As Spain prepare to defend their crown at FIBA EuroBasket 2025, Santi Aldama is making headlines not only for embracing his role with the national team but also for the way he describes the Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. The Memphis Grizzlies forward, speaking to FIBA ahead of the tournament, offered high praise for the reigning NBA Finals MVP.
“He’s probably a combination of both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic. He always makes the right read. If he doesn’t have the ball, it’s probably better for us,” Aldama said.
The comparison makes sense. Doncic and Jokic both control time and space for their teams, dictating tempo in ways that make them the best at what they do. What separates Jokic, though, is that he is more than just a playmaker—he is the complete package.
The other resemblance is with Giannis Antetokounmpo. That part of the comparison is more complicated, but Aldama’s logic carries weight. Jokic is not the freak athlete Giannis is, nor does he overwhelm opponents with pure force and vertical dominance.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles during a 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 30, 2025.
Still, Jokic’s presence in the post is every bit as imposing. He punishes defenders with bruising footwork, uses spins and fakes to create separation, and finishes over or around almost any coverage. Much like Giannis, once he establishes deep position, he is virtually unguardable.
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The fact that Aldama sees both Luka and Giannis in Jokic speaks volumes about the Serbian superstar’s all-around brilliance. In just the past five seasons, Jokic has redefined positional versatility—flirting with triple-doubles on a nightly basis, winning three MVP awards, and becoming the league’s most complete offensive force.
For Spain, Aldama’s perspective also highlights the challenge of facing players like Jokic at EuroBasket. As the reigning champions, the Spaniards know they will be tested not only by Serbia but also by other contenders who bring elite superstars of their own.
The Grizzlies forward, who continues to develop his own game in Memphis, understands what it takes to compete against talents like Jokic. His respect for the Denver Nuggets centerpiece mirrors what players across the NBA already recognize: that Jokic changes games simply by being on the floor.
And while Jokic is arguably the best player in the world, Aldama acknowledged that the race for the top spot is razor-thin. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, already an MVP and Finals MVP this past season, may have the slight edge. But calling it one of the most difficult debates in recent memory is no exaggeration.
