NBA.com posed these questions and more to the league's general managers, and nearly all of the GM's responded to our survey.* Here's what the guys who call the shots think will transpire this season.

Gregg Popovich

Who is the best head coach in the NBA? 1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio 73.1% 2. Jerry Sloan, Utah 15.4% Others receiving votes: Mike D'Antoni, Phoenix; Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers; Scott Skiles, Chicago Last year's pick: Pat Riley

Gregg Popovich

Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people? 1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio 36.5% 2. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers 15.4% Pat Riley, Miami 15.4% 4. Mike D'Antoni, Phoenix 9.6% 5. Don Nelson, Golden State 7.7% Others receiving votes: Mike Brown, Cleveland; Avery Johnson, Dallas; Byron Scott, New Orleans; Jerry Sloan, Utah Last year's pick: Pat Riley

Gregg Popovich

Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments? 1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio 26.9% 2. Don Nelson, Golden State 19.2% Scott Skiles, Chicago 19.2% 4. Jerry Sloan, Utah 11.5% 5. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers 7.7% Pat Riley, Miami 7.7% Others receiving votes: Mike D'Antoni, Phoenix; Lawrence Frank, New Jersey Last year's pick: Gregg Popovich

Gregg Popovich

Which head coach is the best in the last two minutes of a close game? 1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio 34.6% 2. Pat Riley, Miami 15.4% 3. Don Nelson, Golden State 11.5% Scott Skiles, Chicago 11.5% 5. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers 7.7% Jerry Sloan, Utah 7.7% Others receiving votes: Rick Adelman, Houston; Eddie Jordan, Washington; George Karl, Denver Last year's pick: Pat Riley

Mike D'Antoni

Which coach runs the best offense? 1. Mike D'Antoni, Phoenix 73.1% 2. Jerry Sloan, Utah 7.7% Others receiving votes: Rick Adelman, Houston; Don Nelson, Golden State; Pat Riley, Miami; Flip Saunders, Detroit; Scott Skiles, Chicago Last year's pick: N/A

Gregg Popovich

Which coach has the best defensive schemes? 1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio 65.4% 2. Jerry Sloan, Utah 15.4% 3. Scott Skiles, Chicago 11.5% Others receiving votes: Mike Brown, Cleveland; Pat Riley, Miami Last year's pick: N/A

Phil Johnson

Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA? 1. Phil Johnson, Utah 26.9% 2. Tim Grgurich, Denver 11.5% 3. Hank Egan, Cleveland 7.7% Del Harris 7.7% Terry Porter, Detroit 7.7% Tom Thibodeau, Boston 7.7% Others receiving votes: Ron Adams, Chicago; Dean Demopoulos, Portland; Chip Engelland, San Antonio; Armond Hill, Boston; Brian Hill, New Jersey; Kim Hughes, L.A. Clippers; John Kuester, Cleveland; Chuck Person, Sacramento Last year's pick: Del Harris

Eric Snow

Which active player will make the best head coach someday? 1. Eric Snow, Cleveland 34.6% 2. Steve Nash, Phoenix 11.5% 3. Darrell Armstrong, New Jersey 7.7% Raja Bell, Phoenix 7.7% Sam Cassell, L.A. Clippers 7.7% Derek Fisher, L.A. Lakers 7.7% Others receiving votes: Shane Battier, Houston; Bruce Bowen, San Antonio; Jason Kidd, New Jersey; Jacque Vaughn, San Antonio; Luke Walton, L.A. Lakers; Deron Williams, Utah Last year's pick: Steve Nash