The debate over who is the best player in the NBA never really stops. Every season adds new fuel, new names, and new opinions. This time, one of the league’s brightest young stars, Victor Wembanyama, stepped directly into the conversation. He has his own list and made it very clear where he sees himself fitting into it.
Victor Wembanyama Adds Fuel to Best Player in the NBA Debate
A video shared by Underdog on X captured Wembanyama responding to a simple question with a nuanced answer. Asked who he believes is the best player in the NBA, the Spurs superstar gave respect where it was due, but stopped short of crowning the most obvious name.
“I think Jokic is the best offensive player,” Wembanyama said. “I don’t think he’s the best player. I think it’s between Giannis and Shai.”
Nikola Jokic’s numbers make his case impossible to ignore. The three-time MVP is once again shredding defenses and filling the stat sheet across the board.
Through 24 games, Jokic is averaging 29.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 10.9 assists while controlling games with ease. Few players in league history have dictated offense the way he continues to do.
But Wembanyama’s point was clear. Being the best offensive player does not automatically make someone the best overall player. For him, two names stand above the rest right now.
Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to dominate both ends of the floor with his power, speed, and defensive impact. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken another leap this season, anchoring the Oklahoma City Thunder’s offense while sitting second in the league in scoring.
SGA is averaging 32.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.5 assists on an elite 56.2% shooting from the field, making him one of the most efficient high-volume scorers in the NBA.
Wembanyama Makes His Own Claim With Confidence
Then came the part of the answer that turned heads.
“When I come back on the court, I think it will be me,” Wembanyama said.
The confidence is not coming from nowhere. Before suffering a calf strain on November 14, Wembanyama was putting together a season that had already placed him in early conversations for both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. He has missed 12 games since the injury, but his impact before going down was undeniable.
At the time of the injury, Wembanyama was averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, four assists, and an eye-popping 3.6 blocks per game.
He led the league in blocks and denied 176 shots during the 2024 – 2025 season, reinforcing his status as the most dominant defensive presence in basketball.
Wembanyama’s belief that he can become the best player in the league reflects the way the Spurs view him.
For now, the debate continues without him on the court. Jokic is dominating offensively. Antetokounmpo remains a force on both ends, but he is dealing with injuries, too.
Meanwhile, SGA is playing the best basketball of his career. But if Wembanyama returns healthy and picks up where he left off, the league may soon have a new name at the top of the conversation.
