Fresh off a bronze medal at EuroBasket with Greece, Giannis Antetokounmpo sat down with SPORT24 to talk basketball, the future, and where today’s stars rank in the global game.
The Bucks forward not only hinted at a possible return to Europe later in his career, but also unveiled who he believes are the five best players in the NBA right now.
The result? A list that mixes MVPs, champions, and a couple of surprises.
Luka Dončić Leads the Pack
The first name Giannis dropped was Luka Dončić, now with the Los Angeles Lakers. Dončić has quickly become one of the NBA’s most dominant offensive forces, pairing size, skill, and creativity in ways that have redefined what a guard-forward hybrid can be.
For Giannis, Luka’s consistency and ability to take over games makes him impossible to leave out of the conversation.
Jokić and SGA Cement Their Spots
Next up was Nikola Jokić, the three-time MVP and centerpiece of the Denver Nuggets’ 2023 championship run. Widely regarded as the league’s most complete player, Jokić continues to anchor Denver with his passing, shooting touch, and calm dominance.
Giannis also included fellow Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who just months ago pulled off an MVP season while leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a title. SGA’s meteoric rise has made him one of the most unstoppable guards in the game, and Antetokounmpo made clear he sees him as part of the NBA’s present and future elite.
A Surprise Pick: Jayson Tatum
The fourth slot went to Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, a name that raised some eyebrows. While Tatum has been a perennial All-Star and a Finals contender, he’s not always mentioned in the same tier as the league’s consensus top three.
Adding to the intrigue, Tatum is set to miss significant time after tearing his Achilles in last year’s playoffs. Still, Giannis believes the Celtics star belongs in the mix when healthy, praising his all-around impact and scoring ability.
No False Modesty: Giannis Names Himself
Rounding out the list, Giannis placed himself at No. 5. He was quick to point out that greatness shifts with results. “The five best players in the league are Luka, Jokić, SGA, Tatum, and me,” he explained. “The order depends on the season we each have: if Milwaukee makes at least the Finals, then I’d be the best. But if Luka or one of the others gets there, then the top spot would belong to him.”
In other words, the GOAT debate is ongoing, and the outcomes of each season help reshape it.
Why Giannis’s List Matters & notable absences
Among the notable omissions from Giannis’ list were Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James — three legends who have defined the modern NBA but are now entering the twilight of their careers.
Unlike media panels or fan polls, this ranking comes straight from one of the game’s most dominant forces. Giannis has been a two-time MVP, a Finals MVP, and a champion. His perspective offers a rare peer-to-peer evaluation, highlighting which players truly have the respect of their fellow superstars.
By including himself, Giannis didn’t shy away from the fact that he’s part of the league’s upper tier. And by spotlighting Tatum, he made sure the conversation extends beyond just the usual names of Jokić, Luka, and SGA.
