Has Nikola Jokic passed John Elway as Denver sports GOAT?

Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets shoots during the second quarter against the Utah Jazz at Ball Arena in Denver on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is already the best athlete to ever wear a Denver uniform. Not as influential as John Elway was in Colorado, but Joker is a two-time MVP, as well as the NBA Finals MVP when the Nuggets won their first championship. Jokic is the best player in the NBA. Elway has never been at this level.

Dan, Chandler, Arizona.

Kiz: Elway will forever be our beloved Duke of Denver. But Jokic is the king of the basketball universe. In terms of pure sporting success? Advantage, Joker.

Elway is untouchable as the GOAT in Colorado. There is no doubt that Jokic will forever be loved as a legend in Denver. He’ll always be one of the greatest, but Elway is Denver. He made this city and this state his life. Jokic really doesn’t seem to want to get involved with Colorado, only Serbia.

BV, solidarity

Kiz: So if Joker sold you steaks and cars, you’d give him more credit for scoring baskets?

Why does everyone keep talking about Elway and his involvement with the city? The topic we are discussing is the best athlete, not the best Chamber of Commerce representative. Elway didn’t dominate like Jokic dominates. It’s not even close.

TC, prime time player

Kiz: Jokic’s heart belongs to his homeland. I admire him for that. Here’s my question: If Jokic and Serbia face the United States for the gold medal in the 2024 Summer Olympics, which team is a die-hard Nuggets fan rooting for?

I hate to say it, because I love Jokic, but replacing Elway as the GOAT in Colorado can’t be done. It’s not the Joker’s fault. It is a factor of time, place and history. Elway took what was a sleepy sports town and put it on his back. He suffered and preserved to almost single-handedly bring Denver to sporting prominence.

Mark, Colorado Proud

Kiz: Elway transformed our dusty old town into the best sports town in America. This is more impactful than anything Jokic will ever do for Denver. But Joker is the most amazing athlete. My story. Stick to it.

I think Jokic and Elway are both amazing, as is Peyton Manning. Don’t forget Patrick Roy, Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg and their Stanley Cup victories. Why stop there? Look at skier Mikaela Shiffrin. She is the GOAT.

Fifi, towards the wide open

Kiz: If you ask the staff here at Kickin’ It headquarters, you’ll hear that there has never been a more talented athlete born and raised in Colorado than Shiffrin. She proudly competes for more than just our great state while wearing the red, white and blue uniform of Team USA at the Olympics.