NBA GMs make their Victor Wembanyama vs. Nikola Jokic choice clear image
The title of best player in the world has been long debated in the NBA. Every year, fans and players alike seem to have a different answer. From a front office perspective, the decision seems clear as day. Only two players in the league come close to that title: San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama and Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic. Entering the 2026-27 NBA season, one choice has become the obvious favorite of general managers and front offices.
NBA GMs heavily favor Spurs' Wembanyama over Nuggets' Jokic
A lot of considerations need to be made when deciphering who the true 'best player in the world' is. There are arguments for Miami Heat's Giannis Antetokounmpo and even Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic. But general managers clearly prefer either the Nuggets' Nikola Jokic or the Spurs' Victor Wembanyama. These players defy traditional basketball norms and break the mold, unlike most stars who fit a certain archetype.
When NBA general managers are asked, they also seem to lean toward one player over the other. The NBA GM Survey made it clear that Wembanyama is the darling of front offices, and the votes reflected that.
Who will win the 2026-27 Kia MVP?
Spurs
Nuggets
Timberwolves
During the 2025-26 NBA Preseason, Jokic was heavily favored, garnering 67% of the votes. He fell short of winning the NBA MVP after a stellar season from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Now, it seems the Nuggets star's favor has run out among NBA GMs. He is still second in the voting, but the 67% gap between him and Wembanyama signals a lot of catching up.
It wasn't just the typical NBA MVP race where the Spurs superstar dominated the Nuggets champion in the voting. He was dubbed the player who ‘made coaches adjust the most’. The race was closer and had more contenders too. In the end, NBA GMs still preferred Wembanyama.
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
Spurs
Nuggets
Thunder
Warriors
Lakers
It's not hard to see why Wembanyama requires opposing coaching to make special schemes and rotations. By his sheer height of 7'4" alone, the Spurs superstar is harder to cover both laterally and vertically. More than that, he also moves like a guard on both ends of the floor. This means facing the Spurs means drawing him out of the paint on defense and building a wall against him on offense. Sure, Jokic makes absurd passes and stuffing the lane is difficult, but the defensive impact isn't on equal footing.
Moreover, age is another reason Wembanyama is heavily preferred over the Nuggets star or any other player in the league. Players approaching 30 typically see their production fall off. They also have to consider fatigue and injury management. So, when asked which player they would want to start a franchise with, NBA GMs made it clear: Wembanyama.
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
Spurs
Other
The rationale for why Wembanyama is the preferred star among NBA GMs across the board is sound. The Spurs superstar has everything it takes to dominate the league for years. He can thrive as a scary defensive force or a points dispenser on any given night. Moreover, there aren't many holes in his game that more games and development cannot fix. In fact, it won't be far-fetched if the Spurs superstar wins the NBA MVP, DPOY, Finals MVP, WCF MVP, and Larry O'Brien trophy by the end of the 2026-27 NBA season.
More Spurs News:
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