All-time NBA debates continue to evolve as current stars build their resumes, with comparisons between eras becoming a regular part of the conversation. Names like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard are often placed alongside legends such as Larry Bird when discussing the greatest players in league history.
That discussion resurfaced on the “Run it Back” show on FDTV during a recent appearance by Hall of Famer Robert Parish, who played alongside Bird on the Boston Celtics during their championship run in the 1980s. Parish pushed back on the idea that modern stars belong in the same tier as his former teammate.
“With all due respect to those guys, they’re not in the same conversation with Larry,” Parish said. “The best of the best, it’s hard to get a seat at that table.”
Parish did acknowledge two exceptions in broader all-time discussions, but emphasized that reaching Bird’s level remains rare. He then pointed to one current player he believes is on track to join that group: Nikola Jokic.
“The only one that I think may be able to get a seat at that table… maybe the big fella in Denver,” Parish said. “They may have to bring another seat for him… if he stays healthy, I think one day they’re going to add a seat to the all-time great table.”
Robert Parish Explains Why Larry Bird Stands Above Modern NBA Stars
Getty
Parish’s comments came in response to ongoing comparisons between Larry Bird and today’s top players, including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard.
While James and Durant are widely recognized among the greatest players in league history, Parish maintained that Bird belongs in a separate tier. His stance is shaped by firsthand experience, having played alongside Bird during the Boston Celtics’ championship run in the 1980s.
During that period, Boston won three titles (1981, 1984, 1986) and remained a consistent Finals contender. Bird’s individual production also reinforced his legacy. He averaged 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists for his career, while earning three consecutive MVP awards and two Finals MVP honors.
Parish did not rely on direct statistical comparisons in his argument. Instead, he emphasized the difficulty of reaching what he described as the “best of the best” level in NBA history.
Nikola Jokic Emerges in All-Time Conversation
GettyDenver Nuggets Center Nikola Jokic
Parish’s strongest endorsement was reserved for Jokic, the centerpiece of the Denver Nuggets. He identified Jokic as the only player from the current generation with a clear path to joining the all-time greats at Bird’s level.
Jokic’s resume has continued to grow. He has won three MVP awards in the past five seasons and led Denver to an NBA championship in 2023. He is also in contention for another MVP this season while producing one of the most statistically complete campaigns in the league.
The Nuggets center currently leads the league in rebounds and assists and is on track to average a triple-double for the second consecutive season. If achieved, it would mark a rare statistical milestone for a player at his position.
Parish highlighted Jokic’s sustained production and overall impact as key factors in his evaluation. “They might have to add a chair to the all-time great table,” he said, reinforcing his belief that Jokic’s trajectory places him on a historic path.
Jokic’s emergence has also been recognized by other analysts. Longtime NBA observer Bob Ryan recently stated that Jokic belongs in conversations with the league’s greatest big men, citing his consistency and unique skill set.
As the league continues to evolve, Jokic’s combination of scoring, playmaking, and efficiency has set him apart from his peers. Parish’s comments place him at the forefront of the next generation’s push into all-time discussions.
While comparisons across eras remain subjective, Parish’s perspective adds to the ongoing debate. His view draws a clear line between established legends like Bird and the current generation, while identifying Jokic as the one player capable of bridging that gap.
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