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.

Dirk Nowitzki

Who is the best international player in the NBA? Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas 61.9% Pau Gasol, Memphis 23.8% Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento 14.3%

Dejan Bodiroga

Who is the best international player not in the NBA? Dejan Bodiroga, Serbia & Montenegro 31.6% Sarunas Jasikevicius, Lithuania 26.3% Luis Scola, Argentina 15.8% Arvydas Sabonis, Lithuania 10.5% Others receiving votes: David Andersen, Australia; Fabricio Oberto, Argentina; Kosta Perovic, Serbia & Montenegro

Andres Nocioni

Which international rookie is most ready to contribute this season? Andres Nocioni, Chicago 41.2% Carlos Delfino, Detroit 17.6% Andres Biedrins, Golden State 11.8% Beno Udrih, San Antonio 11.8% Sasha Vujacic, L.A. Lakers 11.8% Others receiving votes: Pavel Podkolzin, Dallas

Peja Stojakovic

Which player is the best pure shooter in the NBA? Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento 47.6% Ray Allen, Seattle 28.6% Brent Barry, San Antonio 4.8% Allan Houston, New York 4.8% Tracy McGrady, Houston 4.8% Michael Redd, Milwaukee 4.8% Others receiving votes: Richard Hamilton, Detroit; Reggie Miller, Indiana

Mehmet Okur

Which international player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2004-05? Mehmet Okur, Detroit 14.3% Mickael Pietrus, Golden State 14.3% Primoz Brezec, Charlotte 9.5% Pau Gasol, Memphis 9.5% Nene, Denver 9.5% Andres Nocioni, Chicago 9.5% Manu Ginobili, San Antonio 7.1% Yao Ming, Houston 7.1% Others receiving votes: Carlos Arroyo, Utah; Boris Diaw, Atlanta; Gordan Giricek, Utah; Tony Parker, San Antonio; Darius Songaila, Sacramento