Nikola Jokic, widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NBA history, has offered high praise for French basketball phenom Victor Wembanyama. Jokic, known for his exceptional passing abilities that transcend traditional big man roles, believes Wembanyama has the potential to become an all-time great.
Jokic’s High Accolades for Wembanyama
Following a FIBA World Cup qualifier where Jokic’s Serbian national team narrowly defeated Wembanyama’s French squad 90-87 on August 20th (Korean time), the Serbian superstar shared his thoughts in a post-game interview. Jokic recorded an impressive stat line of 20 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals in the game, while Wembanyama contributed 10 points and 5 rebounds. This marked the first game where Jokic captained the team upon their return from the World Cup.
Despite the competitive nature of the matchup, where Wembanyama struggled with foul trouble due to Serbia’s intense defense, Jokic focused on the young player’s unique talent. “Victor Wembanyama has the opportunity to become the most special basketball player we have ever seen,” Jokic stated. “He can definitely become the greatest of all time.” This is a significant endorsement from a player frequently mentioned in discussions of the NBA’s all-time best.
Wembanyama’s Unprecedented Skillset
Reports from outlets like The Ringer highlight Wembanyama’s extraordinary physical attributes and skills, suggesting he is a truly unique presence in the basketball world. His remarkable height and speed alone allow him to exert significant defensive pressure. He was recently awarded the Defensive Player of the Year award for the 2026 season, underscoring his impact on that end of the court.
The Ringer further elaborated on Wembanyama’s potential, noting that if he continues to develop his offensive game, including his shooting range from mid-range and beyond the three-point line, he could become an unstoppable force in the NBA for years to come. His current offensive repertoire already includes scoring in the paint and effective mid-range jumpers.
A Young Player with a Rapid Ascent
Despite being only 22 years old, Wembanyama has already achieved remarkable milestones in his nascent NBA career. In just three seasons, he has earned two All-Star selections, captured Rookie of the Year honors, and been named Defensive Player of the Year. He was also a finalist for the Most Valuable Player award in the most recent season, showcasing his immediate impact on the league.
While Wembanyama’s journey to the absolute pinnacle of the NBA may still require a few more years, his trajectory is undeniable. Established stars like Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remain at the top of the league. However, the emergence of Wembanyama, alongside Luka Dončić, signals a new generation of talent poised to challenge for dominance in the coming seasons.
The Future of the NBA’s Elite
Jokic’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among basketball analysts and fans who recognize Wembanyama’s extraordinary potential. His combination of size, agility, defensive prowess, and developing offensive skills presents a challenge unlike any seen before in the league. The comparison to all-time greats is not made lightly, and Wembanyama appears to be on a path to validate such high expectations.
The upcoming years in the NBA promise to be exciting as Wembanyama continues to refine his game and adapt to the league’s highest level of competition. His interactions with seasoned veterans like Jokic, and his performances in international play, will be closely watched as he solidifies his place among the game’s elite. The Serbian center’s belief in Wembanyama’s future underscores the significant impact the young French player is already having and is expected to continue having on the sport.
