The Celtics were the reigning champs entering the 2008-09 season.
Look back at every NBA GM Survey since 2002.
PREDICTIONS
Which team will win NBA Finals 2009?
1. L.A. Lakers – 46.2%
2. Boston – 19.2%
3. New Orleans – 11.5%
T-4. Houston – 7.7%
T-4. San Antonio – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic
Which team will win the Eastern Conference?
1. Boston – 74.1%
T-2. Cleveland – 11.1%
T-2. Detroit – 11.1%
4. Orlando – 3.7%
Which team will win the Western Conference?
1. L.A. Lakers – 66.7%
2. New Orleans – 18.5%
T-3. Houston – 7.4%
T-3. San Antonio – 7.4%
Which team will win the Atlantic Division?
1. Boston – 85.2%
2. Philadelphia – 11.1%
3. Toronto – 3.7%
Which team will win the Central Division?
1. Detroit – 55.6%
2. Cleveland — 44.4%
Which team will win the Southeast Division?
1. Orlando – 96.3%
2. Washington – 3.7%
Which team will win the Southwest Division?
1. New Orleans – 37.0%
2. Houston – 29.6%
3. San Antonio – 29.6%
4. Dallas – 3.7%
Which team will win the Northwest Division?
1. Utah – 92.6%
2. Portland Trail– 7.4%
Which team will win the Pacific Division?
1. L.A. Lakers — 100%
PLAYERS
LeBron James entered the 2008-09 season as the MVP favorite.
Who will win the 2008-09 MVP?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 55.6%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 37.0%
3. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 7.4%
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 66.7%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 18.5%
3. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 11.1%
4. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 3.7%
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 63.0%
2. LeBron James, Cleveland – 25.9%
3. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 7.4%
4. Kevin Garnett, Boston – 3.7%
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2008-09?
1. Andrew Bynum, L.A. Lakers – 18.5%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 11.1%
T-3. Rudy Gay, Memphis – 7.4%
T-3. Rodney Stuckey, Detroit – 7.4%
T-3. Al Thornton, LA Clippers – 7.4%
T-3. Marvin Williams, Atlanta – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Elton Brand, Philadelphia; Rudy Fernandez, Portland; T.J. Ford, Indiana; Randy Foye, Minnesota; Danny Granger, Indiana; Jeff Green, Oklahoma City; Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia; Greg Oden, Portland; Brandon Roy, Portland; Lou Williams, Philadelphia; Yao Ming, Houston
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
1. Chris Paul, New Orleans– 88.9%
> Also receiving votes: Jason Kidd, Dallas; Steve Nash, Phoenix; Deron Williams, Utah
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers — 92.6%
> Also receiving votes: Ray Allen, Boston; Dwyane Wade, Miami
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 92.6%
> Also receiving votes: Carmelo Anthony, Denver; Paul Pierce, Boston
Who is the best power forward in the NBA?
1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 51.9%
2. Kevin Garnett, Boston – 25.9%
3. Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix – 11.1%
4. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 7.4%
5. Dwight Howard, Orlando — 3.7%
Who is the best center in the NBA?
1. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 55.6%
2. Yao Ming, Houston – 25.9%
3. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 18.5%
OFFSEASON MOVES
Which team made the best overall moves?
1. Philadelphia – 51.9%
2. Houston – 18.5%
T-3. Cleveland – 7.4%
T-3. LA Clippers – 7.4%
T-3. Milwaukee – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: New Orleans, Portland
Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?
1. Elton Brand, Philadelphia – 66.7%
2. Ron Artest, Houston – 22.2%
> Also receiving votes: Baron Davis, LA Clippers; Richard Jefferson, Milwaukee; Jermaine O’Neal, Miami
What was the most underrated player acquisition?
1. James Posey, New Orleans – 22.2%
2. Rudy Fernandez, Portland – 11.1%
T-3. Mickael Pietrus, Orlando – 7.4%
T-3. Mo Williams, Cleveland – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Ron Artest, Houston; Brent Barry, Houston; Elton Brand, Philadelphia; Marcus Camby, LA Clippers; Baron Davis, LA Clippers; DeSagana Diop, Dallas; Chris Duhon, New York; Maurice Evans, Atlanta; Richard Jefferson, Milwaukee; James Jones, Miami; Desmond Mason, Oklahoma City; Joe Smith, Oklahoma City; Roger Mason, San Antonio; Jermaine O’Neal, Miami
Which team will be most improved in 2008-09?
1. Miami – 25.9%
2. Portland – 25.9%
T-3. Milwaukee – 14.8%
T-3. Philadelphia – 14.8%
5. Oklahoma City – 11.1%
> Also receiving votes: Charlotte, Houston
What was the most surprising move of the offseason?
1. Elton Brand, Philadelphia – 30.0%
2. Marcus Camby, LA Clippers – 24.0%
3. Baron Davis, LA Clippers – 22.0%
4. Ron Artest, Houston – 12.0%
> Also receiving votes: Mike Miller, Minnesota
ROOKIES
Who will win the 2008-09 Rookie of the Year?
1. Michael Beasley, Miami – 48.1%
2. Greg Oden, Portland – 29.6%
3. O.J. Mayo, Memphis – 11.1%
> Also receiving votes: Kevin Love, Minnesota; Anthony Randolph, Golden State; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
Which rookie will be the best player in five years?
1. Greg Oden, Portland – 30.8%
2. Michael Beasley, Miami – 23.1%
3. Derrick Rose, Chicago – 23.1%
T-4. Anthony Randolph, Golden State – 7.7%
T-4. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Jerryd Bayless, Portland; O.J. Mayo, Memphis
Which rookie is the most athletic?
1. Derrick Rose, Chicago – 33.3%
2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 25.9%
3. Joe Alexander, Milwaukee – 18.5%
4. Anthony Randolph, Golden State – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Jerryd Bayless, Portland; Goran Dragic, Phoenix; DeAndre Jordan, LA Clippers; Courtney Lee, Orlando
Which international rookie is most ready to contribute this season?
1. Rudy Fernandez, Portland – 51.9%
2. Danilo Gallinari, New York – 37.0%
> Also receiving votes: Alexis Ajinca, Charlotte; Goran Dragic, Phoenix; Marc Gasol, Memphis
Which rookie is most likely to be a “sleeper” success?
1. J.J. Hickson, Cleveland – 20.0%
T-2. Courtney Lee, Orlando – 12.0%
T-2. Robin Lopez, Phoenix – 12.0%
T-4. Mario Chalmers, Miami – 8.0%
T-4. Rudy Fernandez, Portland – 8.0%
T-4. Anthony Randolph, Golden State – 8.0%
> Also receiving votes: Ryan Anderson, New Jersey; Darrell Arthur, Memphis; Jerryd Bayless, Portland; Eric Gordon, LA Clippers; DeAndre Jordan, LA Clippers; Brandon Rush, Indiana; Marreese Speights, Philadelphia
DEFENSE
Kevin Garnett brought an unmatched defensive intensity to the Celtics.
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
1. Kevin Garnett, Boston – 44.4%
2. Ron Artest, Houston – 22.2%
3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 11.1%
T-4. Bruce Bowen, San Antonio – 7.4%
T-4. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Marcus Camby, LA Clippers; Tyson Chandler, New Orleans
Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
1. Bruce Bowen, San Antonio – 44.4%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 25.9%
3. Ron Artest, Houston – 14.8%
> Also receiving votes: Shane Battier, Houston; Raja Bell, Phoenix; James Posey, New Orleans; Tayshaun Prince, Detroit
Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?
1. Kevin Garnett, Boston – 40.7%
T-2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 18.5%
T-2. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 18.5%
T-4. Marcus Camby, LA Clippers – 7.4%
T-4. Tyson Chandler, New Orleans – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: DeSagana Diop, Dallas; Josh Smith, Atlanta
Who is the best on-the-ball defender in the NBA?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 26.9%
T-2. Ron Artest, Houston – 19.2%
T-2. Bruce Bowen, San Antonio – 19.2%
T-2. Rajon Rondo, Boston – 19.2%
> Also receiving votes: Devin Harris, New Jersey; Kirk Hinrich, Chicago; Josh Howard, Dallas; Mickael Pietrus, Orlando
Which player best defends the passing lanes in the NBA?
1. Allen Iverson, Denver – 26.9%
T-2. Trevor Ariza, L.A. Lakers – 11.5%
T-2. Caron Butler, Washington – 11.5%
T-4. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 7.7%
T-4. LeBron James, Cleveland – 7.7%
T-4. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Ron Artest, Houston; Leandro Barbosa, Phoenix; Baron Davis, LA Clippers; Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia; Kevin Martin, Sacramento; James Posey, New Orleans; Rajon Rondo, Boston
INTERNATIONAL
Who is the best international player in the NBA?
1. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 66.7%
2. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio – 18.5%
3. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 11.1%
4. Yao Ming, Houston – 3.7%
Which international player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2008-09?
1. Rudy Fernandez, Portland – 32.0%
2. Andrea Bargnani, Toronto – 16.0%
3. Marco Belinelli, Golden State– 12.0%
4. Jose Calderon, Toronto – 8.0%
> Also receiving votes: Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee; Danilo Gallinari, New York; Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers; Nenê, Thabo, Denver; Sefolosha, Chicago; Sasha Vujacic, L.A. Lakers; Yao Ming, Houston; Yi Jianlian, New Jersey
Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA?
1. Ricky Rubio – 57.7%
T-2. Juan Carlos Navarro – 7.7%
T-2. Tiago Splitter – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Dimitrios Diamantidis, Jorge Garbajosa, Nenad Krstic, Bostjan Nachbar, Theo Papaloukas, Fran Vazquez, Nikola Vujicic
COACHES
Who is the best head coach in the NBA?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 53.8%
2. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers – 23.1%
3. Jerry Sloan, Utah – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Rick Adelman, Houston; Rick Carlisle, Dallas; Nate McMillan, Portland; Stan Van Gundy, Orlando
Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people?
1. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers – 44.0%
2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 28.0%
3. Doc Rivers, Boston – 12.0%
4. Nate McMillan, Portland – 8.0%
> Also receiving votes: Rick Adelman, Houston; Jerry Sloan, Utah
Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 28.0%
2. Larry Brown, Charlotte – 20.0%
3. Rick Carlisle, Dallas – 12.0%
T-4. Eddie Jordan, Washington – 8.0%
T-4. Don Nelson, Golden State – 8.0%
T-4. Doc Rivers, Boston – 8.0%
T-4. Jerry Sloan, Utah – 8.0%
> Also receiving votes: Rick Adelman, Houston; Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers
Which head coach is the best in the last two minutes of a close game?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 45.8%
2. Larry Brown, Charlotte – 12.5%
T-3. Rick Adelman, Houston – 8.3%
T-3. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers – 8.3%
T-3. Jerry Sloan, Utah – 8.3%
> Also receiving votes: Mike Dunleavy, LA Clippers; Byron Scott, New Orleans; Scott Skiles, Milwaukee; Stan Van Gundy, Orlando
Which coach runs the best offense?
1. Mike D’Antoni, Phoenix– 53.8%
T-2. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers – 19.2%
T-2. Jerry Sloan, Utah – 19.2%
> Also receiving votes: Don Nelson, Golden State; Byron Scott, New Orleans
Which coach has the best defensive schemes?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 50.0%
2. Doc Rivers, Boston – 30.8%
3. Jerry Sloan, Utah – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Mike Brown, Cleveland; Sam Mitchell, Toronto; Stan Van Gundy, Orlando
Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?
1. Tom Thibodeau, Boston Celtics – 41.7%
2. Del Harris, Chicago Bulls – 20.8%
3. Tim Grgurich, Denver Nuggets — 12.5%
> Also receiving votes: Bernie Bickerstaff, Chicago; Mike Budenholzer, San Antonio; Tyrone Corbin, Utah; Frank Hamblen, L.A. Lakers; Keith Smart, Golden State; Elston Turner, Houston
Which active player will make the best head coach someday?
1. Eric Snow- 24.0%
2. Sam Cassell – 16.0%
3. Derek Fisher – 12.0%
T-4. Darrell Armstrong – 8.0%
T-4. Steve Nash – 8.0%
T-4. Jacque Vaughn – 8.0%
> Also receiving votes: Shane Battier, Raja Bell, Luol Deng, Keyon Dooling, Chris Paul, Kurt Thomas
MISCELLANEOUS
Which team will be the most fun to watch?
1. New Orleans – 26.9%
2. Portland – 23.1%
T-3. Golden State – 11.5%
T-3. L.A. Lakers – 11.5%
5. New York – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Boston, Houston, Miami, Philadelphia, Phoenix
Which team has the best home-court advantage?
1. Utah– 44.4%
2. Boston – 25.9%
3. L.A. Lakers – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Dallas, Detroit, Golden State, Miami, Portland, San Antonio
Which player is the most athletic?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland– 59.3%
2. Josh Smith, Atlanta – 22.2%
> Also receiving votes: Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Shawn Marion, Phoenix; Jamario Moon, Toronto; Dwyane Wade, Miami; Gerald Wallace, Charlotte
Which player is the best pure shooter?
1. Ray Allen, Boston – 61.1%
2. Jason Kapono, Toronto– 14.8%
3. Peja Stojakovic, New Orleans– 9.3%
T-4. Kyle Korver, Utah – 7.4%
T-4. Michael Redd, Milwaukee – 7.4%
Which player is the fastest with the ball?
NBA GMs were well aware of Chris Paul’s talents.
1. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 37.0%
2. Tony Parker, San Antonio – 18.5%
3. T.J. Ford, Indiana – 14.8%
4. Leandro Barbosa, Phoenix – 11.1%
5. Allen Iverson, Denver – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Monta Ellis, Golden State; Jason Kidd, Dallas; Rajon Rondo, Boston
Which player is best at moving without the ball?
1. Richard Hamilton, Detroit – 76.9%
2. Ray Allen, Boston – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Caron Butler, Washington; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Paul Pierce, Boston
Which player is the best at getting his own shot?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 81.5%
2. Tracy McGrady, Houston – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Ben Gordon, Chicago; LeBron James, Cleveland
Which player is the best offensive rebounder?
1. Tyson Chandler, New Orleans– 38.5%
2. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 30.8%
3. Reggie Evans, Philadelphia – 11.5%
> Also receiving votes: Carlos Boozer, Utah; Elton Brand, Philadelphia; Jeff Foster, Indiana; Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers; Luis Scola, Houston
Which player is the best passer?
1. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 44.4%
2. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 33.3%
3. Jason Kidd, Dallas – 18.5%
4. Deron Williams, Utah – 3.7%
Which player is the best in the open court?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 37.0%
2. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 22.2%
T-3. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 11.1%
T-3. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 11.1%
5. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Jason Kidd, Dallas; Deron Williams, Utah
Who is the best finisher?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 63.0%
T-2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 7.4%
T-2. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 7.4%
T-2. Tony Parker, San Antonio – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Shawn Marion, Phoenix; Josh Smith, Atlanta; Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix; Dwyane Wade, Miami
Which player does the most with the least?
1. Bruce Bowen, San Antonio – 12.5%
T-2. Reggie Evans, Philadelphia – 8.3%
T-2. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 8.3%
T-2. Fabricio Oberto, San Antonio – 8.3%
T-2. Mehmet Okur, Utah – 8.3%
T-2. Luke Walton, L.A. Lakers – 8.3%
> Also receiving votes: Shane Battier, Houston; Carlos Boozer, Utah; Udonis Haslem, Miami; LeBron James, Cleveland; Andre Miller, Paul Millsap, Philadelphia; Kendrick Perkins, Boston; Luis Scola, Houston; Robert Swift, Oklahoma City; Kurt Thomas, San Antonio; David West, New Orleans
Who is the toughest player in the NBA?
1. Ron Artest, Houston – 37.0%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 14.8%
T-3. Matt Harpring, Utah – 7.4%
T-3. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 7.4%
5. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio – 5.6%
> Also receiving votes: Raja Bell, Phoenix; Bruce Bowen, San Antonio; Joey Dorsey, Houston; Kevin Garnett, Boston; Allen Iverson, Denver; Kenyon Martin, Denver; Andres Nocioni, Sacramento; Ben Wallace, Cleveland
Which player is the best leader?
1. Kevin Garnett, Boston – 51.9%
T-2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 11.1%
T-2. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 11.1%
T-2. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 11.1%
5. Jason Kidd, Dallas – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Derek Fisher, L.A. Lakers; LeBron James, Cleveland
Which player in the NBA would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers — 88.9%
> Also receiving votes: Gilbert Arenas, Washington; LeBron James, Cleveland; Paul Pierce, Boston
