The NBA has been defined in recent seasons by the dominance of a uniquely skilled center. But even the league’s current best player believes a new era could soon arrive.
Nikola Jokic, the face of the Denver Nuggets, recently admitted that rising superstar Victor Wembanyama may eventually take over the league – and he joked that he’s relieved he might retire before seeing the French phenom reach his peak.
What did Nikola Jokic say about Victor Wembanyama?
During an appearance on the Serbian basketball podcast X&O’s Chat, hosted by Edin Avdic, Jokic openly praised Wembanyama‘s impact on the sport. The three-time MVP acknowledged that the young star from the San Antonio Spurs is already redefining what a modern NBA big man can do.
“He is changing basketball. He’s a rim protector, he’s shooting threes. He is unique,” Jokic detailed.
“I’m glad that I’ll probably retire before Wemby holds the entire league in a chokehold.”
The comment captured the respect Jokic has for the 7-foot-4 French star. Known for his own unconventional dominance – elite passing, efficient scoring and near-constant triple-doubles – Jokic has become the model of a modern offensive center. Yet even he believes Wembanyama could push the evolution of the position even further.
Why Wembanyama is already changing the league
Now in his third NBA season, Wembanyama has taken a major leap in performance. After dealing with some injury issues earlier in the year, he has returned in dominant form.
The Spurs star is averaging 23.9 points per game while shooting over 50 percent from the field, along with 11.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and a league-leading 3.0 blocks per game.
Those numbers highlight why many analysts already view him as one of the most impactful two-way players in basketball.
What makes Wembanyama so unusual is the combination of skills rarely seen in a player his size. At over seven feet tall with an enormous wingspan, he protects the rim like a traditional defensive center while also stretching the floor with perimeter shooting and ball handling.
That rare versatility is exactly what Jokic referenced when he described the Spurs star as “unique.”
Wembanyama‘s growth has also transformed the outlook for San Antonio this season.
After struggling in the Western Conference in recent years, the Spurs have emerged as a legitimate contender. They currently hold a 47-17 record, sitting in the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference and positioning themselves among the top championship favorites.
Much of that success is tied directly to Wembanyama‘s impact on both ends of the floor. His presence has turned San Antonio into one of the league’s most dangerous defensive teams while also giving them a reliable offensive centerpiece.
Beyond statistics, Wembanyama has also stood out for the intensity he brings to the regular season. Following a dramatic comeback win against the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this week, the young star showed visible emotion – something many fans appreciated at a time when critics often claim NBA players treat regular-season games with less urgency.
Jokic‘s comments quickly circulated across basketball media and social platforms, with many fans interpreting them as both praise and humor.
Some analysts pointed out that it’s rare for the NBA‘s current top player to openly acknowledge a rising star’s potential so directly.
Others saw the quote as another example of Jokic‘s laid-back personality – a superstar who often downplays his own achievements despite winning multiple MVP awards.
For Spurs fans, however, the statement reinforced a growing belief: Wembanyama may eventually become the next defining figure in the league.
As the NBA season moves toward the playoffs, the spotlight will continue to focus on the contrast between established superstars and the league’s next generation.
Jokic remains at the peak of his powers and continues to lead the Nuggets as one of the NBA‘s most dominant players. But Wembanyama‘s rapid development suggests a potential shift in the league’s balance of power may not be far away.
If the Spurs maintain their current trajectory and Wembanyama continues improving at this pace, Jokic‘s prediction might eventually come true: the future of basketball could belong to Wemby.
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