This article is from a press release by FIBA and the NBA
The NBA and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) announced today that they will move forward in January with the next phase of their joint exploration into creating a new professional men&rsquo;s basketball league in Europe, signaling a significant step toward reshaping the continent&rsquo;s basketball landscape.
According to the announcement, the NBA and FIBA will begin formally engaging prospective teams and ownership groups interested in joining the proposed pan-European league. The initiative is envisioned as a collaborative project that blends the NBA&rsquo;s global reach with FIBA&rsquo;s deep-rooted presence in European basketball, while respecting the continent&rsquo;s long-standing club and domestic league structures.
A key pillar of the proposed league is its merit-based access model. In addition to permanent franchise spots, every team competing in a FIBA-affiliated domestic league would have an annual pathway to qualify, either through the Basketball Champions League (BCL) or an end-of-season qualifying tournament. That approach aligns with traditional European sports principles, where promotion is earned on the court rather than secured exclusively through closed memberships.
The league is also expected to align its calendar with existing domestic league and national team schedules. This would allow players to continue representing both their clubs and their national teams year-round&mdash;an issue that has long been a point of tension in international basketball. By avoiding scheduling conflicts, the NBA and FIBA aim to create a structure that complements, rather than disrupts, the broader European basketball ecosystem.
Beyond competition, the NBA and FIBA plan to commit financial support and resources toward grassroots and long-term development across Europe. That includes investment in domestic leagues, club academies, and existing NBA and FIBA programs designed to develop players, coaches, and referees at all levels of the game. The goal, according to both organizations, is to create a sustainable ecosystem that benefits not just elite clubs, but the sport&rsquo;s full development pipeline.
&ldquo;Advancing further this joint NBA-FIBA project is great news for the European basketball community,&rdquo; FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said. &ldquo;The format of the league respects European sport model principles by offering any ambitious club in the continent a fair pathway to the top. The project is conceived in a way that will improve the sustainability of the entire European basketball ecosystem.&rdquo;
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver echoed that sentiment, citing strong interest from stakeholders across Europe. &ldquo;Our conversations with various stakeholders in Europe have reinforced our belief that an enormous opportunity exists around the creation of a new league on the continent,&rdquo; Silver said. &ldquo;Together with FIBA, we look forward to engaging prospective clubs and ownership groups that share our vision for the game&rsquo;s potential in Europe.&rdquo;
The NBA and FIBA said additional details and updates will be shared in the coming months as discussions with clubs and investors progress, but the announcement alone marks one of the most ambitious efforts yet to unify and elevate professional basketball across Europe.

The NBA and FIBA announced that they will move forward with the next phase into creating a new professional league in Europe.

NBA, FIBA to Engage European Clubs on Potential New Pan-European League

This article is from a press release by the NBA
The NBA and the global basketball community are set to mark World Basketball Day on Dec. 21 with a wide-ranging celebration aimed at engaging hundreds of millions of fans and youth across the world, highlighting basketball&rsquo;s roots, reach and enduring social impact.
Now in its third year, World Basketball Day commemorates the date in 1891 when Dr. James Naismith first introduced the game of basketball at a YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts. Established by the United Nations in 2023, the annual celebration recognizes basketball as a unifying force across cultures and continents&mdash;an idea the NBA is embracing through clinics, community programs, digital campaigns and in-arena activations worldwide.
This year&rsquo;s observance carries added significance as it coincides with the 175th anniversary of the YMCA, widely regarded as the birthplace of the sport. In recognition of that milestone, the NBA and YMCA announced a year-long collaboration focused on youth basketball and community development, extending a long-standing partnership that will support millions of young people and families across the United States.
The initiative will include youth-focused programming and renovations of select YMCA facilities nationwide, directly benefiting the more than six million youth the YMCA serves annually. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver emphasized the historical importance of the moment, noting that World Basketball Day in 2025 serves as both a celebration of the game&rsquo;s origins and a reflection of its global influence more than a century later.
&ldquo;World Basketball Day takes on a special meaning this year as we commemorate the 175th anniversary of the YMCA, where the sport was first invented 134 years ago,&rdquo; Silver said. &ldquo;We are thrilled to join our many friends in the basketball community to celebrate the game&rsquo;s impact and influence around the world.&rdquo;
The NBA&rsquo;s digital footprint will play a central role in the celebration. Across its global and localized social platforms, the league will feature NBA players sharing what World Basketball Day means to them, alongside highlights from events taking place in different regions. Fans are encouraged to participate by tagging @nba, @nbacares and @jrnba on social media using the hashtag #WorldBasketballDay.
On the grassroots level, the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA programs, along with NBA Basketball School initiatives that reach tens of millions of youth and coaches globally, will gain access to a special playbook containing exclusive training and educational content designed to promote skill development and values such as teamwork and leadership.
World Basketball Day will also intersect with the NBA&rsquo;s competitive calendar. Dec. 21 will serve as a &ldquo;3-for-1 Day&rdquo; in NBA All-Star Voting, allowing fans with an NBA ID to submit one ballot per day via the NBA App or NBA.com, with each vote counting triple toward All-Star selections.
Across the United States, numerous NBA franchises&mdash;including the Lakers, Celtics, Heat, Bucks, Mavericks and Warriors&mdash;will celebrate through localized events and in-arena activities. Several player-led initiatives will headline the festivities, including youth clinics hosted by former and current NBA players such as Taj Gibson and Michael Carter-Williams. In St. Louis, the Gateway Region YMCA recently hosted a youth clinic attended by Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who also announced upcoming YMCA renovations supported by NBA Cares and The Jayson Tatum Foundation.
Internationally, the scope of World Basketball Day underscores the NBA&rsquo;s global reach. FIBA will announce the inductees for its 2026 Hall of Fame class, while NBA Africa and the Basketball Africa League will deploy 19 coaches to conduct clinics across 13 African nations, reaching more than 600 coaches as part of a long-term effort to develop the sport on the continent.
The Philippines, one of the NBA&rsquo;s most passionate international markets, will play a visible role in the celebration. Local basketball players and content creators from the country will be featured across the NBA&rsquo;s localized channels, while NBA Stores in the Philippines will host World Basketball Day scavenger hunts offering fans the chance to win merchandise and exclusive discounts. Beginning on Dec. 21, fans who purchase official NBA merchandise at participating stores will also receive a complimentary World Basketball Day T-shirt while supplies last.
NBA champion Jayson Tatum highlighted the personal significance of the day, pointing to basketball&rsquo;s role in shaping lives beyond the court. &ldquo;World Basketball Day is a chance to celebrate the game and the impact it has on people everywhere,&rdquo; Tatum said. &ldquo;Basketball has had such a positive influence on my life, and I hope I can pass along the joy and skills I&rsquo;ve learned to the next generation.&rdquo;
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the sport&rsquo;s ability to open doors for girls and women worldwide. Leaders from FIBA, USA Basketball, the NCAA, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the NBCA and the NFHS also underscored basketball&rsquo;s educational, cultural and community value, reinforcing the idea that the game&rsquo;s influence stretches far beyond professional leagues.
As basketball continues to grow as the world&rsquo;s fastest-rising sport and the second most popular globally, World Basketball Day stands as both a tribute to its humble beginnings and a celebration of its future. From neighborhood gyms to global arenas, Dec. 21 will once again spotlight how a simple game invented more than a century ago continues to connect communities, inspire youth and bring the world together through a shared love for basketball.

The NBA and the global basketball community are set to mark World Basketball Day on Dec. 21 with a wide-ranging celebration.

NBA, Global Basketball Community Unite for World Basketball Day Celebration

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama continued to rewrite defensive history on Friday, recording a block in his 100th consecutive regular-season game &ndash; a streak that now stands as one of the longest in NBA history since blocks became a stat in 1973-74. In the Spurs&rsquo; 126-98 rout of the Atlanta Hawks, Wembanyama swatted away shots en route to his latest milestone, highlighting a defensive presence that has defined his young career.
Only two players in league history have ever logged a longer streak of games with at least one block: Patrick Ewing(145) and Dikembe Mutombo (116). Wembanyama&rsquo;s 100-game run currently ranks third all-time, placing him in elite company among the NBA&rsquo;s greatest rim protectors.&nbsp;
Wembanyama&rsquo;s streak dates back to his rookie season, and remarkably, he has recorded a block in all but two games of his NBA career, showcasing durability and consistency rarely seen at the center position. This extraordinary stretch underscores his impact as a generational defender: his height, wingspan and instincts make him a nightmare for opposing scorers around the rim, and his presence elevates the entire Spurs&rsquo; defensive ceiling.&nbsp;
At just 21 years old, Wembanyama&rsquo;s defensive impact is already historic. With his combination of shot-blocking, rebounding and all-around defensive instincts, he has established himself as one of the most disruptive big men in the modern game. Barring injury, he appears on pace to challenge even longer streaks down the line and could be a perennial contender for Defensive Player of the Year honors throughout his career.

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama continued to rewrite defensive history, recording a block in his 100th consecutive game.

Victor Wembanyama records block in 100th straight game

Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic made NBA history on Thursday night, becoming the all-time assists leader among centers in league history. Jokic eclipsed long-standing Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar&rsquo;s mark during Denver&rsquo;s 126-115 win over the Orlando Magic at Ball Arena.
In a yet another triple-double performance, Jokic finished with 23 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds, using a crafty feed to Jalen Pickett late in the first half to surpass Abdul-Jabbar&rsquo;s previous career total of 5,660. The milestone &ndash; now sitting at 5,667 career assists and counting &ndash; places Jokic atop the NBA assists leaderboard for centers, a feat many believed would stand for decades as Jokic continues to write his story.
Jokic passed Abdul-Jabbar&rsquo;s record &ndash; a mark set over a 20-year Hall of Fame career &ndash; in just his 11th season. According to career assists data, Jokic now stands far ahead of any other center in NBA history, leading by sheer efficiency with roughly 7.4 assists per game &ndash; a rate unmatched by predecessors at the position.&nbsp;
Jokic&rsquo;s achievement also ranks him among the top 50 all-time NBA assist leaders overall, underscoring his unique combination of scoring, rebounding and playmaking at the five-man spot.

Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic made NBA history on Thursday night, becoming the all-time assists leader among centers in league history.

Nikola Jokic becomes all-time assists leader among centers in NBA history

Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett is set to reunite with his former team Minnesota Timberwolves, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
The Timberwolves legend will be in an &ldquo;all-encompassing role&rdquo; involving business, community efforts, and content development, as he returns to the franchise he once starred for in the past.
Garnett has not been involved with the Wolves organization since his career ended in 2016 after a rift with then Wolves owner Glen Taylor. Since then, Garnett has built a rapport with new owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, prompting this move back to the franchise.
Along this new role, Garnett will reportedly finally be given a jersey retirement ceremony for his iconic #21 in the near future.

Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett is set to reunite with his former team Minnesota Timberwolves, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Kevin Garnett to reunite with the Minnesota Timberwolves

The New York Knicks have won the 3rd annual Emirates NBA Cup after overcoming the Spurs 124-113, Tuesday night in Las Vegas.
The Knicks showcased a dominant 4th quarter, unleashing in a 35-19 quarter to win the in-season tournament crown and their first-ever NBA Cup title.
The Spurs actually led by 10, 81-71, in the third quarter before the Knicks mounted that huge comeback in the final stanza.&nbsp;
Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek were huge sparks off the bench, scoring 15 and 14 points respectively. Clarkson hit two booming triples that were instrumental in a 10-0 Knicks run and eventually gave them the lead back which they never gave back. Kolek played his part as the main backup ball handler and was even inserted by Mike Brown alongside Jalen Brunson to alleviate him of the ball pressure by the Spurs.
Veteran guard OG Anunoby led all scorers with 28 points, including five made triples, while Brunson for his part, added 25 points and eight assists en route to being named NBA Cup MVP for his performance throughout the tournament.
Seven players scored in double digits for the Spurs, led by Dylan Harper&rsquo;s 21 and Victor Wembanyama&rsquo;s 18, as they end a stellar NBA Cup run as finalists following a huge win in the semifinals over defending NBA Champions Thunder.

The New York Knicks have won the 3rd annual Emirates NBA Cup after overcoming the Spurs 124-113, Tuesday night in Las Vegas.

2025 Emirates NBA Cup: Knicks overcome Spurs to win title

Dallas Mavericks phenom Cooper Flagg made history on Monday night, December 15, after becoming the youngest player in league history to score 40 or more points in a game.&nbsp;
In a thrilling overtime battle against the Utah Jazz, the 18-year-old rookie poured in a career-high 42 points, outpacing every player his age ever to take the court, including legends like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, and Tracy McGrady.
Flagg&rsquo;s 42-point outburst &ndash; which also included six assists and seven rebounds &ndash; came despite the Mavericks falling 140-133 in extra time. With the performance, he supplanted all previous 18-year-old single-game scoring efforts in NBA annals, topping longtime milestone marks once held by LeBron James.
The historic night saw Flagg become the first player 18 years old to hit the 40-point mark, a feat that had never been done before in NBA history. His explosion came just days after breaking records as the youngest player to score 35 points and join elite scoring company among teenage standouts.
Flagg&rsquo;s scoring milestone also tied him with franchise lore: his 42 points matched the second-highest single-game scoring performance ever by a Mavericks rookie (joining Mark Aguirre). While Dallas couldn&rsquo;t secure the win, Flagg&rsquo;s night was the highlight of a contest.
At just 18, the No. 1 overall pick continues to rewrite the record books and cement his status as a generational talent for the Mavericks &ndash; already offering hope and excitement for the franchise&rsquo;s future after that shocking trade that sent superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg made history on Monday by becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score 40+ points.

Cooper Flagg makes NBA history as youngest player ever to score 40+ Points

Golden State Warriors icon Stephen Curry etched his name further into the NBA record books this week, surpassing Michael Jordan for the most games with 40 or more points by a player age 30 or older.&nbsp;
The feat came as Curry poured in 48 points in a high-octane performance, giving him 45 career 40-point games since his 30th birthday &ndash; one clear of Jordan&rsquo;s previous mark of 44.
At 37 years old, Curry continues to defy conventional aging curves in professional sports, showcasing an elite scoring ability that few in league history have matched late in their careers. His latest scoring outburst included efficient shooting and a barrage of threes, reinforcing his reputation not just as the greatest shooter ever but also as one of the most prolific scorers in longevity terms.
Curry&rsquo;s climb up the all-time list of 40-point games after age 30 has been a major storyline this season, especially as he tied Jordan earlier in the year and then moved past him with this signature performance. The milestone places Curry at the top of a unique statistical category that measures sustained scoring excellence deep into a player&rsquo;s 30s &ndash; a period in which many stars begin to decline.
While the Warriors&rsquo; overall record this season has been mixed, Curry&rsquo;s historic achievement stands as a testament to his individual brilliance and durability. Even as his team navigates wins and losses, his scoring outputs continue to make NBA history and fuel conversations about his long-term legacy.

Warriors icon Stephen Curry added anothe NBA record to books this week, surpassing Michael Jordan for the most games with 40 or more points by a player age 30 or older.

Stephen Curry passes Michael Jordan for most 40+ point games after turning 30

The stage is set for the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup championship after the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs each secured their semifinal victories in Las Vegas. Both teams punched their tickets to Tuesday night&rsquo;s finale at T-Mobile Arena, where one will be crowned in-season tournament champion.
The New York Knicks continued their strong run in the Emirates NBA Cup, knocking off the Orlando Magic 132-120 in Friday&rsquo;s semifinal matchup. Jalen Brunson was virtually unstoppable, erupting for a season-high 40 points and adding 8 assists &ndash; scoring 25 points before halftime to seize control early and never look back. Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby provided strong support with 29 and 24 points respectively, while the Knicks shot a blistering 60.7 percent from the field.&nbsp;
New York&rsquo;s performance not only punched its ticket to the Cup final, but also underscored the offensive cohesion that has powered the franchise this season. With continued efficiency and depth, the Knicks enter the title game riding momentum.
In the nightcap, the San Antonio Spurs stunned the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder 111-109 to secure their spot in the Cup championship. Victor Wembanyama made a triumphant return from a calf injury, pouring in 22 points and grabbing nine rebounds, giving San Antonio a crucial lift. Spurs scoring wasn&rsquo;t limited to Wembanyama &ndash; Devin Vassell led the team with 23 points, while De&rsquo;Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle added 22 apiece in the upset performance.
The Spurs&rsquo; victory also snapped Oklahoma City&rsquo;s season-best win streak, handing the Thunder just their second loss in 26 games and ending a historic run in Vegas.
Tuesday night&rsquo;s championship matchup will pit the Knicks against the Spurs, in what promises to be a compelling conclusion to the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup.

The stage is set for the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup championship after the Knicks and Spurs each secured their semifinal in Las Vegas.

2025 Emirates NBA Cup: Knicks, Spurs Advance to Championship Game

Not everyone gets the opportunity to be named to Team USA, the most prestigious honor in men&rsquo;s and women&rsquo;s basketball in the United States. Selection is reserved for the very best, and even playing in the NBA or WNBA offers no guarantees &ndash; only those capable of sustaining the standard of the winningest national basketball program in the world earn an invitation.
For Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen, that invitation came after a highly productive rookie season in the WNBA. Iriafen averaged 13.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, earning her a WNBA All-Star selection and a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team &ndash; early markers of a promising career.
That level of play helped secure her first-ever call-up to a USA Basketball camp. It also marked her first experience with any Team USA program, at either the junior or senior level, making the opportunity one she&rsquo;s embracing fully.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m trying to stay in the moment, and be as present as possible,&rdquo; Iriafen said during a Zoom media availability following practice. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m having a lot of fun, and just learning and trying to get better at my game &ndash; so it&rsquo;s been great so far.&rdquo;
Asked what it&rsquo;s been like sharing the floor with the best players in the world, Iriafen described an environment fueled by intensity and competitiveness.
&ldquo;Just a lot of energy,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;It was electric as it was our first time back since the WNBA season ended. A lot of energy, a lot of talk &mdash; it was very loud inside the gym &mdash; and just competitiveness. We were all very competitive, so it was just great to get up and down with all these women, being aggressive and being competitive.&rdquo;
That competitive edge extended to the style of play emphasized throughout the camp. According to Iriafen, the sessions have been both physical and fast-paced, reflecting the standard expected at the international level.
&ldquo;That&rsquo;s one thing we have been focusing on &ndash; being physical and playing it fast-paced,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;It was our first day and our first time playing together, so we&rsquo;re still working through all of that.&rdquo;
Iriafen getting better overall as a basketball player through this camp
After an impressive first season in the pros, Iriafen believes the Team USA experience can help her take another step forward as a player. For her, simply being immersed in this environment is a catalyst for growth.
&ldquo;I think just being in a room with the best &ndash; the best women in our league &ndash; is only gonna help me get better,&rdquo; Iriafen said. &ldquo;I think to become better, you have to play the best of the best.&rdquo;
History supports that belief. Many USA Basketball standouts have used national team camps as a springboard, refining their games in elite settings before returning to the NBA or the WNBA even better equipped to succeed.
For Iriafen, that mindset is already taking hold.
&ldquo;So for me, that&rsquo;s kinda what I look at this camp as &ndash; playing against the best players,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll make some mistakes, but I can always learn from that. Just having an open mindset, a growth mindset, and understanding that at the end of the day, after this camp, I&rsquo;ll be better for it.&rdquo;

Kiki Iriafen shares her insights inside the USA Basketball Women’s training camp, reflecting everything she has experienced so far.

Kiki Iriafen gives a glimpse inside the USA Basketball Women’s training camp

As Victor Wembanyama sets his sights on returning to the floor for the first time since suffering a calf injury in November, the Spurs star offered some unique insights into the NBA&rsquo;s evolving MVP race and broader player hierarchy.
In an interview with ESPN on Friday, Wembanyama was asked who he believes is the best player in the league. After a brief pause, the young San Antonio center laid out a clear distinction in his mind.
&ldquo;I think Jokic is the best offensive player,&rdquo; Wembanyama said. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think he&rsquo;s the best player&hellip; It&rsquo;s hard to say. I think it&rsquo;s between Giannis and Shai.&rdquo;
Wembanyama didn&rsquo;t expand on the reasoning behind his answer, but the logic becomes clearer when viewed through the lens of how greatness is often defined in today&rsquo;s NBA. While Nikola Jokic has been widely regarded as the league&rsquo;s best player in recent seasons, much of that acclaim has been driven by his historic offensive impact rather than his work on the defensive end.
Basketball, by nature, is a two-way sport, and the title of &ldquo;best player&rdquo; is frequently reserved for those who excel on both ends of the floor. Jokic remains in a class of his own offensively, blending elite scoring, generational playmaking, and an uncanny ability to manipulate defensive coverages. Defensively, however, his limitations have long been part of the conversation. Opposing teams often target him in space, particularly in pick-and-roll situations, forcing Denver to scheme around those weaknesses.
That&rsquo;s likely where Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander separate themselves in Wembanyama&rsquo;s eyes. Both are widely regarded as premier two-way players, combining high-level offensive production with relentless defensive activity. They consistently generate steals, deflections, and timely stops, tilting games in ways that extend beyond scoring alone.
While there may be a marginal gap between the trio offensively, the difference on the defensive end is more pronounced. That imbalance may be enough, likely in Wembanyama&rsquo;s estimation, to elevate Giannis or Shai over Jokic in the broader debate &ndash; and it helps explain why he views the league&rsquo;s top spot through a two-way lens.
Wembanyama thinks he will be the best player in the league when he comes back
By that same standard, Wembanyama didn&rsquo;t shy away from placing himself in the conversation. Following up on his initial take, he delivered an even bolder statement.
&ldquo;When I come back on the court, I think it will be me,&rdquo; Wembanyama said.
The confidence is not without substance. Before being sidelined, Wembanyama was averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 3.6 blocks across 12 games. His offensive growth has been evident, marked by improved efficiency, a deeper scoring arsenal, and sharper decision-making with the ball in his hands.
Defensively, he remains a game-changing presence, and if he meets the league&rsquo;s games-played requirement, he could find himself winning the Defensive Player of the Year outright this year, and be in that same conversation for the award for years to come. Wembanyama is that good offensively and that two-way dominance aligns directly with the criteria he has implied about Giannis and SGA.
If Wembanyama&rsquo;s implied definition of the league&rsquo;s best player holds true, it&rsquo;s not unreasonable to suggest that he either is &ndash; or soon will be &ndash; at the top of that list. Perhaps not immediately upon his return, but if he resumes the level of play he showed early in the season, and continues to build on it, that arrival may come sooner than expected.
For a 22-year-old to make such a claim publicly, the intrigue lies not in the boldness of the statement, but in the fact that the skill set and production already point in that direction.
&ndash;&ndash;&ndash;
Wembanyama will have an opportunity to begin backing up his words when the Spurs face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas in the semifinals of the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup on Saturday, December 13.

As Victor Wembanyama sets his sights on returning to the floor for the first time since suffering a calf injury in November, the Spurs star offered some unique insights into the NBA&rsquo;s evolving MVP race and broader player hierarchy.
In an interview with ESPN on Friday, Wembanyama was asked who he believes is the best player in the league. After a brief pause, the young San Antonio center laid out a clear distinction in his mind.
&ldquo;I think Jokic is the best offensive player,&rdquo; Wembanyama said. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think he&rsquo;s the best player&hellip; It&rsquo;s hard to say. I think it&rsquo;s between Giannis and Shai.&rdquo;
Wembanyama didn&rsquo;t expand on the reasoning behind his answer, but the logic becomes clearer when viewed through the lens of how greatness is often defined in today&rsquo;s NBA. While Nikola Jokic has been widely regarded as the league&rsquo;s best player in recent seasons, much of that acclaim has been driven by his historic offensive impact rather than his work on the defensive end.
Basketball, by nature, is a two-way sport, and the title of &ldquo;best player&rdquo; is frequently reserved for those who excel on both ends of the floor. Jokic remains in a class of his own offensively, blending elite scoring, generational playmaking, and an uncanny ability to manipulate defensive coverages. Defensively, however, his limitations have long been part of the conversation. Opposing teams often target him in space, particularly in pick-and-roll situations, forcing Denver to scheme around those weaknesses.
That&rsquo;s likely where Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander separate themselves in Wembanyama&rsquo;s eyes. Both are widely regarded as premier two-way players, combining high-level offensive production with relentless defensive activity. They consistently generate steals, deflections, and timely stops, tilting games in ways that extend beyond scoring alone.
While there may be a marginal gap between the trio offensively, the difference on the defensive end is more pronounced. That imbalance may be enough, likely in Wembanyama&rsquo;s estimation, to elevate Giannis or Shai over Jokic in the broader debate &ndash; and it helps explain why he views the league&rsquo;s top spot through a two-way lens.
Wembanyama thinks he will be the best player in the league when he comes back
By that same standard, Wembanyama didn&rsquo;t shy away from placing himself in the conversation. Following up on his initial take, he delivered an even bolder statement.
&ldquo;When I come back on the court, I think it will be me,&rdquo; Wembanyama said.
The confidence is not without substance. Before being sidelined, Wembanyama was averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 3.6 blocks across 12 games. His offensive growth has been evident, marked by improved efficiency, a deeper scoring arsenal, and sharper decision-making with the ball in his hands.
Defensively, he remains a game-changing presence, and if he meets the league&rsquo;s games-played requirement, he could find himself winning the Defensive Player of the Year outright this year, and be in that same conversation for the award for years to come. Wembanyama is that good offensively and that two-way dominance aligns directly with the criteria he has implied about Giannis and SGA.
If Wembanyama&rsquo;s implied definition of the league&rsquo;s best player holds true, it&rsquo;s not unreasonable to suggest that he either is &ndash; or soon will be &ndash; at the top of that list. Perhaps not immediately upon his return, but if he resumes the level of play he showed early in the season, and continues to build on it, that arrival may come sooner than expected.
For a 22-year-old to make such a claim publicly, the intrigue lies not in the boldness of the statement, but in the fact that the skill set and production already point in that direction.
&ndash;&ndash;&ndash;
Wembanyama will have an opportunity to begin backing up his words when the Spurs face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas in the semifinals of the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup on Saturday, December 13.
Watch the full

As Victor Wembanyama sets his sights on returning to the floor for the first time since suffering a calf injury in November, the Spurs star offered some unique insights into the NBA&rsquo;s evolving MVP race and broader player hierarchy.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qyff7Hrt_Bw">In an interview with ESPN on Friday</a>, Wembanyama was asked who he believes is the best player in the league. After a brief pause, the young San Antonio center laid out a clear distinction in his mind.
&ldquo;I think Jokic is the best offensive player,&rdquo; Wembanyama said. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think he&rsquo;s the best player&hellip; It&rsquo;s hard to say. I think it&rsquo;s between Giannis and Shai.&rdquo;
Wembanyama didn&rsquo;t expand on the reasoning behind his answer, but the logic becomes clearer when viewed through the lens of how greatness is often defined in today&rsquo;s NBA. While Nikola Jokic has been widely regarded as the league&rsquo;s best player in recent seasons, much of that acclaim has been driven by his historic offensive impact rather than his work on the defensive end.
Basketball, by nature, is a two-way sport, and the title of &ldquo;best player&rdquo; is frequently reserved for those who excel on both ends of the floor. Jokic remains in a class of his own offensively, blending elite scoring, generational playmaking, and an uncanny ability to manipulate defensive coverages. Defensively, however, his limitations have long been part of the conversation. Opposing teams often target him in space, particularly in pick-and-roll situations, forcing Denver to scheme around those weaknesses.
That&rsquo;s likely where Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander separate themselves in Wembanyama&rsquo;s eyes. Both are widely regarded as premier two-way players, combining high-level offensive production with relentless defensive activity. They consistently generate steals, deflections, and timely stops, tilting games in ways that extend beyond scoring alone.
While there may be a marginal gap between the trio offensively, the difference on the defensive end is more pronounced. That imbalance may be enough, likely in Wembanyama&rsquo;s estimation, to elevate Giannis or Shai over Jokic in the broader debate &ndash; and it helps explain why he views the league&rsquo;s top spot through a two-way lens.
Wembanyama thinks he will be the best player in the league when he comes back
By that same standard, Wembanyama didn&rsquo;t shy away from placing himself in the conversation. Following up on his initial take, he delivered an even bolder statement.
&ldquo;When I come back on the court, I think it will be me,&rdquo; Wembanyama said.
The confidence is not without substance. Before being sidelined, Wembanyama was averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 3.6 blocks across 12 games. His offensive growth has been evident, marked by improved efficiency, a deeper scoring arsenal, and sharper decision-making with the ball in his hands.
Defensively, he remains a game-changing presence, and if he meets the league&rsquo;s games-played requirement, he could find himself winning the Defensive Player of the Year outright this year, and be in that same conversation for the award for years to come. Wembanyama is that good offensively and that two-way dominance aligns directly with the criteria he has implied about Giannis and SGA.
If Wembanyama&rsquo;s implied definition of the league&rsquo;s best player holds true, it&rsquo;s not unreasonable to suggest that he either is &ndash; or soon will be &ndash; at the top of that list. Perhaps not immediately upon his return, but if he resumes the level of play he showed early in the season, and continues to build on it, that arrival may come sooner than expected.
For a 22-year-old to make such a claim publicly, the intrigue lies not in the boldness of the statement, but in the fact that the skill set and production already point in that direction.
&ndash;&ndash;&ndash;
Wembanyama will have an opportunity to begin backing up his words when the Spurs face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas in the semifinals of the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup on Saturday, December 13.

In an interview with ESPN, Wemby was asked who he believes is the best player in the NBA, and he laid out a clear distinction in his mind.

Wemby: Jokic the best offensive player; Giannis or SGA the best player

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is likely to return to the lineup against the OKC Thunder as they are set to play for the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup semifinals, according to ESPN&rsquo;s Shams Charania.
Wembanyama missed 12 games due to a calf strain he suffered early in November. The Spurs went 9-3 in those games without him.
This development changes things as one of the brightest young stars in the league returns to face the runaway best team in the NBA in the Thunder, who are currently 24-1 right now, tying the best start in league history set by the 2016 Golden State Warriors.
According to Charania, final clearance will come after today's practice in Las Vegas.
The Spurs and the Thunder meet in the Western semis for the Emirates NBA Cup, while the New York Knicks face the Orlando Magic over at the East for their own semifinal matchup.

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is likely to return to the lineup against the OKC Thunder in Las Vegas for the Emirates NBA Cup.

Victor Wembanyama to return in 2025 Emirates NBA Cup semis vs OKC

Mon Anthony Valmoria is the lead NBA writer for BasketballNews.com.&nbsp;