Boban Marjanovic predicts a thrilling contest between Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic for the NBA MVP title in the 2025-26 season, highlighting the intense competition between these European stars. Marjanovic emphasized the high stakes and dedication that will fuel their battle for the Michael Jordan Trophy.
Marjanovic shared his views on Doncic’s potential to claim the MVP award this coming season, noting the Slovene star’s relentless work ethic. Despite Doncic’s strong prospects, Marjanovic pointed out that Jokic, with an estimated net worth of $120 million, will remain a powerful challenger in the race.
“Luka is the best,” Marjanovic said, via Yahoo Sports.
“Between him and Jokic, one of them needs to be. I believe, like I know they’ll give their best. He’s always in the gym, he always works out, he always competes. I know how much effort he worked with this summer and how he worked all these years that we know each other.”
—Boban Marjanovic, Former Houston Rockets Center
Nikola Jokic has been a dominant force in recent MVP races, securing the award three times over the last five seasons. Luka Doncic, meanwhile, has consistently been among the top contenders, finishing in the top eight of MVP voting each year since 2020, although he has yet to capture the trophy.
Preparation for EuroBasket Fuels Competition Between Doncic and Jokic
Before the 2025-26 NBA season begins, both Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic will compete in the 2025 EuroBasket tournament, aiming to bring success to their national teams after missing the podium in the previous event. This tournament represents an opportunity for both stars to reclaim pride for Slovenia and Serbia respectively.
Slovenia, led by Doncic, will face Group D opponents including Iceland, France, Poland, Belgium, and Israel. Serbia’s group features Portugal, Estonia, Latvia, Turkey, and Czechia.
So far, Serbia has exhibited strong form, maintaining a perfect 4-0 record with wins over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, Greece, and Cyprus. On the other hand, Slovenia has struggled, losing two consecutive games against Germany—103-89 in Ljubljana and 80-70 in Mannheim.
The Stakes of the 2025-26 NBA MVP Race and What Lies Ahead
The upcoming NBA season sets the stage for an intense MVP race centered on two of Europe’s finest basketball talents. Luka Doncic’s perseverance and commitment, as highlighted by Marjanovic, position him as a top contender alongside the seasoned Nikola Jokic. Their performances in EuroBasket will likely impact their momentum as they return for NBA training camp.
The rivalry between Doncic and Jokic not only promises excitement for fans but also underscores the rising influence of European players in the NBA’s elite ranks. With Jokic’s three MVP titles and Doncic’s steady ascent, the battle for the Michael Jordan Trophy in 2025-26 is anticipated to be one of the most compelling storylines in recent memory.