Jokic has to endure pressure when Kendrick Perkins speaks out “Nikola Jokic Is Overrated, LeBron James Is the Best Player in the NBA Right Now”

The debate over who is the best player in the NBA has taken an interesting turn, with former NBA center and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins making a controversial statement. Despite Nikola Jokic securing three MVP titles and leading the Denver Nuggets, Perkins has publicly dismissed the idea that Jokic is the top player in the league. Instead, he believes that the title belongs to LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers star who continues to defy age and expectations.

Perkins’ take comes at a time when Jokic is leading the Nuggets with historic performances, averaging an incredible triple-double while being the focal point of his team’s offense. However, Perkins believes that a player’s greatness should be measured by contributions on both ends of the floor, an area where he thinks LeBron James has the edge.

LeBron James: Still the NBA’s Best Player at 40?

In a surprising twist, Perkins did not list other top MVP contenders like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, or Jayson Tatum as the best player in the league. Instead, he put his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate LeBron James at the top.

“Are we sure that Nikola Jokic is the best player in the league?” Perkins questioned. “Are we sure about that? Because I would have to argue, and I would have to say right now today that LeBron James is the best player in the NBA. Here’s why I say it: the best player in the NBA gets it done on both ends of the floor.”

LeBron James, now 40 years old, continues to perform at an All-NBA level, showing an ability to dominate on both offense and defense. According to Perkins, James’ versatility allows him to guard every position and contribute in multiple ways.

“LeBron James is getting it done at the age of 40 on both ends of the floor at a high level. He can guard one through five defensively,” Perkins argued. “Offensively, we know what he could do. Damn it, he could damn near play one through five.”

While James has elevated his defensive intensity in recent months, critics argue that he prioritized offense for much of the season. Regardless, his impact on the Lakers remains undeniable, keeping them in contention in the highly competitive Western Conference.

Is Nikola Jokic Overrated?

While Perkins’ comments have sparked heated debates among NBA fans, many analysts disagree with his assessment. Jokic’s numbers this season have been staggering. Through 55 games, Nikola Jokic is averaging 28.9 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 57.8% from the field, 44.3% from three, and 82.2% from the free-throw line. His ability to lead a Denver Nuggets squad that lacks another All-Star-level talent has been a testament to his greatness.

By comparison, while LeBron James remains elite, he plays alongside multiple key contributors, including Anthony Davis and a strong supporting cast. Jokic, on the other hand, is carrying the Nuggets while continuing to produce at an all-time level.

Despite this, Perkins believes Jokic does not deserve the “best player” label because of perceived defensive limitations. The Denver Nuggets star, often criticized for his lack of elite athleticism, has developed into an effective team defender, using his high basketball IQ to make up for any physical disadvantages. Advanced stats show that the Nuggets perform significantly better defensively when Jokic is on the floor compared to when he sits.

How Does Jokic Compare to Other NBA Superstars?

Aside from LeBron James, there are other names frequently mentioned in the best-player debate. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and Luka Doncic are all having remarkable seasons and are often placed in the same conversation as Nikola Jokic.

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Oklahoma City Thunder star is leading the league in scoring efficiency while playing elite defense, making a strong case for MVP.

• Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Milwaukee Bucks forward remains one of the most dominant two-way forces in the league, excelling on offense and defense.

• Jayson Tatum: As the leader of the Boston Celtics, Tatum has helped his team stay atop the Eastern Conference, showcasing his all-around game.

• Luka Doncic: The Dallas Mavericks superstar is putting up historic offensive numbers, though injuries have slightly hindered his season.

While all of these players have a legitimate claim, Nikola Jokic’s ability to dominate every facet of the game, from scoring to passing to rebounding, still makes him a front-runner in the best-player conversation.

What’s Next for Jokic and James?

With both the Lakers and Nuggets in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race, the battle for supremacy between LeBron James and Nikola Jokic will likely play out on the court rather than through media debates.

For Jokic, securing another MVP award and leading the Nuggets to another NBA Championship would cement his place among the all-time greats. The Serbian big man has already won a title and Finals MVP, but a repeat victory would further silence critics who doubt his dominance.

As for LeBron James, he continues to defy age and expectations. While he may no longer be the undisputed best player in the league, his longevity and impact remain unmatched. If the Lakers make a deep playoff run, it will once again showcase his brilliance.

Ultimately, while Kendrick Perkins may believe LeBron James is the best player right now, the numbers and performance suggest that Nikola Jokic is still at the top of the league. However, the ongoing debate is what makes basketball great, and as long as James and Jokic continue to perform at an elite level, fans will have plenty to discuss.