NBA Legend Bill Walton Says Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic Is ‘The Best Player In The World’

During an interview with Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, NBA legend Bill Walton said Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is “the best player in the world.”

Walton, one of the top players in NBA history, is a huge fan of Jokic. 

“His celebration of life through basketball, his focus on the team … he’s better than perfect. He’s Nikola Jokic,” Walton told The Denver Post. “He’s the best player in the world. I watch a lot of Denver Nuggets basketball, and every time I watch, I just get a smile on my face. It’s fantastic.”

Jokic guided the Nuggets to the 2023 championship over the Miami Heat. It was Denver’s first title in franchise history. Jokic was named Finals MVP after averaging 30.2 points, 14.0 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.4 blocks in the five-game series. 

“Joy and happiness. And hope. And optimism. And purpose,” Walton said. “He plays with purpose. He plays to win the games. And he does it with beautiful style, grace, dignity, professionalism. Nikola Jokic represents the conquest of substance over hype.”

Jokic is a two-time MVP and six-time All-Star. He’s averaging 26.0 points, 12.2 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks this season while shooting 58.4% from the field, 35.2% from beyond the arc and 81.1% from the free-throw line. 

“He’s one of the great basketball players ever,” Walton said. “It’s a disservice to (Jokic) to limit him. He’s an incredible scorer. He’s a fantastic rebounder. He’s an incredible passer. He’s an incredible teammate. He has it all. Don’t try to limit him. Don’t try to box him in. Because with Nikola Jokic, there are no limits.”

Jokic will join Walton in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame one day. The Joker has career averages of 20.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.7 blocks. He’s fourth in NBA history in triple-doubles and first in player efficiency rating.

“It’s a privileged opportunity to be a part of it as a fan and to see what (Jokic) and the team mean to the game of basketball,” Walton said. “Because this team will inspire new generations of fans, of players, of business opportunities, of realization what a special place Colorado and Denver are. You know, Colorado, it’s the launching pad to the universe.”