Caitlin Clark recently returned to NBC Sports, where she hosted the pregame show for the Oklahoma City Thunder-New York Knicks game alongside NBA legends Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady.
During the pregame show, Clark’s co-hosts had the opportunity to pick her brain to see what she thinks of the NBA at the moment. It appears that Clark has a new favorite player, even eclipsing her idol, LeBron James.
When the hosts discussed the upcoming game between the Denver Nuggets and the Golden State Warriors, Nikola Jokić’s name came up. Jokić, a three-time NBA MVP, has caught Clark’s attention, and the Indiana Fever star shared how impressed she is by the Serbian center.
Why Caitlin Clark Believes Nikola Jokić Is the Best Player in the World
She noted how Jokić notches triple-doubles with ease compared to the average basketball player. The way the Nuggets star performs night in and night out is what makes Clark believe he is the best player in the world today.
“I mean, there’s not many people that average a triple-double,” Clark pointed out. “You’re lucky enough to get, maybe, a couple of those in a season. He’s done it all year long and in back-to-back years.”
“It’s pretty incredible, and honestly, he’s probably my favorite player to watch, and I think he’s the best player in the world,” Clark concluded.
“H’es probably my favorite player to watch and I think he’s the best player in the world”
Caitlin Clark on Nikola Jokic pic.twitter.com/ExcZ3NG70D — NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) March 29, 2026
Looking at how Jokić has performed all season, he is once again averaging a triple-double. In 59 games so far, Jokić is averaging 27.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, 10.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
Despite his efforts, Jokić is currently ranked in third place in the NBA MVP race. For a large portion of the 2025-26 NBA season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander held the lead in the race.
However, as of March 27, Victor Wembanyama took over the MVP race, moving into first place for the first time this season. Wembanyama argues that many have overlooked his defense and are not giving him enough credit for how he has carried the San Antonio Spurs all season.
If we look at numbers alone, one cannot blame Clark for thinking that Jokić is the best player today. However, if Jokić wishes to notch his fourth MVP this season, he will have to step it up in the Nuggets’ remaining seven games of the regular season.
