Legendary Robert Parish Has No Doubt: With Respect to LeBron and Durant, Nikola Jokic is the Only One Who Can Sit at That Table!

Pulse Sports Team 14:56 - 02 April 2026

Robert Parish, the legendary center and four-time NBA champion, known as "The Chief," shared his perspective on which modern-era player can join the pantheon of basketball greats.

The Boston Celtics icon praised the new generation of players in his analysis but emphasized that few can truly measure up to the legends of the past.

With all due respect to LeBron, Durant, and Leonard, it's tough to put them on the same level as Larry Bird, even though James and Durant are close. However, finding a spot at the table of the all-time greats is a challenge.

"Only Nikola Jokic can earn a seat at that table."

Nevertheless, Parish singled out one player who, in his opinion, has the potential to earn his place among that elite company.

The only one who, in my opinion, might be able to earn a seat at that table, alongside James and Durant, is the big man from Denver, Nikola Jokic.

The legendary "Chief" has no doubt that the Serbian center is on his way to the very top, provided he stays healthy.

- We might have to pull up another chair for him. They'll have to add a spot at the table of the greatest, because if he stays healthy, he'll become one of the greatest. He's the only one from the younger generation I'm almost certain about – he'll become one of the greatest - Parish concluded.