Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets lifted the Larry O'Brien championship trophy on Monday night and, with it, definitively settled the debate about whether teams built around centers still have a chance in today's NBA. All those concerns about his defensive limitations, and those of the team he plays for, evaporated like dust in a blowtorch. 1. He’s a Finals MVP Nikola Jokic appeared unwilling to accept all the praise following Game 5 against Miami Heat, standing on the podium clenching his fists below his waist while staring down his teammates while they celebrated at Denver arena that appeared more like an ice hockey arena than basketball arena. First time ever in his career, Sombor, Serbia native Nikola Milosovic of Serbia gained the satisfaction of taking home a championship ring was an honor and truly life-changing event for him. Jokic earned MVP honors during the Finals by averaging a triple-double over five games against the best team in the league - joining legendary figures such as Oscar Robertson (three times), Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell and Larry Bird in accomplishing it at least once each during their careers - something Jokic did at just 22 years old! But what truly sets Jokic apart is his remarkable versatility; he excels at playing different roles across an array of situations - be it passing, shooting or defensive play. Jokic demonstrated in the Finals his mettle both ways! Jokic's defense is built upon his incredible ability to read defenses and make smart decisions both offensively and defensively. He can recognize pick and roll situations and execute the appropriate play; for instance, an "in-the-flow" "toss off" to give an open look to his guard or an in-the-flow "late screen" allowing him to slip behind trapping defenses if necessary. Jokic's versatility has made him one of the league's most reliable big men this season, while his performance in the Finals further proves this point. His role in Denver Nuggets title run will remain one of his most unforgettable experiences yet; and he now joins other elite players such as Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Hakeem Olajuwon and Tim Duncan among them in NBA elite status. 2. He’s the best player in the world Nikola Jokic became one of only a select few players in history to achieve such feat, winning his inaugural NBA championship on Wednesday night and joining only an elite handful. Given the circumstances of his team's playoff run, this achievement is truly astonishing; but what stands out most about Jokic's post-Finals era isn't his dominance or accomplishment - being both two-time MVP and winning an NBA title are impressive feats; rather, what's most noteworthy about Jokic is how he accomplished all three feats modestly and class; all this for an industry desperately in need of image restoration. The Joker was an example of this during his post-game walkoff interview. When asked about being the first player ever to record a 30-20-10 in a Finals game, instead of taking credit himself he instead smiled and joked with his teammate about it. He made sure to recognize his teammates, particularly Jamal Murray who was injured, for their hard work and success on the court. He credited their coach as well for their success: "this group of guys I've played with is absolutely special and their chemistry together makes them exceptional players. Jokic stands out as an unparalleled player because of more than his insane passing ability and distinct scoring ability; what truly distinguishes him as the world's premier player is how he makes other players better - like the Matrix's blue pill, making his teammates move slower while opponents feel helpless against him. Furthermore, his extraordinary set of skills have even baffled the most experienced NBA coaches! The Nuggets have found in Nikola Jokic an oasis in an NBA marred by egotism and China-backed players three years ago. If the next generation of Nuggets players can match his level of play with modesty and class as Jokic has done, Denver's future looks bright indeed. 3. He’s a two-time MVP The Nuggets are one of the premier teams in the league, and Jokic is unquestionably their greatest asset. His numbers compare favorably with his two prior MVP campaigns - he averages double-doubles with more assists and rebounds than ever before and remains one of the league's dominant forces. Misko Raznatovic took advantage of NBA Finals to emphasize just how special their client really is. Jokic, an unlikely second-round draft pick out of Serbia, never anticipated anything like this. Yet his dramatic growth over the past several years demonstrates the imprint European talent is making on this league. Pace, space and other factors are altering how centers play the game; yet Jokic stands apart due to his unique skill set which transcends those changes - leaving his mark on sport forevermore. It's likely that LeBron will win another MVP award this season; should this occur, it would mark his third MVP win in four seasons and cement him into an elite group of NBA stars who have done this feat. Should that occur, it will only further cement him as an all-time great. Although Jokic has won two MVP awards, he remains unassuming about his achievements. When talking with media after Game 3, he focused exclusively on how proud he was of both his team and himself - likely an effect of both nature and nurture as his family was exposed to hardship while growing up in war-torn Serbia. At his core is Jokic's strong character - an attribute which will serve him well going forward as he steers this team into uncharted waters. Although some might try to paint him as an antagonist, his overall demeanor speaks for itself and it's easy to understand why he is an integral component of this franchise. 4. He’s a future Hall of Famer The NBA has seen an increasingly low-post dominated landscape over time. Nowadays, most stars tend to be perimeter players who can exploit space off the dribble and shoot with confidence; but Jokic stands out by showing a combination of power from big men combined with finesse from smaller players - an intriguing combination. His game more resembles that of a point guard than that of an overpowering center, and he displays incredible dexterity with the ball that cannot be denied. A master of pick-and-roll, his crafty passership can make even simple passes seem complicated and intricately planned out. Additionally, he's capable of scoring in various ways with both hands, becoming an unpredictable threat on offense. If Jokic stays healthy and productive over the next several years, the Nuggets will become an elite team to be reckoned with. He led them this season in scoring and assists per game while shooting at career-best efficiency rates - all while acting as an embodiment of selflessness for an organization poised for its first title run. Denver's other players can learn much from two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, including how to play alongside such an intimidating figure. Even gifted but inconsistent stars such as Jahlil Okafor improved playing alongside Jokic in the first round; similarly, future stars Justise Winslow and Karl-Anthony Towns will gain from watching how Jokic sets an imposing tone by prioritizing defense and passing with precision. Jokic stands a strong chance of earning his place in the Hall of Fame come 2029 or whenever he chooses to retire, provided his health holds out. Already one of the most dominant players ever to step onto a basketball court, he's only just entering his prime years - now is the time for us all to start considering him alongside LeBron James, Moses Malone and Magic Johnson as an icon. A rare player that stands as both champion within their league while remaining an example of modesty.