Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets Earns Prestigious NBA Recognition Ahead of 2025-26 Season
Traditionally, most NBA superstars have been selected in the first round at the top of the draft. However, for the first time in league history, the player widely regarded as the best was not a first-round pick.
The Denver Nuggets drafted center Nikola Jokic in the second round. Although his rise to stardom was gradual, he is now considered by many as the clear top player in the NBA.
With an NBA championship and three MVP awards to his name, Jokic’s dominance is undeniable, a fact the league itself seems to acknowledge.
This summer, 20 anonymous coaches, scouts, and executives were surveyed on who they believe is currently the best player in the league. All but one named Jokic.
Last season, the Serbian big man became the first center in NBA history to average a triple-double over an entire season, posting 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game.
Although his defense is sometimes criticized, many fans argue that his offensive brilliance—possibly the greatest in NBA history—outweighs those concerns.
Despite having three MVP trophies, some believe that “voter fatigue” has prevented him from earning even more.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander claimed last season’s MVP after leading his team to an exceptional record, but Jokic had a strong case as well.
Just a few years ago, debates swirled about whether Jokic was even the league’s best center, with frequent comparisons to Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid.
However, Embiid’s injury issues and lack of postseason success have ended that discussion, solidifying Jokic’s status as the premier big man.
The Nuggets narrowly missed defeating the Thunder—who went on to win the NBA Finals—falling just one game short. This showed Denver they still have championship potential.
With Jokic leading the way, the Nuggets will always be contenders; they simply need to refine their roster around their already-strong core.
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