Despite the crazy schedule and all the mess created by the NBA lockout, NBA.com was still able to find time to conduct their 10th annual survey of NBA General Managers.
The survey consists of 57 questions that ask things like “Who will win the NBA Championship?” or “Who will be the MVP?” Pretty much anything a sports writer would have to answer in a preseason analysis. GMs aren’t allowed to vote for their own teams, players or coaches. Not surprisingly, they think a lot like we do.
You can check out the answers to all the questions, but I’m just going to hit on some of the high points.
Most of the GMs think it will be Miami and Oklahoma City meeting in the NBA finals, with the Heat coming out on top. If you remember our Crossover Chronicles preseason roundtable, that seemed to be the pretty trendy pick. Other teams receiving votes were the Bulls and Lakers, and some GMs thought we might see the Spurs or Trail Blazers in the finals from the West.
All the GMs think it will come down to Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James for the Most Valuable Player award with Durant just barely edging out LeBron to grab his first MVP. Those two also tied for first for the question “If you were starting a franchise and could sign any player, who would it be?” Although surprisingly enough, James crushed Durant in the question “Who is the best small forward in the NBA?”
If the GMs were putting together a starting five, it looks like it would be Derrick Rose, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki and Dwight Howard. Anyone have a problem with that? I don’t.
Dwight Howard swept all the categories about defense and centers. He was also voted the player that forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments.
The GMs thought the Chris Paul trade to the Clippers was the biggest offseason move and was going to make the biggest impact. So far, there’s not much evidence to disagree with that.
Kyrie Irving seems to be the majority pick for the Rookie of the Year.
When it came to the best coach, the GMs seem to really think highly of Gregg Popovich in San Antonio, calling him the best coach, the best motivator and the coach who makes the best in-game adjustments.
Looking down this survey, there’s nothing that’s really going to shock you, but it is cool to look at how the General Managers view all the teams, players and coaches in the league. It’s definitely worth a look.
