Nikola Jokic, Vlade Divac, Dino Radja Career Comparison

Chicago Bulls legend Toni Kukoc is making waves for his statement that reigning NBA champion and two-time MVP Nikola Jokic is not on the level of two other European legends: Vlade Divac and Rino Radja. Toni Kukoc is a three-time NBA champion and a Hall of Famer so his comments are worthy, but does he have a bias towards Divac and Radja or does he have a point that Jokic could be overrated? An ultimate career comparison between them will give us the answer. 

Best Stats

1. Nikola Jokic - 26.1 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 8.9 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.9 BPG (3 Points)

2. Dino Radja - 16.7 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.3 BPG (2 Points)

3. Vlade Divac - 11.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.4 BPG (1 Point)

Nikola Jokic emerges as the clear frontrunner when it comes to career stats. With an impressive stat line, the Denver Nuggets' center showcases a unique blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities that is seldom seen in the NBA. Notably, Jokic's versatility extends to the defensive end as well, where he averages 1.3 steals and nearly a block per game at 0.9 despite being considered simply an offensive player who uses his height to rebound the ball well.

Trailing behind Jokic, but still posting respectable numbers, is Dino Radja. The Croatian forward averaged 16.7 PPG and 8.4 RPG throughout his NBA career, demonstrating his scoring ability and prowess on the boards. The Croatian’s impact was particularly felt during his tenure with the Boston Celtics in the mid-1990s, where he was a key contributor for only four NBA seasons between 1994 and 1997 and still made the Hall of Fame.

On the other hand, Vlade Divac, although known more for his passing and basketball IQ rather than scoring, still managed to put up solid numbers throughout his career. With averages of 11.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 3.1 APG, Divac showcased his versatility as a center who could both score and facilitate for his teammates. It's worth noting that Divac's impact extends beyond statistics; his basketball acumen and leadership were instrumental in the success of teams like the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers.

In summary, while all three players have left their mark on the NBA with their unique skill sets, Nikola Jokic's unparalleled statistical output sets him apart as the clear winner in this category.

Most Championships

1. Nikola Jokic - 1 Championship (3 Points)

2. Vlade Divac - 0 Championships (2 Points)

3. Dino Radja - 0 Championships (2 Points)

Once again, Nikola Jokic stands out, having led the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship in 2023. This historic victory came after a hard-fought series against the Miami Heat in the Finals, where Jokic's leadership, skill, and determination were pivotal in securing the title for his team. This championship not only solidified Jokic's place among the NBA's elite but also etched his name in the Nuggets' franchise history as their greatest player.

While Jokic boasts a championship to his name, Vlade Divac and Dino Radja, unfortunately, fell short of capturing the NBA title during their respective careers. Divac came tantalizingly close to championship glory on multiple occasions. As a member of the Los Angeles Lakers in the early '90s, he reached the NBA Finals but was unable to clinch the championship. Later in his career with the Sacramento Kings, Divac was part of some memorable playoff runs, most notably during the early 2000s when the Kings were perennial contenders in the Western Conference.

Similarly, Dino Radja, despite showcasing his talents with teams like the Boston Celtics, also missed out on winning an NBA championship. Radja was a key player for the Celtics during the mid-1990s and was known for his scoring ability and tenacity on the court but only had one playoff run in 1994-95 which ended in a sweep.

Most Finals MVPs

1. Nikola Jokic - 1 Finals MVP (3 Points)

2. Vlade Divac - 0 Finals MVPs (2 Points)

3. Dino Radja - 0 Finals MVPs (2 Points)

In this category, Nikola Jokic once again distinguishes himself as the standout player, having earned the Finals MVP honors during the Denver Nuggets' triumphant 2023 championship run. Jokic's all-around brilliance, combining scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, was undoubtedly the driving force behind the Nuggets' success in the Finals, as he averaged 30.2 points, 14.0 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game.

On the other hand, both Vlade Divac and Dino Radja, despite their significant contributions to their respective teams, never managed to secure the Finals MVP title. Divac came closer to achieving championship glory than Radja but never had a chance to win Finals MVP ahead of Magic Johnson or Chris Webber for example. Radja was the best player on the Celtics for the first three seasons of his career but the team was never good enough to be a threat in the playoffs.

Most MVPs

1. Nikola Jokic - 2 MVPs (3 Points)

2. Vlade Divac - 0 MVPs (2 Points)

3. Dino Radja - 0 MVPs (2 Points)

The MVP award in the NBA is one of the highest individual honors a player can achieve, and Nikola Jokic’s back-to-back MVP awards serve as a testament to his undeniable influence on the Denver Nuggets and the entire NBA landscape. Jokic averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game in 2021 followed by 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game in 2022 in back-to-back MVP seasons.

Conversely, Vlade Divac and Dino Radja, despite their considerable talents and contributions to their teams, never garnered the MVP accolade during their NBA careers. Divac and Radja ended up as Hall of Famers and were important parts of their teams, but they were never the best big men in the league at any point while Jokic has been since the 2021 season.

Most All-NBA Team Selections

1. Nikola Jokic - 5 All-NBA Team Selections (3 Points)

2. Vlade Divac - 0 All-NBA Team Selections (2 Points)

3. Dino Radja - 0 All-NBA Team Selections (2 Points)

In this category, Nikola Jokic stands out prominently, having been selected to the All-NBA Team an impressive five times. Jokic's consistent excellence on both ends of the floor, combined with his unparalleled skill set as a center, has made him a perennial All-NBA caliber player, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite talents. The big man has made the last five All-NBA Team selections (3 First Team, 2 Second Team) and will make another First Team appearance by the end of the 2024 campaign.

In contrast, both Vlade Divac and Dino Radja, despite their noteworthy contributions and impact on their respective teams, never received the honor of being selected to an All-NBA Team during their NBA careers. Despite their prowess in the paint, neither big man can compare to Jokic in All-NBA talent.

Most All-Defensive Team Selections

1. Nikola Jokic - 0 All-Defensive Team Selections (3 Points)

2. Vlade Divac - 0 All-Defensive Team Selections (3 Points)

3. Dino Radja - 0 All-Defensive Team Selections (3 Points)

The All-Defensive Team selections in the NBA recognize players who excel on the defensive end, showcasing their ability to guard the best players in the league, protect the rim, and disrupt opponents' offensive schemes. Interestingly, in this category, all three players - Nikola Jokic, Vlade Divac, and Dino Radja - share the distinction of never having been selected to an All-Defensive Team.

Nikola Jokic, despite his incredible offensive skills and versatility as a playmaker, has often faced criticism for his defensive capabilities despite averaging 1.3 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. Similarly, Vlade Divac (1.1 SPG, 1.4 BPG) and Dino Radja (0.9 SPG, 1.3 BPG), although known for their contributions on both ends of the court, were not mainly recognized for their defensive prowess during their NBA careers and never made the All-Defensive Team.

Most All-Star Selections

1. Nikola Jokic - 6 All-Star Selections (3 Points)

2. Vlade Divac - 1 All-Star Selections (2 Points)

3. Dino Radja - 0 All-Star Selections (1 Point)

In yet another category, Nikola Jokic emerges as the clear leader, having been selected to the All-Star Game an impressive six times with his latest one coming in 2023-24. Jokic's combination of scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and overall impact on the game has consistently earned him a spot among the NBA's elite, and he has made six straight appearances.

Vlade Divac, although not as frequently selected as Jokic, still managed to earn an All-Star nod during his NBA career. In the 2000-01 season, the big man averaged 12.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game to earn his only All-Star appearance. On the other hand, Dino Radja, despite showcasing his scoring and rebounding abilities with teams like the Boston Celtics, never received the honor of an All-Star selection during his time in the NBA. Dino’s only honor was making the 1993-94 All-Rookie Team.

Total Win Shares

1. Nikola Jokic - 109.6 Win Shares (3 Points)

2. Vlade Divac - 96.4 Win Shares (2 Points)

3. Dino Radja - 14.3 Win Shares (1 Point)

Win Shares is a comprehensive statistic in basketball that aims to estimate the number of wins contributed by a player due to his offense and defense. In this category, Nikola Jokic stands out prominently with an impressive total of 109.6 Win Shares. Jokic's multifaceted game, characterized by his scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and improved defense, has consistently translated into substantial contributions to the Denver Nuggets' success, making him one of the most valuable players in the league over his nine-year career so far.

Vlade Divac also amassed a commendable 96.4 Win Shares throughout his 16-year NBA career. Known for his basketball IQ, passing ability, and versatility as a center, Divac's contributions extended beyond traditional statistics, influencing his team's performance and success on both ends of the court.

On the other hand, Dino Radja trails behind with 14.3 Win Shares. While Radja showcased his scoring and rebounding abilities during his four-year tenure in the NBA with the Boston Celtics, his overall impact and contributions, as reflected by Win Shares, were comparatively limited due to his short career.

PER (Player Efficiency Rating)

1. Nikola Jokic - 28.0 PER (3 Points)

2. Vlade Divac - 17.7 PER (2 Points)

3. Dino Radja - 17.4 PER (1 Point)

The Player Efficiency Rating (PER) is a comprehensive metric that quantifies a player's overall efficiency and productivity on a per-minute basis, taking into account various statistical categories such as scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, blocks, and turnovers. In this category, Nikola Jokic leads the pack with an outstanding PER of 28.0. Jokic's well-rounded skill set, which includes elite scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and improved defense, has consistently made him one of the most efficient and impactful players in the NBA. Among all-time players, Jokic’s PER ranks first ahead of Michael Jordan (27.91) and LeBron James (27.05).

Vlade Divac, known for his basketball intelligence, passing ability, and versatility as a center, posted a respectable PER of 17.7 during his NBA career. Divac's contributions, while not as prolific as Jokic's, were valuable in terms of facilitating the offense, anchoring the defense, and elevating his team's performance on both ends of the court and he ranks 186th all-time. Dino Radja, with a PER of 17.4, trails behind Divac, and his short career makes him a non-contender in this category.

Who Has Had The Greatest NBA Career Out Of Nikola Jokic, Vlade Divac, And Dino Radja?

1. Nikola Jokic - 27 Points (9 Categories Won)

2. Vlade Divac - 18 Points (0 Categories Won)

3. Dino Radja - 16 Points (0 Categories Won)

Nikola Jokic has demonstrated consistent excellence and impact across multiple facets of the game, earning two MVP awards, leading his team to an NBA championship, and posting impressive statistics in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. His 28.0 PER and 109.6 Win Shares further highlight his exceptional efficiency, productivity, and overall value to his team, making him one of the most dominant and versatile players in the NBA.

While Vlade Divac and Dino Radja have made significant contributions to the NBA and showcased their talents in various ways, they fall short of Jokic's level of sustained excellence, individual accolades, and overall impact on the game. Divac's basketball IQ, passing ability, and leadership were commendable, earning him an All-Star selection and solid Win Shares and PER. Similarly, Radja's scoring and rebounding abilities were noteworthy, but his overall impact and contributions, as reflected by his career statistics and achievements, were not as substantial compared to Jokic.

Overall, Toni Kukoc is simply incorrect to state that Vlade Divac and Dino Radja were better players than Jokic in terms of skill level, talent, or career achievements. The Nuggets superstar has better stats, all-around impact, and accolades and will go down in history as one of the best big men ever.