Nikola Jokic delivered candid answers on the MVP race, LeBron James’ longevity and the global growth of the NBA during his press conference Saturday, one day before the 2026 NBA All-Star Game at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
The Denver Nuggets center, who has anchored his club to a 35-20 record and third place in the Western Conference entering the break, addressed a wide range of topics in a relaxed setting.
Asked about Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown’s MVP candidacy, Jokic said: “Yeah. Yeah, I mean I think of course he doesn’t have a his partner in crime, but he’s still proving that he can lead the team and he’s playing on the high level scoring the ball.”
He added: “And he’s such a good defensive defensive player too. So, playing on the both sides of the floor. And like I said, I think the versatility of him that he can play both sides of court and still score and still be dominant and still be top three. I think they are top three in the in the in the East. So, you know, he’s he’s a really good player.”
Boston enters All-Star weekend at 35-19, third in the East, with Brown serving as a focal point on both ends.
When presented with a lighthearted hypothetical about choosing between winning MVP every season or having his horses win every race, Jokic did not hesitate.
“All three horses winning race, brother,” he said.
The Serbian star also offered his Mount Rushmore of international NBA players.
“All time international player in NBA. Dirk. Oh my God. Wait. International. Who is international? Dirk. I’m going to put Manu Ginobili, Giannis,” he began.
After reconsidering, he continued: “Actually I’m not going to put Giannis. So it’s Dirk, Manu, Hakeem.”
He then added more names. “I’m missing somebody obviously, but after maybe after career Tony Parker that’s a good guess. Couple of championships. Yeah, finals MVP. I’m going to put him too. Oh, Paul Gasol. Paul Gasol. Those are five.”
With the league adopting a USA vs. the World round-robin format this year, Jokic downplayed any change in his approach.
“I think we’re going to see tomorrow. For me, I’m going to play like I played every year,” he said. “I’m not sure that it’s going to bring another fire to me. No, because I play every game like same.”
On the competitive dynamic, he added: “I think it will be competitive in some way I think Europeans going to probably pass the ball a lot and have fun out there. OG’s going to probably win it and the third team is probably going to dunk the most time.”
Jokic also reflected on LeBron James appearing in his 22nd All-Star Game.
“I mean, just I mean, you can see that how many players cannot stay healthy and cannot be in the league for such a long time,” he said. “I think being in this league for so long time and I’m going to say producing the numbers, you know, he’s still he’s still one of the best players in the league even in this even in this stage of his career.”
He added: “I think it’s impressive to see that someone is doing that for 22 years. … I think maybe we don’t see that right now, but after when we when he when he quits or stops playing, I think we’re going to admire it even more.”
The 75th edition of the All-Star Game tips off Sunday night with a new format and a familiar presence in the middle.
