.

Nikola Jokic boasts an extraordinary career PER of 28.1, one of the highest in NBA history. Jokic’s PER is driven by his unmatched efficiency as a scorer and passer, with his ability to post triple-doubles while shooting high percentages from the field, beyond the arc, and the free-throw line. Jokic’s PER reflects his unique skill set as a center who can facilitate an offense like a point guard while still contributing on the boards and as a scorer. His PER advantage over Olajuwon highlights his modern-era efficiency, even if his defensive impact doesn’t match Olajuwon’s.

Advantage: Nikola Jokic

Final Score

Hakeem Olajuwon vs. Nikola Jokic 8-3

Hakeem Olajuwon takes the clear advantage in this career comparison, securing an 8-3 lead over Nikola Jokic. The two-time champion and Finals MVP, Olajuwon’s legacy is deeply rooted in his dominance during the 1990s, where he led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995. Olajuwon’s unmatched defensive prowess, highlighted by his two Defensive Player of the Year awards and nine All-Defensive Team selections, set him apart as one of the best two-way players in NBA history. His versatility in the post, known for the iconic “Dream Shake,” made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Olajuwon also bests Jokic in All-NBA selections and All-Star appearances, further cementing his position as the more decorated and complete player.

On the other hand, Nikola Jokic’s career is far from over, and his advantage in key areas like MVP awards and PER shows just how impactful he has been in a shorter time span. Jokic’s modern style, defined by his elite playmaking, offensive efficiency, and ability to orchestrate the Nuggets' offense, has earned him three MVPs, a mark that surpasses Olajuwon. His PER and offensive win shares indicate his dominance in today’s game, especially on the offensive end, but his defensive shortcomings and the limited number of accolades compared to Olajuwon keep him trailing in this comparison. However, with more years ahead in his career, Jokic has the potential to close the gap further and continue building his already impressive resume.