NBA top 100 2026/27: No. 1 – Nikola Jokic remains the best in the world

Nikola Jokic continues to stand at the summit of the NBA as the league prepares for the 2026/27 season. Widely regarded as the most complete player in basketball, the Denver Nuggets superstar combines extraordinary scoring ability with elite rebounding, passing, and court vision. However, despite his individual brilliance, another championship may require him to take his leadership and influence to an even higher level.

When discussing the best player in the NBA, Jokic remains the benchmark. His unique skill set, basketball intelligence, and ability to control games make him one of the most difficult players for opponents to contain. Whether scoring in the paint, creating opportunities for teammates, or dominating the boards, the Serbian centre continues to demonstrate why he belongs among the game’s all-time greats.

His performances during the 2025/26 campaign were another example of his remarkable consistency. Jokic ranked among the league’s leading scorers while finishing at the top of the NBA rebounds and assists charts, adding another extraordinary achievement to an already historic career.

Since winning his first NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2021, Jokic has remained a leading contender for the honour, never finishing lower than second in the voting, according to the supplied report. His sustained excellence has strengthened the argument that he is one of the defining players of his generation.

Yet individual dominance does not always translate into team success. Despite previously guiding Denver to an NBA championship, Jokic has faced increasing challenges as the Nuggets attempt to remain among the league’s elite.

Their disappointing first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves last season raised fresh questions about the team’s direction and its ability to compete with the strongest contenders in the Western Conference.

Denver Nuggets Need More Than Jokic’s Brilliance

Jokic has already proved that he can carry an extraordinary individual workload. The bigger question heading into the new season is whether Denver can provide him with the support needed to challenge for another championship.

The Nuggets have experienced signs of a team approaching a turning point, with the competition across the Western Conference becoming increasingly fierce. Several rivals have the talent and depth to challenge for the title, leaving little room for Denver to repeat last season’s shortcomings.

Nevertheless, having a player of Jokic’s calibre means the Nuggets should never be ruled out. His ability to elevate teammates, read defensive schemes, and create scoring opportunities from almost any position gives Denver a foundation that few teams can match.

The challenge will be turning that individual excellence into consistent collective performances, particularly when the NBA playoffs arrive.

Another disappointing campaign could intensify questions about the team’s roster and championship window. For now, however, Jokic remains the central figure in Denver’s ambitions and the player most capable of guiding the franchise back into contention.

Can Jokic Take His Game to Another Level?

There is little left for Jokic to prove as an individual. His achievements, consistency, and influence on the game have already established him as one of the most exceptional talents of the modern NBA.

Still, expectations remain high. Some believe that his individual brilliance must now translate into greater leadership and a renewed ability to push the Nuggets through difficult stretches of the season.

That does not mean Jokic needs to reinvent his game. Instead, the key may lie in helping Denver rediscover its collective confidence, maintaining its competitive edge, and ensuring the team performs at its best when the pressure increases.

His statistical production is likely to remain extraordinary, but numbers alone will not define the success of his upcoming campaign. The ultimate measure will be whether he can lead the Nuggets deep into the postseason and put them in a position to compete for another championship.

With a new generation of NBA stars emerging and established contenders continuing to strengthen, the road to the title will be demanding. Jokic, however, has repeatedly demonstrated that he can compete with anyone in the league.

If Denver manages to return to championship contention, his legacy will grow even further. Another NBA title would strengthen his standing among basketball’s all-time greats and add another chapter to an already remarkable career.

For now, Jokic enters the 2026/27 season as the player everyone else is chasing. The challenge is no longer proving that he is among the best in the world, but showing that his brilliance can once again carry Denver to the very top.