Wembanyama: “Jokic is not the best player in the NBA”

Victor Wembanyama is set to return after missing the past 12 Spurs games with a calf injury. San Antonio has gone 9–3 in his absence, a promising run for a team playing some of its best basketball of the season without its franchise star.

On Wednesday they knocked the Lakers out of the NBA Cup in Los Angeles, dominating them with a pace the home team couldn’t match. Tonight they face the Oklahoma City Thunder — the team with just one loss in 25 games — in the Cup semifinals. Wembanyama is expected to play, but on a minutes restriction.

In an interview with ESPN, the French center discussed the Spurs’ recent form and the NBA at large. One answer in particular stood out: who he believes is currently the best player in the league. Wembanyama didn’t hesitate. He named who he thinks holds the top spot — and who doesn’t.

“I think Jokić is the best offensive player. I don’t think he’s the best player. It’s hard to say… I think it’s between Giannis and Shai. When I’m back on the court, I think it’ll be me.”

Ironically, when Jokić was asked about Wembanyama earlier this year, he was effusive: “He’s a unique player and he’ll be remembered forever.”

Nikola Jokić is widely regarded as the best player in the world. He has won three of the last five MVP awards (2021, 2022, 2024), along with the 2023 championship and Finals MVP. Giannis Antetokounmpo won back-to-back MVPs in 2019 and 2020 and captured the title and Finals MVP in 2021.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning MVP and Finals MVP, leading the defending champion Thunder, the league’s most dominant team so far this season. As for Wembanyama, after winning Rookie of the Year, he was not eligible for individual awards last season due to falling short of the 65-game minimum — even though he was a leading contender for Defensive Player of the Year.

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