ESPN Ranked Nikola Jokic Best NBA Player
The Denver Nuggets center secured the top spot following his consistent performance over the past six seasons.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Basketball
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ESPN has named Nikola Jokic the best player in the NBA in its latest annual top-100 ranking. This recognition follows a dominant 2025-26 campaign where the center averaged a triple-double and led the league in both assists and rebounds.
Why it matters
Jokic has cemented his status as a perennial league powerhouse, having finished as the MVP award winner or runner-up for six consecutive seasons. His unmatched offensive versatility remains a key reason for his continued top-tier ranking among analysts.
Jokic averaged a triple-double throughout the 2025-26 season while leading the league in rebounding and assists. He finished the campaign with a 31 percent 3-point shooting accuracy following his return from an injury sustained in January.
The players
Nikola Jokic
He is a star center for the Denver Nuggets who has been a consistent MVP finalist for six years.
Denver Nuggets
This professional basketball organization won an NBA championship in 2023 and continues to compete for titles.
DeMar DeRozan
He is an experienced professional basketball player who is expected to provide critical roster depth for the Denver Nuggets.
The details
Analysts pointed to his unique offensive prowess and ability to control the floor as the deciding factors in his ranking. While the team remains a title contender, the Denver Nuggets are now looking toward depth acquisitions like DeMar DeRozan to bolster their lineup.
Timeline
The Denver Nuggets won the NBA championship in 2023.
Nikola Jokic sustained an injury in January 2026.
Jokic averaged a triple-double during the 2025-26 season.
ESPN released the ranking on September 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Jokic remaining the gold standard for the league keeps the Denver Nuggets positioned as consistent title contenders in the Western Conference. This ranking reinforces the franchise's reliance on his playmaking to anchor their rotation as they integrate new depth pieces.
Jokic continues to provide elite fantasy production through his high assist and rebound volume. His ongoing consistency indicates that he will remain the primary focal point for all offensive schemes run by the Denver Nuggets.
The takeaway
Jokic has redefined the role of the modern NBA center through his consistent triple-double production and high basketball IQ. Fans can expect his performance to remain the cornerstone of any championship-caliber strategy for the Denver Nuggets.
Further reading
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