In a league driven by ego as much as talent, the release of The Athletic’s NBA player poll 2026 has instantly become the biggest talking point of the post-All-Star break calendar. While Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic best player status remains undisputed among his peers, the real headlines are being dominated by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell. In a candid moment that has set social media ablaze, Mitchell admitted to casting a vote for himself as the best player in the world, sparking a fierce debate about the fine line between elite confidence and irrational belief.

Jokic Reigns Supreme in NBA Player Poll 2026

The results of the anonymous poll, conducted by The Athletic’s Joe Vardon during the festivities in Los Angeles, paint a clear picture of the league's hierarchy. Nikola Jokic, now a three-time MVP, secured the top spot with five votes from the small but influential sample of 18 players. His peers cited his effortless dominance and ability to control the game without forcing shots as the primary reasons for his selection.

Following closely behind was Oklahoma City Thunder superstar and reigning league MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Canadian guard received three votes, solidifying his standing as the primary challenger to Jokic’s throne. The NBA player rankings 2026 discussion has largely narrowed to these two titans, but the third-place tie is where the intrigue—and the controversy—truly begins.

Donovan Mitchell Self-Vote Sparks Viral Debate

Tied for third place with two votes apiece were Luka Doncic and Donovan Mitchell. However, the context of Mitchell’s votes has become the story of the week. Unlike Doncic, whose votes came from rival players, Mitchell openly admitted to Vardon that he voted for himself. “Come on, Joe, I gotta say me, always,” Mitchell reportedly said, doubling down on his self-belief.

The Donovan Mitchell self-vote was bolstered by a second vote from his Cavaliers teammate, rookie sensation Jaylon Tyson. While some fans on X (formerly Twitter) mocked the selection as delusional given Jokic's historic production, others praised Mitchell’s “mamba mentality.” In a season where Mitchell is averaging a career-high 29 points per game and keeping Cleveland in contention, his confidence isn't entirely unfounded, even if it puts him at odds with the consensus NBA player rankings 2026.

Luka Doncic Lakers News and Rankings

The poll also shed light on the current standing of Luka Doncic. The Slovenian phenom, who was acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster trade last year, tied Mitchell with two votes. Recent Luka Doncic Lakers news has focused heavily on his return from a hamstring injury and his chemistry with an aging LeBron James. Despite the Lakers' inconsistent season, Doncic’s peers clearly still view him as a top-tier threat.

Sources close to the team indicated that Doncic supports the Lakers' decision to stand pat at the trade deadline, focusing on the "long-term picture" rather than a short-sighted fix. His presence on this list confirms that despite the change of scenery and injury hurdles, his reputation as a top-five talent remains intact among those who have to guard him every night.

Context from NBA All-Star Weekend 2026 Results

This poll creates a fascinating postscript to the NBA All-Star Weekend 2026 results. The weekend saw the "USA Stars" team—led by eventual All-Star MVP Anthony Edwards—defeat the "USA Stripes" 47-21 in the final of the new mini-tournament format. Edwards himself has been climbing the NBA player rankings 2026, yet notably did not crack the top tier of this specific "best in the world" poll, highlighting the lag between rising stardom and established peer respect.

The MVP Race Implications

As the league pivots to the final stretch of the season, the poll serves as a microcosm of the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander MVP narrative. While SGA is the betting favorite to repeat, the players still fear Jokic the most in a seven-game series. This disconnect between regular-season accolades and playoff fear factor will define the narrative heading into the postseason. For Donovan Mitchell, the goal remains simpler: prove his self-vote wasn't just confidence, but a prophecy.