Who Is the Best Basketball Player in the World? We Settle the Debate

The age-old question of who truly deserves the crown as the best basketball player in the world is one that sparks endless debates in bars, barbershops, and online forums. I’ve spent years analyzing the game, watching countless hours of footage from the NBA, EuroLeague, and even leagues across Asia, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that context is everything. The "best" isn’t just about raw stats or highlight reels; it’s about impact, leadership, and elevating those around you. While the global spotlight often shines brightest on superstars like Nikola Jokić or Giannis Antetokounmpo, I’ve found that sometimes the most telling stories unfold off the main stage, in leagues where the game is played with just as much heart. Take, for instance, the recent buzz in the Philippine Basketball Association. I was following the news about Zavier Lucero, a player with tremendous upside who was rumored to be wooed by a Korean Basketball League club. That kind of cross-league interest speaks volumes about a player’s perceived value. Yet, the latest word is he may just decide to stay put with the Hotshots, a move that would give new head coach LA Tenorio a much-needed shot in the arm ahead of the 50th season of the PBA. Now, you might wonder what a PBA roster decision has to do with the global "best player" debate. To me, it’s a perfect microcosm. Lucero’s potential decision to stay isn’t just a transaction; it’s a statement about influence and fit. A player who can anchor a team, who becomes indispensable to a new coach’s system, demonstrates a form of greatness that transcends pure scoring averages.

When I evaluate the best in the world, I look for players who change the ecosystem of their team. In the NBA, Jokić does this for Denver—his playmaking from the center position warps entire defensive schemes. But let’s be honest, my personal preference leans toward two-way players who impact both ends. That’s why, in my book, Giannis has a strong case. The man is a force of nature. I remember watching him drop 32 points, grab 12 rebounds, and dish out 8 assists in a pivotal Game 5 last postseason—those aren’t just numbers, they’re back-breaking contributions. Yet, for every Giannis, there’s a Stephen Curry whose gravitational pull off the ball creates opportunities that don’t even show up in the box score. It’s a tough call, and I don’t think there’s a single right answer. This brings me back to the PBA example. If Lucero stays with the Hotshots, his versatility—let’s say he averaged 18.5 points and 7.2 rebounds last conference—could be the catalyst that transforms their frontline. For Coach Tenorio, a rookie head coach, having a reliable cornerstone isn’t just nice; it’s survival. That’s the kind of value I weigh heavily. A player’s greatness is amplified by how they lift their organization, especially during transitions.

Now, some analysts will point to advanced metrics like Player Efficiency Rating or Win Shares, and those are valuable tools. I’ve crunched those numbers myself. For instance, if you look at the top 5 players by PER over the last 72 games, you’ll see Jokić hovering around a historic 32.5, which is just absurd. But numbers only tell part of the story. Basketball is played by humans, with egos, injuries, and pressure. I’ve spoken with scouts who’ve seen Lucero play live, and they rave about his intangibles—his communication on defense, his unselfish ball movement. Those traits might not trend on social media, but they win games. In my view, the best player in the world right now has to be someone who combines individual brilliance with tangible team success. That’s why I’m leaning toward Jokić. His playoff run last year, where he nearly averaged a triple-double with 30.1 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 9.7 assists, was a masterclass in sustained dominance. He makes everyone better, much like how a player of Lucero’s caliber could elevate the Hotshots simply by committing to the cause.

Of course, the debate is fluid. A serious knee injury to a key contender can shift the landscape overnight. I’ve seen it happen. That’s why durability matters. Joel Embiid is a phenomenal talent, but his availability has been a recurring question—he’s missed roughly 38% of possible regular-season games over the past four seasons. That has to factor in. On the international front, players like Luka Dončić are putting up video game numbers, but team success in the playoffs has been elusive. It’s a reminder that individual stats can feel hollow without deep postseason runs. Back in the PBA, if Lucero does stay, his impact will be measured not just in stats but in wins and the development of his teammates. That’s the hallmark of a truly great player. So, after weighing all this—the stats, the intangibles, the leadership—I have to crown Nikola Jokić as the best basketball player in the world today. His unique skill set, consistency, and proven ability to carry a team to the pinnacle give him the edge. But ask me again next season, and the answer might change. That’s the beauty of this game; it never stops evolving, and neither does the debate.