Just like the GOAT debate, the “best player in the world” argument is one that never reaches a definitive conclusion. While the MVP is an individual accolade to honor the best player in the league, other factors such as the team’s seeding also act as a huge role in deciding the recipient of the trophy. Back in 2018, LeBron James was regarded as the undisputed best player in the world. Ever since the conversation has shifted towards Giannis Antetokounmpo holding the prestigious title. However, according to a Fox Sports analyst, Nikola Jokic can claim the title if the Nuggets go on to win the 2023 championship.
Advertisement
The Joker is having one of the most phenomenal postseason runs in NBA history. Having recorded 30.5 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 10.1 assists per game, the Serbian superstar is the only player ever to lodge 10 triple-doubles in a single playoff run.
Already the winner of the Western Conference Finals MVP award, Jokic is the favorite to win the Bill Russell Finals MVP trophy as well. With the Nuggets being 2 wins away from clinching their first-ever championship, the 6-foot-11 center has a chance of being bestowed with the “best player in the world” title.
“At worst, Nikola Jokic is the 2nd best player in the world”: Nick Wright
According to Nick Wright, the “best player in the world” label is a two-man race between the Greek Freak and the Joker. The FS1 analyst currently deems the Bucks’ leader as the beneficiary of the title. But Wright later states that Nikola is merely 2 wins away from stealing the same from Antetokounmpo.
“At worst, he’s the 2nd best player in the world. He being Nikola Jokic. I am going to reserve the right, for me to call him the best player in the world, needs two more wins. I am not gonna strip Giannis off the title for losing to Miami and give it to a guy if he then loses to Miami.”
Further, the First Things First analyst compared the two 2-time MVPs’ stats from the playoff. Apart from gushing over Antetokounmpo’s performance in the postseason, the 38-year-old further said:
“Giannis, in the finals, was 35/13/5 on better than 60%, had two 40/10 (performances), and a 50/10. Giannis, in the series they lost against Boston, was 34/15/7 with two 40/10 (performances) and a 40/20. His (Giannis’) playoffs, the last three years averages compared to Jokic this year, what you’re going to see is they are essentially identical aside from the assists.”
“Right now, the ‘best player in the world’ is a 2-man race — Giannis and Jokić. At worst, Jokić is the 2nd best. For me to call him the best player in the world he needs 2 more wins.” — @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/8lUKVi8Nhj
While Giannis had put up an impressive 35.2/13.2/5 in the 2021 Finals, Jokic’s stats are indeed somewhat identical in this year’s finals series – 33.3 points, 14 rebounds, and 9.3 assists.
With all due respect to the Bucks superstar, Nikola Jokic would certainly deserve to be named the world’s best player if his Denver side lifts the 2023 championship. He’d simply have done too much for it to be otherwise in any capacity.
Even Giannis Antetokounmpo could agree with Nick Wright
Prior to the 2022-2023 season commencing, Giannis revealed his ideology behind the “best player in the world” conversation.
The 7-time All-Star explained how the best player in the world was the player who led his team to win the championship. Since the Warriors were the 2022 champions, the 7-footer big man lauded Stephen Curry for being the “best player in the world”.
“Do I believe I’m the best in the world? No. I think the best player in the world is the person that is the last one standing, the person that takes his team to the finish line and helps them win the game. Win games and become champions.
Two years ago when we did that, yeah, when I was sleeping in my bed, I was like, ‘Ah yeah, maybe I’m the best player in the world.’ You know? But now, no. In my opinion, the way I view it, the winner is the best. The guy who wins is the best. …
I believe that the best player in the world is Steph Curry until the next player.”
Clearly, if the Colorado side wins the title, Giannis will agree with Nick Wright and regard Nikola Jokic as the best player in the world.
