Damian Lillard Thinks Nikola Jokic Is the Best Player in NBA

• Damian Lillard recently said Nikola Jokic might be the best player in the NBA
• The Denver Nuggets center has been arguably the best player in the NBA and has led his team to their first NBA Finals trip
• He narrowly missed out on a third consecutive MVP award, losing to Joel Embiid

Portland Trail Blazers star, Damian Lillard, believes Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic might be the best player in the NBA.

The two-time MVP is having another great season and has led the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA Finals trip after sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference.

Jokic can confidently back up the "best in the world" tag. Since the 2020/21 season, the Serbian big man is averaging 26.0 points, 12.2 rebounds and 8.7 assists. In the 2023 NBA playoffs, he's averaging 29.9 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 10.3 assists in 15 playoff games.

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Jokic battled for the MVP award all season with Joel Embiid but the Philadelphia 76ers center won the award, stopping him from winning three in a row.

Lillard's high praise for Jokic

The 28-year-old is a 5x NBA All-Star and 5x All-NBA and is just getting to his peak.

Lillard, who had another phenomenal season, made the case on Instagram Live, explaining why Jokic might be the best in the world.

"Joker might be the best player in the league," Lillard said. "Smart as hell, he can shoot, he pass, he play team ball, he care about winning, he humble, he stay true, I like how Joker do his thing," via SI.

If he leads the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA title, he will surely be the best player in the NBA.

Jokic makes playoff history

Sports Brief earlier reported on Jokic breaking Wilt Chamberlain's triple-double record.

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The Serbian now has eight triple-doubles this postseason, breaking the record for the most triple-doubles in a playoff run, which was set by Wilt Chamberlain in 1967.

Jokic is looking to cap off his phenomenal run in the postseason with his first-ever ring.