The NBA best player debate has shifted dramatically in recent years. For over a decade, the conversation almost always began with LeBron James, who reigned as the league’s most dominant and complete player. But as LeBron approaches 41 years old in the middle of the upcoming season, a new generation of international stars has taken over the conversation. At the center of this debate are Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo—four names who have transformed the league into a truly global stage.

A recent ESPN anonymous survey of coaches, scouts, and executives confirmed what many fans already believe: Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic is the undisputed best player in the world right now. Despite losing the 2025 MVP race to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic received overwhelming support in the poll, leaving little doubt about who sits atop basketball’s hierarchy.

Jokic Dominates the Survey

According to ESPN’s poll, 20 NBA insiders were asked the straightforward question: Who is the best player in basketball today? The result was nearly unanimous. Nineteen of the twenty participants voted for Nikola Jokic, with just one lone vote going to Luka Doncic. Surprisingly, not a single vote went to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, even though he was the best player on the team with the league’s best record last season and the reigning MVP.

This result highlights just how dominant Jokic has been in both the regular season and postseason. His ability to completely control a game through scoring, rebounding, and especially playmaking makes him a rare breed in NBA history. As one Eastern Conference executive put it, “As long as he’s walking and breathing, it should be him.”

The quote perfectly captures the respect Jokic commands across the league. His unique style—slow yet precise, methodical yet dominant—has redefined what it means to be a big man in today’s NBA.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Left Out

Perhaps the most surprising part of the survey is that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), the reigning MVP and statistical leader of the Oklahoma City Thunder, did not receive a single vote. SGA averaged elite numbers last season while leading the youngest team in the NBA to the best overall record. By most standards, that performance should have earned him recognition as at least a contender for the title of best player alive.

However, the lack of votes reveals how postseason performance often outweighs regular season accolades. While Jokic has consistently elevated his game in the playoffs, leading Denver to an NBA championship and multiple deep runs, SGA has yet to establish the same track record in the postseason. That gap in playoff dominance is likely the reason why executives still place Jokic a tier above.

Jokic’s Five-Year Stretch of Dominance

Looking at the numbers, it’s difficult to argue against Jokic’s claim to the throne. Over the last five seasons, his production has been nothing short of historic. He has either won the MVP or finished second in every single season during that span—something only legends like Larry Bird and Bill Russell have managed.

His five-year averages stand at:

26.8 points per game

12.3 rebounds per game

9.0 assists per game

And those numbers get even better in the playoffs:

28.9 points per game

13.0 rebounds per game

8.0 assists per game

These are not just elite stats—they are revolutionary for a center. Jokic essentially plays the role of a point guard in a seven-foot frame, making him one of the most unguardable players the league has ever seen. His ability to punish defenses in the post while also orchestrating the offense from the top of the key has made him the engine behind Denver’s success.

Comparisons With Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo

The survey did acknowledge the brilliance of other international stars. Luka Doncic received the only non-Jokic vote, a nod to his incredible individual scoring and playmaking ability. Doncic has already proven to be one of the most unstoppable offensive players in the league, capable of putting up 40-point triple-doubles on any given night.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, didn’t receive a vote in this particular survey, but his status as a two-time MVP and former Finals MVP keeps him firmly in the discussion. The difference may come down to versatility—while Giannis dominates with power and athleticism, Jokic’s skill set allows him to adapt to virtually any defensive scheme.

The fact that three of the four most discussed players in the best-player debate are international stars underscores how global the NBA has become. Just a decade ago, the league was still viewed largely through the lens of American superstars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Durant. Today, the face of the NBA is Serbian, Slovenian, Canadian, and Greek.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Case for the Future

Although he was snubbed in this survey, SGA should not be dismissed. His ability to break down defenses, score efficiently, and defend at a high level makes him one of the most complete guards in the league. At just 27 years old, he still has time to add to his résumé, particularly by proving himself in the postseason.

If the Oklahoma City Thunder can make a deep playoff run in the coming seasons, the perception around SGA could change dramatically. Winning matters, and while Jokic has already delivered an NBA title to Denver, Gilgeous-Alexander’s next step will be to do the same for Oklahoma City.

What This Means for the Nuggets

Nikola Jokic will turn 31 around the 2026 All-Star break, which means he is entering the latter stages of his prime. Still, his game does not rely heavily on athleticism, which could allow him to extend his dominance well into his mid-30s.

For the Denver Nuggets, this survey result is both validation and motivation. They know they have the best player in the world on their roster, but they also know the NBA landscape is rapidly evolving. The Western Conference is packed with hungry contenders, and the Thunder, Mavericks, and Timberwolves are all poised to challenge Denver’s supremacy.

The Nuggets will need to surround Jokic with the right supporting cast to maximize his window of dominance. The addition of role players who can defend at a high level and shoot consistently from deep will be critical if Denver wants to capture another championship.

The Shift Away From LeBron James

Perhaps the most symbolic takeaway from this survey is the official end of the LeBron James era. While LeBron remains an All-NBA level player and continues to defy age, he is no longer in the conversation for the league’s best. The torch has been passed, and it is firmly in the hands of Jokic and the new generation of international stars.

This shift represents a new era for the NBA, one in which global talent defines the sport more than ever before. For young fans around the world, it’s no longer just about American stars dominating the headlines. From Belgrade to Athens to Toronto, basketball icons are being created in every corner of the globe.

Conclusion

The ESPN survey leaves little doubt: Nikola Jokic is the best basketball player in the world right now. His unique skill set, unmatched consistency, and proven postseason dominance separate him from peers like Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and even the reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

While SGA may have edged Jokic in the MVP voting last season, the league’s decision-makers clearly trust Jokic more when it comes to the biggest games and the highest stakes. At 31 years old, he still has several prime years left to cement his legacy and potentially add more championships to his résumé.

As the NBA continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the road to the title runs through Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.