NBA.com has completed its annual survey of NBA general managers, with John Schuhmann of NBA.com asking each of the league’s 30 GMs to answer an array of questions about the league’s top teams, players, and coaches. Unsurprisingly, the Warriors are once again viewed by the NBA’s general managers as the overwhelming favorites to be the last team standing, with 26 of 30 GMs (87%) picking Golden State to win the NBA championship for the fourth time in five years.
While there are many responses in the GM survey worth checking out, we’ll focus on rounding up some of the more noteworthy ones related to rosters and player movement. Let’s dive in…
- LeBron James (30%) and Kevin Durant (27%) are viewed as the frontrunners for the 2018/19 MVP award, but two younger players led the voting for the player GMs would most want to build a franchise around starting today. Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo (30%) and Pelicans big man Anthony Davis (23%) led the way in that category. Interestingly, Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns didn’t receive a single vote this year after leading the way with 29% of the vote in 2017.
- The Lakers‘ signing of James helped them earn 70% of the vote for the team that made the best overall moves this offseason. The Raptors, buoyed by their acquisition of Kawhi Leonard, finished second at 20%.
- A ton of different signings and trade acquisitions received votes for the most underrated addition of the summer, with the Pacers‘ signing of Tyreke Evans barely leading the way with four votes. The Spurs‘ trade for DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls‘ signing of Jabari Parker, the Pelicans‘ addition of Julius Randle, and the Thunder‘s acquisition of Dennis Schroder received three votes apiece.
- DeMarcus Cousins‘ decision to join the Warriors (35%) was considered the most surprising move of the offseason, followed by the Spurs/Raptors blockbuster trade (29%) and Paul George remaining with the Thunder (19%).
- While Mavericks guard Luka Doncic is the strong frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, GMs expect Suns center Deandre Ayton and Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. to be the best players five years from now. Meanwhile, the Clippers‘ selection of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at No. 11 was viewed by the most GMs as the steal of the draft.
- The Sixers (47%) and Celtics (33%) dominated voting for the teams with the most promising young cores.
Collin Sexton rookie of the year. Leads Cleveland to the playoffs and averages 18 ppg with 6-7 apg and exceptional defense.
What kind of crack you smoking?
You like to complain a lot? Is it because you don’t know anything about basketball? Your username explains it. You are always right, and everybody else is wrong. I won’t pay any attention to your posts!
Anyone think KAT not receiving any votes is an indication of how he’s perceived as a leader/creates team culture?
MJ had Pippen and Rodman who were pretty outspoken and was able to work with them for years. Players should be able to put aside petty squabbles and just win.
The survey also had the Warriors as run away odds for the title, and Rockets and Celtics tied for next. It also had Brad Stevens as coach of the year.
How long will it be before Butler-Thibs-Taylor gets resolved, and will Taylor have to resolve it?
Appropriate that an article about GMs has a picture of Lebron.
Exactly! His picture will also be there when they post an article about “head coaches” .
Sounds like I’m a fit for the GM world!
The GMs favor James over Durant, as they should, though I would pick Davis over Giannis. And they are obviously blaming Towns for the Butler problem as I have.
Good list of “underrateds” except for Evans to Indy; I think he can mess with their chemistry. Sub in Tolliver to MIN.
I’ve had Alexander as the #2 or 3 rookie (though there may not be many minutes available in that Clipper backcourt. He wanted them though & dismissed others).
As for “most promising young cores”, I await acceptance of my “yocomofo”: young core moving forward.
The survey shows the Western Conference at Golden State 38%, Houston 29%, OKC 14%, Utah 11%, Lakers 3%, Denver and New Orleans 2%.
Oladipo reported to the Indianapolis Star that he really enjoys playing with Evans because he can play off the ball, and can’t be double teamed any more. The Pacers say evans and Oladipo will both be on the floor for the 4th quarter of games this year. Evans says he wants to be the 6th man. He said he averaged 19 ppg. in New Orleans, heck ya he wants to play with the bench.
I’m wrong. Portland and San Antonio were at 2% and Denver was at 1%.