NBA General Managers make their picks for 2004-05
GM Survey: Defense and Toughness

Oct. 29 -- In 2004-05, who will be the MVP? Rookie of the Year? Most improved team? And who's going to win it all?

NBA.com posed these questions and more to the league's general managers, and a high majority of the GM's responded to our survey.* Here's what the guys who call the shots think about the new season.



Ron Artest
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
Ron Artest, Indiana
38.1%
Ben Wallace, Detroit
33.3%
Tim Duncan, San Antonio
9.5%
9.5%
Theo Ratliff, Portland
9.5%



Ron Artest
Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
Ron Artest, Indiana
71.4%
Bruce Bowen, San Antonio
14.3%
Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers
4.8%
Trenton Hassell, Minnesota
4.8%
4.8%



Ben Wallace
Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?
Ben Wallace, Detroit
57.1%
Tim Duncan, San Antonio
19.0%
Theo Ratliff, Portland
19.0%
4.8%



Ron Artest
Who is the toughest player in the NBA?
Ron Artest, Indiana
33.3%
Ben Wallace, Detroit
28.6%
14.3%
Others receiving votes: Allen Iverson, Philadelphia; Mark Madsen, Minnesota; Karl Malone; Kenyon Martin, Denver; Kurt Thomas, New York



Brian Cardinal
Which player does the most with the least?
45.0%
Ben Wallace, Detroit
20.0%
Brad Miller, Sacramento
15.0%
Others receiving votes: Earl Boykins, Denver; Jeff Foster, Indiana; Steve Nash, Phoenix; Bo Outlaw, Memphis
RESULTS & SCHEDULE
Oct. 28: International
Oct. 30: Coaches
Nov. 1: Rookies
Nov. 4: MVP
Nov. 5: Championship
FAN SURVEY


(* - Percentages are based on the pool of respondents to the survey, rather than all 30 general managers.)