Dwight Howard, the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year and one of the league’s most physically imposing centers, recently made headlines with a bold claim: he stated that he could still guard reigning

two-time MVP Nikola Jokić if the two were to face off today. Howard’s assertion was surprising to many, given his age and the evolving style of play in the NBA. While Howard’s prime years were marked

by dominant performances on both ends of the floor, especially as a defensive force in the paint, claiming that he could now contain a player like Jokić—who is renowned for his unparalleled basketball IQ,

versatility, and unique playing style—seems far-fetched. The last time these two giants faced off, Jokić dominated Howard, showcasing just how much the game has evolved and how much more sophisticated Jokić’s skillset has become since their earlier matchups.

When the two last met on the court, during a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets, Jokić made a statement that left little doubt as to who was the more effective player.

Despite Howard’s imposing presence in the paint, Jokić’s ability to stretch the floor, create his own shots, and facilitate for teammates was evident throughout the game. The Serbian center made quick work

of Howard in their one-on-one matchups, using his size, footwork, and skillful passing to break down the Lakers’ defense. In contrast, Howard, while still a force in the paint, struggled to contain Jokić’s dynamic offensive game.

Jokić’s unorthodox style—mixing incredible court vision with an ability to shoot from long range and score in the post—was a nightmare for traditional big men like Howard, who were primarily known for their defensive prowess in the low block.

Jokić’s game is built on a different kind of skill set that is difficult for older, traditional centers to defend. The Nuggets’ star has the rare ability to play as both a scorer and a facilitator, using his vision to set up teammates in ways that most centers simply can’t. This is particularly challenging for defenders like Howard, whose strength lies in manning the paint and protecting the rim. Jokić is capable of scoring from anywhere on the court—whether it’s with his crafty post moves, his deadly mid-range jumper, or his ability to shoot from three-point range. Furthermore, his high basketball IQ allows him to read defenses and exploit mismatches, making it hard for a defender like Howard to keep up. When the two last squared off, it was clear that Jokić was the more versatile player, able to break down Howard’s defense with ease and control the game in ways that Howard, at this stage in his career, simply couldn’t match.

While Howard’s claim may be rooted in confidence and pride from his past accomplishments, the reality is that the NBA has shifted toward a more perimeter-oriented, positionless style of play, which doesn’t favor traditional centers like Howard as much as it did during his peak years. Howard made his name as a dominant force in the post, with his physicality, rebounding, and shot-blocking making him one of the best defensive players of his generation. However, in today’s game, versatility is key, and Jokić’s ability to stretch the floor, make plays from the top of the key, and act as the primary ball handler for his team presents a much more difficult challenge for a player like Howard. As players like Jokić continue to redefine the role of a center, the traditional big men of Howard’s mold find themselves struggling to adapt, especially when faced with someone as skilled as the Nuggets’ star.

In the end, Dwight Howard’s claim that he could still guard Nikola Jokić seems to ignore the reality of the modern NBA and the way the game has evolved. While Howard may have once been the most feared center in the league, the truth is that the game is no longer as reliant on traditional post play as it once was. Jokić’s ability to impact the game in so many different ways, combined with his skill set, is a challenge for any defender, regardless of their size or strength. The last time the two faced off, Jokić thoroughly outplayed Howard, demonstrating that his game has advanced far beyond the reach of older, more traditional centers. As the league continues to move toward a more fluid, positionless style of play, claims like Howard’s may be seen as more of a reflection of past glory than a realistic assessment of how the current NBA operates.

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