Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are arguably the three best players in the NBA right now.
While each superstar is a force to be reckoned with, what truly makes them dangerous on the hardwood? Well, Finland star Lauri Markkanen recently shared his two cents on the same.
Markkanen has gone off ahead of the 2025 EuroBasket. But putting aside his on-court performances, the Utah Jazz star recently conducted an interview with FIBA, where he began by talking about Luka Doncic.
“Doncic’s ability to do multiple different things and his pace that he’s never being sped up. He knows how to get to a spot and he obviously can make any shot you can imagine.
“So his size and patience, I would say, and kind of change of speed is his biggest weapon,” Markkanen told FIBA (h/t BasketNews).
But that’s not all, he also spoke on Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty ImagesWhat’s ‘really difficult’ against ‘physical’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, reveals Lauri Markkanen
When it comes to dominating through the use of sheer physical strength, there aren’t many players better than the Greek Freak.
Even with the Bucks barely making a dent in the postseason over the last three years, it’s no fault of Antetokounmpo. If anything, he remains one of the best basketball players in the world.
“Kind of the same. Giannis is a really physical, fast, strong player, obviously, that we have to… It’s really difficult to play one-on-one against him, so you try to load up as a team and kind of make him get rid of the ball,” Markkanen stated.
He added: “But he can do so many things on the floor. So you do your scouting report, try to take something away, but I feel like he has some tricks in his back too that makes it really hard to guard.”
With Antetokounmpo turning 31 years old this year, it will be interesting to see if he will commit the rest of his prime to the Bucks.
If he decides against that, teams like the Miami Heat are already preparing to welcome the Greek Freak to their roster.
Lauri Markkanen believes Nikola Jokic’s basketball IQ is off the charts
Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
Next is none other than Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic. The 3x NBA MVP is coming off the heels of another terrific season, only to end in a second-round exit.
Once again, it doesn’t mean that Jokic’s abilities have declined. In fact, the Joker has seemingly added athletic dunks to his skill-set as well.
“Jokic is really difficult to play against. His ability to pass the ball and obviously size and scoring threat is great for him. He’s really good around the basket. He can shoot the three ball,” Markkanen explained.
The Finnish star added: “He can shoot the mid-range. But then his IQ and passing ability makes it really hard because you can’t help too much from the other players because he’s such a good passer.
“So he’s just a full threat for your team.”
While Markkanen beautifully explained the differences between Jokic, Doncic, and Antetokounmpo’s games, it’s unlikely that opposing players can halt them on their tracks.