jokic Is About to Touch the NBA’s “Untouchable” Record

The storyline entering the Denver Nuggets’ 2025-26 season is about their path to winning another championship. They didn’t have the depth to do so the past two years, but after this offseason, the Nuggets are back on track. Another storyline that isn’t as widely discussed (at least not yet) revolves around none other than Nikola Jokić.

ESPN highlighted milestones that players are within reach of passing next season. It’s no surprise that Jokić’s pertains to triple-doubles. He is No. 3 on the NBA all-time triple-doubles list, and needs 18 triple-doubles to pass Oscar Robertson, who finished with 181, to jump up to No. 2.

Russell Westbrook is the NBA’s all-time triple-doubles leader at 203. Robertson was the all-time leader until 2021, when Westbrook surpassed him in a Wizards’ win over the Pacers.

A number that was once deemed untouchable (181) is now within reach for Jokić, and not only that, but he could surpass Westbrook as soon as next season. Jokić is at 164 and recorded 34 triple-doubles this past season. He needs 39 to reach 203, and 40 to pass Westbrook. It may not happen this season, but it could happen in 2026-27.

Jokic can pass Oscar Robertson on NBA triple-doubles list

The 34 triple-doubles Jokić recorded last season were his most, as his previous season-high was 29 (2022-23). He had 25 in 2023-24. If Jokić doesn’t pass 34 triple-doubles next season, that could actually be a good thing, as it should mean the Nuggets don’t need him to do everything. He even has a suitable backup now!

You can bet that he’ll at least get 18, enough to pass Robertson. He’s recorded at least 19 triple-doubles the past four seasons.

Jokić is no stranger to breaking NBA records on what seems to be a nightly basis, but if you asked him, he probably has no idea how many triple-doubles he needs to pass Robertson, or even to catch up to Westbrook. Why? He doesn’t care. His focus is on doing what it takes to win another title. The individual accolades don’t mean that much to him in the moment, regardless of how incredible they are.

Watching Jokić play is the best ticket in the NBA, and that’s a statement made with no bias. Seeing him play on television doesn’t compare to watching him live. The lucky fans who are in attendance for the triple-double that moves him up to No. 2 in league history will be in for an extra treat.