The poll drew responses from 53 voters, including media members, scouts, and league insiders. Jokic’s 35 votes easily outpaced Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had 10 votes, and Victor Wembanyama, who collected eight.
Context matters in the results. While Gilgeous-Alexander is widely considered the MVP frontrunner this season and Wembanyama has surged into award conversations, Jokic is viewed by many evaluators as the most complete player for sustaining success in the playoffs. Several voters distinguished regular-season value from postseason impact.
Voters highlighted Jokic’s all-around influence, with one describing him as arguably the greatest, most well-rounded offensive player in history, capable of elevating teammates and controlling game tempo. His recent form has been affected by injuries, but his overall impact remains unmatched when fully healthy.
Statistically, Jokic’s case is strong: he averages 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game, a stat line that stands out even among elite peers. His versatility and decision-making were repeatedly cited as key differentiators in why he is trusted most in high-pressure playoff settings.
Support for Gilgeous-Alexander and Wembanyama remained meaningful, while Dončić and Antetokounmpo drew no votes. The takeaway is a growing consensus that the “best player” conversation centers on Jokic, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Wembanyama, with playoff context shaping how evaluators weigh the title of “best in the world.”
