Fact check: Who is largely considered the current best player in the NBA.

1. Summary of the results

There is no complete consensus on who is definitively the "best" NBA player, though two names consistently emerge at the top: Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. While one source definitively states that Jokić is "unquestionably the best basketball player in the world today" ^[1], other analyses present a more nuanced picture. Jokić is currently averaging remarkable statistics of 31.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game ^[2], and is in contention for his fourth MVP award. However, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is currently leading the MVP race ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements should be considered:

• The MVP race is currently extremely close between Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokić ^[4]
• Jokić's historical achievements include winning three MVPs in four seasons and being named 1st Team All-NBA four times ^[1]
• There's a third player mentioned in the top tier: Giannis Antetokounmpo ^[2]
• Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the Western Conference with the Oklahoma City Thunder, adding team success to individual achievement ^[4]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question itself assumes there can be a single "largely considered" best player, which oversimplifies the complex nature of basketball evaluation. Different sources and metrics suggest different conclusions:

• Statistical dominance favors Jokić, who is averaging near triple-double numbers ^[2]
• Current season performance and team success favor Gilgeous-Alexander in the MVP race ^[3]
• Historical achievements and accolades favor Jokić ^[1]

Media outlets and analysts may have vested interests in promoting certain narratives, whether to generate debate, represent regional interests, or cater to different fan bases. The NBA itself benefits from having multiple "best player" candidates as it drives fan engagement and media coverage.