Nikola Jokic Gives Victor Wembanyama Glowing Praise After FIBA Battle

Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama faced off against each other on the international stage for the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympics. It was also Wembanyama’s first international appearance since the Olympic final loss to the United States.

Jokic came out on top two years ago, and he did so once again as Serbia inflicted a 90-87 defeat on France despite a late fourth-quarter rally by the away side in Belgrade. It was a much-awaited clash as it saw two of the best big men in the NBA go head-to-head.

It was a friendly game as both teams continued preparing for the upcoming FIBA window. However, it was also a matchup between the NBA’s best offensive player and best defensive player.

Following the win, Jokic was asked about Wembanyama and opened up about his ceiling and their so-called rivalry .

He’s definitely a special opponent because of how unique he is. I don’t see it as a rivalry, and I play every game the same way. He has the opportunity to be the most unique basketball player we’ve ever seen. He definitely has the opportunity to be the best ever.

Nikola Jokic in his post match press conference

Jokic on Wemby: “He definitely has the ability to be the best ever.” pic.twitter.com/VyT6C8ssjv

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) August 20, 2026

Both Jokic and Wembanyama finished top three in the MVP race last season. Many predict the two stars to dominate the league over the next five years.

This is not the first time that Jokic heaped praise on the Frenchman. When Wembanyama was drafted into the NBA in 2023, Jokic believed that he would change the game forever with his unique skill set. It is a huge praise from the Serbian who is usually a quiet personality off the court.

Nikola Jokic outshines Victor Wembanyama in exhibition match

Nikola Jokic and Wembanyama were dominant last season, but unfortunately, they did not meet up in the playoffs. While Wembanyama had a historic run as he led the San Antonio Spurs to the NBA Finals, Jokic had a rare poor series as the Denver Nuggets were eliminated in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Hence, there was a lot of hype for their clash in Belgrade despite it being an exhibition game. In the end, Jokic came out on top as he put on a show in front of the home crowd.

The Nuggets center narrowly missed a triple-double as he recorded 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists in 29 minutes. Meanwhile, Wembanyama struggled to find his rhythm as he ended his night with just 10 points and four rebounds. However, he did commit six turnovers in just 24 minutes.

The French almost pulled off a memorable comeback late in the fourth quarter. They were down by 12 with just three minutes to go and cut the deficit to three. They had the opportunity to tie the game in the end, but Wembanyama missed his three-pointer before Serbia sealed the game from the free-throw line.

Victor Wembanyama is still rusty after a long layoff

Victor Wembanyama is coming off a historic 2025-26 campaign. He became the youngest and first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year and led his team to the Finals in his first playoffs. Many have already labeled him as the “Face of the league”.

After a poor showing against Serbia, the 22-year-old offered an assessment of his current form with the senior national team of France.

I feel a bit rusty. We are still trying to get into rhythm and find patterns. We fought until the end, and I’m especially happy because of that.

Wembanyama has not played a competitive match since Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Therefore, he is bound to have some rustiness as he works his way to full fitness.

The French star will hope for a much better showing next time he takes the court. The teams meet again in Orleans on Sunday as they continue preparations for qualification for the 2027 World Cup. He will return to the US after his international duties as he prepares himself for the NBA preseason.

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