The rivalry between Marcus Morris Sr. and Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić is heating up again. During a segment on ESPN’s “First Take,” Morris claimed Jokić doesn’t rank among the top 20 NBA players of all time — despite the Serbian center’s long list of accomplishments.
Morris’s take sparked immediate backlash from fans and analysts, many of whom saw his comments as more personal than objective.
A Rivalry Rooted in Physical Confrontation
The feud began in November 2021, when Jokić and Marcus’s twin brother, Markieff Morris, clashed during a Nuggets-Heat game. Markieff delivered a hard foul, and Jokić responded by shoving him from behind, sending him to the floor. The hit sidelined Markieff for weeks.
After the game, Marcus tweeted: “Waited till bro turned his back smh. NOTED.”
That tweet prompted Jokić’s brothers to create a Twitter account just to respond: “You should leave this the way it is instead of publicly threatening our brother. Your brother made a dirty play first. If you want to make a step further be sure we will be waiting for you.”
Things haven’t cooled off. In a September 2023 appearance on the “All The Smoke” podcast, Markieff called Jokić’s shove a “sucker shot” and added, “He’s gonna get his, though. Don’t trip.”
Despite Marcus’ opinion, Jokić’s résumé speaks for itself: seven All-Star selections, six All-NBA selections, three MVP awards (2021, 2022, 2024), an NBA championship (2023), and a Finals MVP trophy. Most analysts already consider him one of the greats.
Fans React to Marcus Morris Sr.’s Bold Claim on Nikola Jokić
Social media lit up after Morris’s comments. Fans quickly pointed to Jokić’s accolades as proof of his place in NBA history. Many suggested Morris’s take had more to do with the 2021 incident than with Jokić’s actual performance.
“What an absurdly dumb take. How many players have ever won multiple MVPs?” one fan tweeted. Only nine players in NBA history have won three or more MVP awards: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (6), Michael Jordan (5), Bill Russell (5), LeBron James (4), Wilt Chamberlain (4), Larry Bird (3), Magic Johnson (3), Moses Malone (3), and Jokić (3).
What an absurdly dumb take. How many players have ever won multiple MVPs?
— Abomination of Obama's Nation (@RWillSays) April 3, 2025
Others brought stats into the conversation. One account posted:
“Nikola Jokic last 5 seasons: 26.8 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 9.0 APG, 59/38/82%. One of nine players ever with 3 MVPs.”
Jokić hasn’t slowed down in 2024-2025 either. He’s having perhaps his best statistical season with 29.7 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. He’s projected to finish the top-two of MVP voting.
Nikola Jokic last 5 seasons:
26.8 PPG
12.3 RPG
9.0 APG
59/38/82%One of nine players ever with 3 MVPs.
— StatMamba (@StatMamba) April 3, 2025
The heated debate showed how Morris’s words struck a nerve. Whether fans agree or not, Jokić’s career continues to evolve. At 30, with more seasons ahead, he has plenty of time to strengthen his case as one of the all-time greats.