In the ongoing debate over who is the current best player in the NBA, former NBA champion and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins has thrown his hat in the ring with a bold statement. According to Perkins, despite the incredible dominance of reigning MVP Nikola Jokić, LeBron James is still the best player in the league.
This statement has sparked a flurry of discussions among NBA fans, analysts, and players alike. Let’s dive into what Perkins said, why it’s such a controversial opinion, and whether LeBron James still holds the crown as the NBA’s top player.
The Debate: LeBron vs. Jokić
Nikola Jokić’s rise to NBA stardom over the last few seasons has been nothing short of spectacular. The Serbian center, who plays for the Denver Nuggets, has earned back-to-back MVP awards in 2021 and 2022, establishing himself as one of the most skilled and unique players the league has ever seen. His combination of elite passing, scoring, and rebounding has made him the focal point of Denver’s offense and one of the hardest players to guard in the league.
On the other hand, LeBron James is a legend whose greatness continues to be evident year after year. Despite being in his 20th season in the NBA, LeBron remains a force to be reckoned with. His athleticism, basketball IQ, scoring ability, and leadership on and off the court have made him a dominant presence for nearly two decades. LeBron’s ability to adapt and evolve his game, even as he ages, is one of the reasons why many fans still consider him the best player in the league.
Kendrick Perkins’ Bold Statement
In a recent appearance on ESPN, Kendrick Perkins made it clear where he stands in the debate. He asserted that LeBron James is still the best player in the NBA, even though Jokić is currently the reigning MVP.
Perkins explained that while Jokić’s statistical achievements are impressive — including leading the Nuggets to one of the top seeds in the Western Conference — LeBron’s influence on the game transcends numbers. He pointed out that LeBron has consistently been able to elevate his teams, perform in high-pressure moments, and dominate the game in ways that no one else can.
Perkins also acknowledged Jokić’s brilliance but emphasized that being the best player is not only about individual stats but about being able to carry a team to championship contention and being a dominant presence on both ends of the court.
Why Perkins Believes LeBron is Still the Best
There are a few key reasons why Perkins, a former NBA player himself, continues to believe LeBron James is the best player in the league:
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Longevity and Consistency: LeBron has been playing at an elite level for over 20 years. While other players have risen and fallen in their careers, LeBron has been a top player for nearly every season of his career. His ability to remain an elite performer, especially at his age, is a testament to his greatness.
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All-Around Game: LeBron James is not just a scorer — he is a phenomenal passer, rebounder, and defender. His versatility allows him to impact every aspect of the game. Jokić may be an incredible passer and offensive hub, but LeBron’s all-around contributions in multiple facets of the game put him in a class of his own.
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Playoff Pedigree: LeBron James has consistently delivered in the playoffs, with multiple NBA Championships and a legacy of clutch performances. His ability to perform under pressure is one of the reasons many still view him as the best — his Finals appearances (10 in total) and championship victories are a testament to his ability to lead teams to success when it matters most.
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Impact Beyond Stats: While Jokić’s numbers are extraordinary, LeBron’s impact on the game is about more than just stats. His leadership, his ability to elevate his teammates, and his effect on the overall flow of the game make him arguably the most influential player in the NBA today.
The Case for Nikola Jokić
While Perkins makes a compelling case for LeBron, it’s impossible to ignore Jokić’s dominance. Here’s why many believe Jokić is the best:
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Statistical Mastery: Jokić has redefined what it means to be a center. His ability to pass the basketball like a point guard, score efficiently, and rebound at an elite level is unprecedented for someone at his position. He’s a walking triple-double threat and has continued to put up MVP-caliber numbers year after year.
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Unstoppable Offense: Jokić is often regarded as the most skilled big man in NBA history. His unique ability to run an offense through the center position is almost unheard of. His court vision, basketball IQ, and decision-making have made him one of the most difficult players to defend in the entire league.
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Team Success: Under Jokić’s leadership, the Nuggets have consistently been a playoff team, and many analysts believe they could become legitimate championship contenders in the near future, especially if they can stay healthy.
Is LeBron Still the Best?
While Kendrick Perkins makes a strong argument, the question remains: Is LeBron James still the best player in the NBA?
It’s certainly hard to deny LeBron’s legacy and his current level of play. He continues to dominate at an advanced age and remains one of the most influential players in the league. However, in an era where players like Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kevin Durant continue to raise the bar, the competition for the title of best player in the world is fiercer than ever.
For LeBron, the challenge lies in balancing his incredible skill with the physical limitations that come with aging. Still, his ability to perform at such a high level and impact games in so many ways makes it clear that, for many, he remains the benchmark.
Conclusion
Kendrick Perkins’ bold declaration that LeBron James is still the best player in the NBA is sure to stir up debate. There’s no denying the incredible skills and achievements of Nikola Jokić, but Perkins is correct in highlighting the broader impact LeBron has had on the league, particularly his leadership and ability to elevate his teams. As the NBA continues to evolve and more players make their case for the throne, one thing is certain — the conversation about the best player in the league will continue to be a dynamic and passionate debate for years to come.
