Nuggets' Nikola Jokic Voted Best Player by Peers in Survey

The Athletic's player poll shows the Denver star has earned ultimate respect from his NBA colleagues.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 6:15pm

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Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic was voted as the best player in the NBA by his peers in a recent survey conducted by The Athletic during the NBA All-Star weekend. Jokic, a three-time MVP, continues to cement his status as the top player of his generation, though the Nuggets have slipped a bit in the standings recently due to injuries to key players like Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon.

Why it matters

Jokic's selection as the best player in the league by his fellow NBA players is a testament to the immense respect he has earned throughout the league. As one of the most dominant and well-rounded players in the game, Jokic's continued excellence and accolades solidify his place among the all-time greats.

The details

The poll was conducted by The Athletic during the NBA All-Star weekend in Los Angeles. Jokic, who was a starter for the World Team, received the most votes from his peers as the best player in the NBA today. The Nuggets star has already won three MVP awards and is a leading candidate to win a fourth this season, though he will need to play most of the remaining games to meet the 65-game threshold. Denver has slipped in the standings recently due to injuries to key players like Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon, but the team is hoping for better luck down the stretch as they look to secure a top seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

  • The poll was conducted during the NBA All-Star weekend in Los Angeles on February 17, 2026.
  • Jokic has won three MVP awards prior to the 2026 season.

The players

Nikola Jokic

A three-time NBA MVP and the best player in the league according to his peers, Jokic is the superstar center for the Denver Nuggets.

Peyton Watson

A key player for the Denver Nuggets who is currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury.

Aaron Gordon

A starting forward for the Denver Nuggets who is also currently out with a hamstring injury.

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What’s next

The Nuggets will look to get healthier and regain their footing in the Western Conference standings as they prepare for the playoffs. Jokic's continued excellence will be crucial to their success.

The takeaway

Nikola Jokic's selection as the best player in the NBA by his peers is a remarkable achievement that solidifies his status as one of the all-time greats of the game. Despite the Nuggets' recent struggles due to injuries, Jokic's dominance and leadership will be key as the team looks to make a deep playoff run.