GM Survey

NBA GM Survey: 2018-19 edition

Look back at how NBA GMs viewed the league prior to the 2018-19 season.

The Warriors were the defending champions entering the 2018-19 season.

Look back at every NBA GM Survey since 2002.


Can the Golden State Warriors make it three straight and four out of five? The league’s decision-makers think so, though a few of them have left the door open for a new champ.

In the 17th annual NBA.com GM Survey, the Warriors are once again the overwhelming favorite to win the 2019 championship, just not quite as overwhelming a favorite as they were a year ago, when 93 percent of GMs picked them to repeat. With LeBron James moving to the Western Conference, the GMs have picked the Boston Celtics to return to The Finals after a seven-year absence, and there’s some belief out there that Boston can dethrone the champs.

The Celtics are led by the new “best head coach in the NBA,” have one of the league’s most promising young cores, and a star that one GM tabbed to win the MVP this season. But Kyrie Irving was just one of nine MVP candidates, the most in the history of the survey. There’s no consensus on the player GMs would most like to start a franchise either, with four different players receiving at least five votes on that question.

One of those four is LeBron James, who is entering his 16th season and his 13th season as the league’s best small forward, according to GMs. He also remains the player who forces coaches to make the most adjustments, the best passer, the best leader, the most versatile player, and the player with the best basketball IQ.

The GMs responded to 49 different questions about the best teams, players, coaches, fans, and offseason moves. General managers were not permitted to vote for their own team or personnel. Percentages are based on the pool of respondents to that particular question, rather than all 30 GMs.


PREDICTIONS

Which team will win the 2019 NBA Finals?

1. Golden State – 87%
2. Boston – 7%
3. Houston – 7%

> Last year: Golden State – 93%

Rank the top four teams in the Eastern Conference.

Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th %Total
1. Boston 90% 7% 38%
2. Toronto 10% 50% 33% 3% 26%
3. Philadelphia 33% 53% 7% 21%
4. Milwaukee 3% 7% 47% 7%
5. Indiana 3% 7% 33% 6%
6. Washington 3% 7% 2%
7. Miami 3% 0%

%Total = Percentage of total points (4 for 1st place vote, 3 for 2nd, 2 for 3rd, 1 for 4th)

Last year: 86 percent picked Cleveland to win the East.
Order after the Cavs was Boston, Washington, Toronto, Milwaukee and Charlotte/Miami.

Rank the top four teams in the Western Conference.

Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th %Total
1. Golden State 90% 7% 38%
2. Houston 10% 80% 7% 29%
3. Oklahoma City 7% 53% 17% 14%
4. Utah 3% 33% 34% 11%
5. L.A. Lakers 3% 21% 3%
T-6. Portland 17% 2%
T-6. San Antonio 3% 7% 2%
8. Denver 3% 3% 1%

%Total = Percentage of total points (4 for 1st place vote, 3 for 2nd, 2 for 3rd, 1 for 4th)

Last year: 97 percent picked Golden State to win the West.
Order after the Warriors was Houston, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Minnesota and Portland.


PLAYERS

Who will win the 2018-19 MVP?

1. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 30%
2. Kevin Durant, Golden State –27%
3. Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 17%
4. James Harden, Houston – 10%

> Also receiving votes: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee; Stephen Curry, Golden State; Kyrie Irving, Boston; Kawhi Leonard, Toronto; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City

> Last year: LeBron James – 50%

If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 30%
2. Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 23%
3. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 20%
4. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 17%
5. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 7%
6. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia – 3%

> Last year: Karl-Anthony Towns – 29%

Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?

1. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 60%
2. James Harden, Houston – 20%
3. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 10%
4. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 7%
5. Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 3%

> Last year: LeBron James – 48%

Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2018-19?

1. Jamal Murray, Denver – 20%
2. Brandon Ingram, L.A. Lakers – 10%
3. Jayson Tatum, Boston – 10%
T-4. Aaron Gordon, Orlando – 7%
T-4. Kyle Kuzma, L.A. Lakers – 7%
T-4. Kawhi Leonard, Toronto – 7%
T-4. Lauri Markkanen, Chicago – 7%
T-4. Dejounte Murray, San Antonio – 7%
T-4. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Markelle Fultz, Philadelphia; Donovan Mitchell, Utah; Kelly Oubre Jr., Washington; Josh Richardson, Miami; Dennis Smith Jr., Dallas; Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota

> Last year: Karl-Anthony Towns – 21%

Who is the best point guard in the NBA?

1. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 57%
2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 17%
T-3. Kyrie Irving, Boston – 10%
T-3. Chris Paul, Houston – 10%
5. James Harden, Houston – 7%

> Last year: Stephen Curry – 62%

Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?

1. James Harden, Houston – 73%
2. Klay Thompson, Golden State – 10%
3. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Devin Booker, Phoenix; Paul George, Oklahoma City; Victor Oladipo, Indiana

> Last year: James Harden – 83%

Who is the best small forward in the NBA?

1. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 57%
2. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 40%
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 3%

> Last year: LeBron James – 61%

Who is the best power forward in the NBA?

1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 37%
2. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 33%
3. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 17%
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 10%
5. LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio – 3%

> Last year: Anthony Davis – 41%

Who is the best center in the NBA?

1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 40%
2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia – 33%
3. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee; DeMarcus Cousins, Golden State; Andre Drummond, Detroit; Marc Gasol, Memphis; Al Horford, Boston; Nikola Jokic, Denver

> Last year: Karl-Anthony Towns – 28%


OFFSEASON MOVES

Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?
1. L.A. Lakers – 70%
2. Toronto – 20%

> Also receiving votes: Dallas, Indiana, Oklahoma City

> Last year: Oklahoma City – 43%

Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?

1. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 97%
2. Kawhi Leonard, Toronto – 3%

> Last year: Paul George – 59%

What was the most underrated player acquisition?

1. Tyreke Evans, Indiana – 13%
T-2. DeMar DeRozan, San Antonio – 10%
T-2. Jabari Parker, Chicago – 10%
T-2. Julius Randle, New Orleans – 10%
T-2. Dennis Schroder, Oklahoma City – 10%
T-6. Trevor Ariza, Phoenix – 7%
T-6. DeMarcus Cousins, Golden State – 7%
T-6. Isaiah Thomas, Denver – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Avery Bradley, LA Clippers; Ed Davis, Brooklyn; Luka Doncic, Dallas; DeAndre Jordan, Dallas; Brook Lopez, Milwaukee; Luc Mbah a Moute, LA Clippers; De’Anthony Melton, Phoenix; Jakob Poeltl, San Antonio

> Last year: Paul Millsap – 24%

Which team will be most improved in 2018-19?

1. L.A. Lakers – 80%
T-2. Dallas – 7%
T-2.. Phoenix – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Chicago, Orlando

> Last year: Minnesota – 69%

What was the most surprising move of the offseason?

1. DeMarcus Cousins to Golden State – 35%
2. Kawhi Leonard – DeMar DeRozan trade – 29%
3. Paul George staying in Oklahoma City – 19%
4. Jimmy Butler trade request – 6%

> Also receiving votes: Carmelo Anthony to Houston; LeBron James to L.A.; DeAndre Jordan to Dallas

> Last year: Boston-Cleveland trade – 45%


ROOKIES & INTERNATIONAL

No. 3 overall pick Luka Doncic was the favorite to win Rookie of the Year.

Who will win the 2018-19 Rookie of the Year?

1. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 43%
T-2. Marvin Bagley III, Sacramento – 17%
T-2. Wendell Carter Jr., Chicago – 17%
4.DeAndre Ayton, Phoenix – 13%

> Also receiving votes: Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis; Kevin Knox, New York; Collin Sexton, Cleveland

> Last year: Lonzo Ball – 62%

Which rookie will be the best player in five years?

T-1. DeAndre Ayton, Phoenix – 27%
T-1. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis – 27%
3. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 17%
T-4. Marvin Bagley III, Sacramento – 13%
T-4. Kevin Knox, New York – 13%
6. Wendell Carter Jr., Chicago – 3%

> Last year: Josh Jackson – 24%

Which rookie was the biggest steal at where he was selected in the Draft?

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (11), LA Clippers – 27%
2. Svi Mykhailiuk (47), L.A. Lakers – 13%
3. Wendell Carter Jr. (7), Chicago – 10%
4. Michael Porter Jr. (14), Denver – 10%
5. Gary Trent Jr. (37), Portland – 10%
6. Luka Doncic (3), Dallas – 7%
7. Kevin Knox (9), New York – 7%

> Also receiving votes: DeAndre Ayton (1), Phoenix; Kevin Huerter (19), Atlanta; Omari Spellman (30), Atlanta; Moritz Wagner (25), L.A. Lakers; Lonnie Walker IV (18), San Antonio

> Last year: Dennis Smith Jr. – 37%

Who is the best international player in the NBA?

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 73%
2. Kristaps Porzingis, New York – 10%
T-3. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 7%
T-3. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 7%
4. Marc Gasol, Memphis – 3%

> Last year: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 69%

Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA?

1. Sergio Llull – 39%
2. Nando de Colo – 29%
3. Alexey Shved – 14%
4. Jan Veseley – 7%

> Also receiving votes: R.J. Barrett, Andrew Bogut, Nicolo Melli

> Last year: Luka Doncic – 69%


DEFENSE

Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
1. Rudy Gobert, Utah – 37%
2. Kawhi Leonard, Toronto – 37%
3. Draymond Green, Golden State – 17%
4. Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 7%
5. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 3%

> Last year: Kawhi Leonard – 62%

Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
1. Kawhi Leonard, Toronto – 60%
2. Jimmy Butler, Minnesota – 7%
3. Draymond Green, Golden State – 7%
4. Victor Oladipo, Indiana – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee; Avery Bradley, LA Clippers; Kevin Durant, Golden State; Jrue Holiday, New Orleans; Andre Roberson, Oklahoma City; Klay Thompson, Golden State

> Last year: Kawhi Leonard – 72%

Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?

1. Rudy Gobert, Utah – 80%
2. Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 10%

> Also receiving votes: Draymond Green, Golden State; Dwight Howard, Washington; DeAndre Jordan, Dallas

> Last year: Rudy Gobert – 66%

Who is the most versatile defender in the NBA?

1. Draymond Green, Golden State – 53%
2. Kawhi Leonard, Toronto – 30%
3. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee; Jimmy Butler, Minnesota; Marcus Smart, Boston

> Last year: N/A

Which is the best defensive team in the NBA?

1. Utah – 45%
2. Boston – 34%
3. Golden State – 17%
4. Oklahoma City – 3%

> Last year: Golden State – 55%


COACHES

Who is the best head coach in the NBA?

1. Brad Stevens, Boston – 47%
2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 30%
T-3. Mike D’Antoni, Houston – 7%
T-3. Steve Kerr, Golden State – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Rick Carlisle, Dallas; Quin Snyder, Utah; Terry Stotts, Portland

> Last year: Gregg Popovich – 82%

Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people?

1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 47%
2. Steve Kerr, Golden State – 20%
3. Brad Stevens, Boston – 17%
4. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Brett Brown, Philadelphia; Dwane Casey, Detroit; Doc Rivers, LA Clippers

> Last year: Gregg Popovich – 62%

Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?

1. Brad Stevens, Boston – 53%
2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 13%
T-3. Rick Carlisle, Dallas – 10%
T-3. Quin Snyder, Utah – 10%
T-5. Doc Rivers, LA Clippers – 7%
T-5. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 7%

> Last year: Rick Carlisle – 34%

Which head coach runs the best offense?

1. Steve Kerr, Golden State – 40%
2. Mike D’Antoni, Houston – 23%
3. Brad Stevens, Boston – 20%
4. Quin Snyder, Utah – 13%
5. Terry Stotts, Portland – 3%

> Last year: Steve Kerr – 59%

Which head coach has the best defensive schemes?

1. Quin Snyder, Utah – 33%
2. Brad Stevens, Boston – 30%
3. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 13%
T-4. Steve Kerr, Golden State – 7%
T-4. Tom Thibodeau, Minnesota – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Steve Clifford, Orlando; Nate McMillan, Indiana; Erik Spoelstra, Miami

> Last year: Gregg Popovich – 41%

Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?

1. Ron Adams, Golden State – 17%
2. Ettore Messina, San Antonio – 13%
T-3. Dan Burke, Indiana – 7%
T-3. Chris Finch, New Orleans – 7%
T-3. Adrian Griffin, Toronto – 7%
T-3. Jay Larranaga, Boston – 7%
T-3. Jay Triano, Charlotte – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Jim Boylan; Mike Brown, Golden State; Darren Erman, New Orleans; Tim Grgurich, Detroit; Steve Hetzel, Orlando; Alex Jensen, Utah; Roy Rogers, Houston; Stephen Silas, Charlotte; Ime Udoka, San Antonio; David Vanterpool, Portland; Monty Williams, Philadelphia

> Last year: Ron Adams – 21%

Which active player will make the best head coach someday?

1. Chris Paul, Houston – 25%
2. C.J. McCollum, Portland – 7%
3. Jameer Nelson – 7%
4. Rajon Rondo, L.A. Lakers – 7%
5. Garrett Temple, Memphis – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Steven Adams, Oklahoma City; J.J. Barea, Dallas; Vince Carter, Atlanta; Mike Conley, Memphis; Jared Dudley, Brooklyn; Manu Ginobili; Jarrett Jack, New Orleans; Kyle Korver, Cleveland; Wesley Matthews, Dallas; T.J. McConnell, Philadelphia; J.J. Redick, Philadelphia; Fred VanVleet, Toronto; Kemba Walker, Charlotte

> Last year: Chris Paul – 39%


MISECELLANEOUS

Which team is the most fun to watch?

1. Golden State – 60%
2. Boston – 17%
T-3. Houston – 7%
T-3. Philadelphia – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Denver, Milwaukee, Utah

> Last year: Golden State – 90%

Which team has the best home-court advantage?

1. Golden State – 50%
2. Utah – 27%
3. Denver – 13%

> Also receiving votes: Boston, Oklahoma City, Toronto

> Last year: Golden State – 76%

Which team has the most promising young core?

1. Philadelphia – 47%
2. Boston – 33%
T-3. Chicago – 7%
T-3. Phoenix – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Denver, Utah

> Last year: N/A

Which player is the most athletic?

1. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 48%
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 14%
3. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 10%
4. Donovan Mitchell, Utah – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Aaron Gordon, Orlando; James Harden, Houston; Derrick Jones Jr., Miami; Zach LaVine, Chicago; Victor Oladipo, Indiana; Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota

> Last year: Russell Westbrook – 62%

Which player is the best pure shooter?

1. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 73%
2. Klay Thompson, Golden State – 20%

> Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant, Golden State; Kyrie Irving, Boston

> Last year: Stephen Curry – 71%

Which player is the fastest with the ball?

1. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 50%
2. John Wall, Washington – 33%
3. Kyrie Irving, Boston – 7%

> Also receiving votes: De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento; Victor Oladipo, Indiana; Ish Smith, Detroit

> Last year: John Wall – 48%

Which player is best at moving without the ball?

1. Klay Thompson, Golden State – 53%
2. JJ Redick, Philadelphia – 23%
3. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 13%
4. Kyle Korver, Cleveland – 7%
5. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 3%

> Last year: Klay Thompson – 61%

Which player is the best passer?

1. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 50%
2. Chris Paul, Houston – 17%
3. Rajon Rondo, L.A. Lakers – 7%
4. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia – 7%
5. John Wall, Washington – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Lonzo Ball, L.A. Lakers; Stephen Curry, Golden State; James Harden, Houston; Ricky Rubio, Utah

> Last year: LeBron James – 36%

What bench player makes the biggest impact when he enters the game?

1. Lou Williams, LA Clippers – 41%
2. Eric Gordon, Houston – 28%
3. Andre Iguodala, Golden State – 10%
T-4. Terry Rozier, Boston – 7%
T-4. Marcus Smart, Boston – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Will Barton, Denver; Fred VanVleet, Toronto

> Last year: Andre Iguodala – 41%

Who is the toughest player in the NBA?

1. Steven Adams, Oklahoma City – 33%
2. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 13%
3. Marcus Smart, Boston – 13%
4. Draymond Green, Golden State – 10%
5. James Johnson, Miami – 10%

> Also receiving votes: Aron Baynes, Boston; Patrick Beverley, LA Clippers; Jimmy Butler, Minnesota; Chris Paul, Houston; P.J. Tucker, Houston; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City

> Last year: Steven Adams, Draymond Green, Kawhi Leonard – 14%

Which player is the best leader?

1. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 30%
2. Chris Paul, Houston – 27%
3. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 23%
4. Al Horford, Boston – 7%
5. Damian Lillard, Portland – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Udonis Haslem, Miami; Kemba Walker, Charlotte

> Last year: LeBron James – 43%

Who is the most versatile player in the NBA?

1. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 63%
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 20%
3. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 13%
4. Draymond Green, Golden State – 3%

> Last year: LeBron James – 55%

Which player has the best basketball IQ?

1. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 70%
2. Chris Paul, Houston – 17%
3. Rajon Rondo, L.A. Lakers – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Stephen Curry, Golden State; Al Horford, Boston

> Last year: LeBron James – 64%

Which player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?

1. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 40%
2. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 27%
3. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 17%
4. Kyrie Irving, Boston – 10%
5. James Harden, Houston – 7%

> Last year: Stephen Curry – 55%

What rule (regarding play, Draft/Lottery, playoff format, etc.) most needs to change?

1. Playoff seeding (1-16) – 18%
2. Draft Lottery odds/system – 14%
3. Schedule (fewer games) – 11%
4. Draft combine process – 7%
5. Draft medical info – 7%
6. Draft eligibility (one-and-done rule) – 7%
7. Replay length – 7%

> Also receiving votes: Block/charge review; Draft after free agency; Enforce discontinued dribble; Enforce no advance after dribble; Intentional fouling; Number of timeouts; Training-camp roster size; Two-way contract days of service; Two-minute report

> Last year: Playoff seeding – 27%


Complete NBA GM Survey History

Latest