LeBron James' Ex-Teammate Takes Serious Issue With Stan Van Gundy Naming Nikola Jokic as Greatest Player

Former NBA coach turned broadcaster Stan Van Gundy offered high praise for Nikola Jokic on this week’s episode of “The Zach Lowe Show,” declaring Jokic the league’s best player, though a former LeBron James teammate disagreed with his take.

Van Gundy argued, while referencing his son, that today’s NBA athletes surpass those of earlier generations due to improved athleticism and more well-rounded skillsets.

“He might be the best player in the history of the NBA,” Van Gundy said.

“Nobody’s had a better career than LeBron (James) in the league. And Jokic is on another planet. If I had to take one guy in history right now, not just today, I’m taking Jokic.”

Markieff Morris, speaking on the “Morris Code Show,” fired back strongly at Van Gundy’s comments.

“He ain't better than no f**king Bron...LeBron was sticking his foot so far up your f**king ass he was kicking your teeth out,” he said.

“How could you possibly fix your lips to say that? You never got past this man, you never beat this man in nothing … I don’t even think you coached against Joker that much.”

Morris suited up with James during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 campaigns with the LA Lakers, and the two reunited again in the 2024-25 season after Morris was traded back to Los Angeles.

Stan Van Gundy says Nikola Jokic still improving

Nikola Jokic, already a three-time MVP, enters this season as the frontrunner for the award. His résumé includes seven All-Star nods, seven All-NBA selections and a 2023 NBA championship run where he earned Finals MVP honors.

But even with Jokic posting elevated numbers this year, Van Gundy said that this season’s Jokic surpasses any version of him before.

“Last year was the best year of Jokic’s career, better than the MVP years, and now he’s having a year better than that,” Van Gundy said.

“The guy keeps getting better. And the thing with Jokic that is phenomenal, is he puts up these outrageous numbers, and I don’t think he has the slightest interest in statistics at all.”

According to Sportskeeda’s latest MVP ladder, Nikola Jokic sits at No. 1 ahead of reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous Alexander and LA Lakers superstar Luka Doncic.