Victor Wembanyama has usurped Nikola Jokic as the best center in the world, although the Serbian superstar doesn't seem to have any hard feelings over it.
Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic are the two best centers on Earth. Both are transcendent superstars who have changed how the position is played, and both are expected to go down as all-time greats.
But their playstyles couldn't be more different.
Jokic is plodding, for lack of a better term. He's one of the best passers the NBA has ever seen, regardless of position, and is a one-man offensive engine who thrives despite mediocre defense.
Wembanyama, on the other hand, is already the best defender in the league, and his offense isn't too far behind, although he relies more on a range of powerful, highlight-worthy moves and eye-popping shooting. Jokic, it's fair to say, is a better finesse player.
Jokic and Wembanyama got a FIBA game against each other in the books, and the senior player offered a glowing review.
Nikola Jokic Praises Victor Wembanyama
In Belgrade, Serbia hosted France for a friendly match ahead of FIBA qualifications. Wemby had just been made captain and had a lackluster ten points, four rebounds, and six turnovers.
Jokic, meanwhile, offered 20 points to go with nine rebounds and eight dimes. Wembanyama did manage to pin a Jokic would-be dunk to the backboard, though.
Even with a subpar performance under his belt, Wemby got high praise from the usually reserved Jokic.
"He's definitely a special opponent, just because of how unique he is as a player, as a person," Jokic said after the game. "I don't see it as a rivalry. Do I take it a little bit more? No, I think I play every game the same way. But Victor definitely has an opportunity to be the most unique, the most basketball player that we've ever seen. So it only depends on him: how well he's going to fit, how well he's going to work hard, how well he's going to get to his spots, how well he's going to treat his body. So he definitely has an opportunity to be the best ever."
Even with Wembanyama's skill set, it's safe to say that Jokic is the most "unique" player in the NBA. A second-round draft pick turned three-time MVP and assist leader from the center position is a crazy career arc.
Jokic did not enter the NBA with nearly the same expectations as Wembanyama, but heading into next season, they're both expected to be the two best players in the world.
