Russell Westbrook, a triple-double maestro in his own right, recently showered high praise on Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić, calling him “the best basketball player in the world.”

Known for his bold opinions and on-court intensity, Westbrook’s declaration highlights the respect the league’s top players hold for Jokić, whose dominance has redefined what it means to be a modern big man.

In a candid interview, Westbrook marveled at Jokić’s unique skill set, particularly his ability to control games with his passing, scoring, and basketball IQ. “The way he impacts the game is on another level,” Westbrook said.

“He doesn’t just score—he makes everyone around him better. That’s what separates good players from great ones. Right now, he’s the best in the world.”

Westbrook, who holds the NBA record for most career triple-doubles, even joked about teaming up with Jokić. “I think we could take turns getting triple-doubles,” he quipped, smiling. “One night, I’ll grab the rebounds and set up the assists, and the next night, he can run the show. We’d keep the stats people busy for sure.”

Jokić, who recently led the Nuggets to an NBA championship while winning Finals MVP, is known for his unselfishness and humility.