NBA Survey: Insiders pick Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic as best player, MVP favorite

The new NBA season is almost here, which means it’s time for predictions. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps polled 20 coaches, scouts and executives around the league to get their thoughts on the offseason and what’s ahead — and Nuggets star Nikola Jokic once again tops the list.

MVP Race

According to Bontemps’ survey, Jokic received seven votes to lead the way, followed closely by Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with five. Luka Doncic of the Lakers got four, while the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo and Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards rounded out the pack.

“[Jokic is] the best player, and they’ll be better,” one Western Conference scout told ESPN.

As for Doncic, an Eastern Conference executive pointed to health and motivation as reasons he could crash the race after a full season in Los Angeles.

Best Player in the NBA

While the MVP race projects to be tight, there was no debate about who holds the title of best player right now. Jokic received 19 of 20 votes, with Doncic claiming the lone other ballot. Gilgeous-Alexander, despite winning MVP last season, didn’t receive a single nod in this category.

“As long as he’s walking and breathing, it should be him,” one East executive told Bontemps.

Jokic becomes the first player to be selected as the league’s best for a third time in Bontemps’ annual survey, surpassing Antetokounmpo’s two.