The Mavs were the reigning champs entering the 2011-12 season.
Look back at every NBA GM Survey since 2002.
The 2011 NBA offseason was unique, with free agency running concurrently with the start of training camps, which were abbreviated in order to start the season on Christmas Day. Once things settled down and general managers were able to step away from their phones for a bit, NBA.com conducted its 10th annual GM Survey.
Do the Dallas Mavericks have a shot at repeating as NBA champs, or even winning the Western Conference again? Is it time for Kevin Durant to win his first MVP award, or will LeBron James win his third? And if you were putting together an NBA franchise, which of the two is the player you’d most like to start with?
Those are just a few of the 57 questions NBA general managers responded to. See how their opinions compare to yours and if they got it right a year ago.
General managers were not permitted to vote for their own team or personnel. Percentages are based on the pool of respondents to each question of the survey, rather than all 30 GMs.
PREDICTIONS
Which team will win The 2012 NBA Finals?
1. Miami – 74.1%
2. Oklahoma City – 14.8%
3. L.A. Lakers – 7.4%
4. Chicago – 3.7%
> Last year: L.A. Lakers – 63.0%
Which team will win the Eastern Conference?
1. Miami – 96.3%
2. Chicago – 3.7%
> Last year: Miami – 70.4%
Which team will win the Western Conference?
1. Oklahoma City – 67.9%
2. L.A. Lakers – 17.9%
T-3. Portland – 7.1%
T-3. San Antonio – 7.1%
> Last year: L.A. Lakers – 96.4%
Which team will win the Atlantic Division?
1. Boston – 64.3%
2. Philadelphia – 21.4%
3. New York – 14.3%
> Last year: Boston – 100%
Which team will win the Central Division?
1. Chicago – 96.4%
2. Indiana – 3.6%
> Last year: Chicago – 82.1%
Which team will win the Southeast Division?
1. Miami – 96.3%
2. Orlando – 3.7%
> Last year: Miami – 74.1%
Which team will win the Southwest Division?
1. San Antonio – 63.6%
2. Dallas – 27.3%
3. Memphis – 9.1%
> Last year: Dallas – 71.4%
Which team will win the Northwest Division?
1. Oklahoma City – 71.4%
2. Portland – 28.6%
> Last year: Oklahoma City – 63.0%
Which team will win the Pacific Division?
1. L.A. Lakers – 77.8%
2. LA Clippers – 22.2%
> Last year: L.A. Lakers – 96.4%
PLAYERS
Who will win the 2011-12 MVP?
1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 55.6%
2. LeBron James, Miami – 44.4%
> Last year: Kevin Durant – 66.7%
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
T-1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 37.0%
T-1. LeBron James, Miami – 37.0%
3. Derrick Rose, Chicago – 14.8%
4. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 7.4%
5. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 3.7%
> Last year: Kevin Durant – 55.6%
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
1. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 29.6%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 22.2%
3. LeBron James, Miami – 18.5%
4. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 14.8%
5. Derrick Rose, Chicago – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Chris Paul, LA Clippers
> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 35.7%
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2011-12?
James Harden was thought to be on the brink of a breakout year heading into the 2011-12 season.
1. James Harden, Oklahoma City – 21.4%
T-2. Ty Lawson, Denver – 10.7%
T-2. Kyle Lowry, Houston – 10.7%
T-4. Paul George, Indiana – 7.1%
T-4. Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia – 7.1%
T-4. Marcus Thornton, Sacramento – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland; Andrew Bynum, L.A. Lakers; DeMar DeRozan, Toronto; Eric Gordon, New Orleans; Spencer Hawes, Philadelphia; DeAndre Jordan, LA Clippers; Kevin Love, Minnesota; Rajon Rondo, Boston; Lou Williams, Philadelphia; Nick Young, Washington
> Last year: Blake Griffin, Russell Westbrook – 14.8%
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
1. Derrick Rose, Chicago – 59.3%
2. Chris Paul, LA Clippers – 37.0%
3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 3.7%
> Last year: Deron Williams – 50.0%
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 55.6%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 40.7%
3. Ray Allen, Boston – 3.7%
> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 85.7%
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
1. LeBron James, Miami – 77.8%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 18.5%
3. Carmelo Anthony, New York – 3.7%
> Last year: LeBron James – 67.9%
Who is the best power forward in the NBA?
1. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 41.1%
2. Blake Griffin, LA Clippers – 17.9%
3. Kevin Love, Minnesota – 14.3%
4. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland – 10.7%
5. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Kevin Garnett, Boston; Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers
> Last year: Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki – 28.6%
Who is the best center in the NBA?
1. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 96.3%
2. Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers – 3.7%
> Last year: Dwight Howard – 96.3%
OFFSEASON MOVES
Which team made the best overall moves?
1. LA Clippers – 85.2%
2. Indiana – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Atlanta, Oklahoma City
> Last year: Miami – 96.4%
Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?
NBA GMs spotlighted Chris Paul’s trade to the Clippers as the offseason’s biggest transaction.
1. Chris Paul, LA Clippers – 100%
> Last year: LeBron James – 89.3%
What was the most underrated player acquisition?
T-1. Brandon Bass, Boston – 15.4%
T-1. David West, Indiana – 15.4%
T-3. Shane Battier, Miami – 11.5%
T-3. Chauncey Billups, LA Clippers – 11.5%
T-5. Jamal Crawford, Portland – 7.7%
T-5. Richard Hamilton, Chicago – 7.7%
T-5. George Hill, Indiana – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Caron Butler, LA Clippers; Tyson Chandler, New York; Raymond Felton, Portland; Josh McRoberts, L.A. Lakers; Andre Miller, Denver; Lamar Odom, Dallas
> Last year: Al Jefferson – 21.4%
Which team will be most improved in 2010-11?
1. LA Clippers – 66.7%
2. Indiana – 18.5%
T-3. Minnesota – 7.4%
T-3. Philadelphia – 7.4%
> Last year: Miami – 39.3%
What was the most surprising move of the offseason?
1. Chris Paul trade veto & trade to the Clippers – 33.3%
2. Lamar Odom to Dallas – 29.6%
3. Tyson Chandler to New York – 14.8%
> Also receiving votes: Chauncey Billups amnestied, Jamal Crawford to Portland, Grant Hill back to Phoenix, Mark Jackson hired by Golden State, Mehmet Okur to New Jersey, The end of the lockout
> Last year: LeBron James to Miami – 67.3%
ROOKIES & INTERNATIONAL
Who will win the 2011-12 Rookie of the Year?
1. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland – 63.0%
2. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota – 18.5%
T-3. Kemba Walker, Charlotte – 7.4%
T-3. Derrick Williams, Minnesota – 7.4%
5. Markieff Morris, Phoenix – 3.7%
> Last year: John Wall – 67.9%
Which rookie will be the best player in five years?
1. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland – 51.9%
T-2. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota – 11.1%
T-2. Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto – 11.1%
T-2. Derrick Williams, Minnesota – 11.1%
> Also receiving votes: Alec Burks, Utah; Enes Kanter, Utah; Tristan Thompson, Cleveland; Kemba Walker, Charlotte
> Last year: John Wall – 67.9%
Which rookie is the most athletic?
1. Derrick Williams, Minnesota – 32.1%
T-2. Kenneth Faried, Denver – 14.3%
T-2. Jan Vesely, Washington – 14.3%
T-4. Norris Cole, Miami – 10.7%
T-4. Tristan Thompson, Miami – 10.7%
6. Bismack Biyombo, Charlotte – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Alec Burks, Utah; Kyrie Irving, Cleveland; Brandon Knight, Detroit
> Last year: John Wall – 64.3%
Which rookie is most likely to be a “sleeper” success?
1. Norris Cole, Miami – 44.0%
2. Iman Shumpert, New York – 12.0%
T-3. MarShon Brooks, New Jersey – 8.0%
T-3. Kemba Walker, Charlotte – 8.0%
> Also receiving votes: Reggie Jackson, Oklahoma City; Brandon Knight, Detroit; Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio; Darius Morris, L.A. Lakers; Klay Thompson, Golden State; Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto; Nikola Vucevic, Philadelphia
> Last year: Luke Harangody, Patrick Patterson – 11.1%
Who is the best international player in the NBA?
1. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 96.4%
2. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 3.6%
> Last year: Dirk Nowitzki – 57.1%
Which international player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2011-12?
1. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota – 37.0%
2. Nicolas Batum, Portland – 14.8%
3. Danilo Gallinari, Denver – 11.1%
T-4. Andrea Bargnani, Toronto – 7.4%
T-4. Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City – 7.4%
T-4. Jonas Jerebko, Detroit – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Omer Asik, Chicago; Gustavo Ayon, New Orleans; Omri Casspi, Cleveland; Marcin Gortat, Phoenix
> Last year: Rodrigue Beaubois – 21.4%
Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA?
1. Jonas Valanciunas – 36.0%
2. Juan Carlos Navarro – 32.0%
3. Andrei Kirilenko – 20.0%
> Also receiving votes: Furkan Aldemir, Mirza Teletovic, Milos Teodosic
> Last year: Ricky Rubio – 42.3%
DEFENSE
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
1. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 76.9%
> Also receiving votes: Arron Afflalo, Denver; Shane Battier, Miami; Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee; Kevin Garnett, Boston; Luc Mbah a Moute, Milwaukee; Dwyane Wade, Miami
> Last year: Dwight Howard – 77.8%
Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
1. Tony Allen, Memphis – 26.9%
2. Rajon Rondo, Boston – 15.4%
T-3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 11.5%
T-3. LeBron James, Miami – 11.5%
T-3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 11.5%
> Also receiving votes: Arron Afflalo, Denver; Shane Battier, Miami; Luol Deng, Chicago; Luc Mbah a Moute, Milwaukee; Tayshaun Prince, Detroit; Dwyane Wade, Miami
> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 35.7%
Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?
1. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 88.9%
> Also receiving votes: Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee; Kevin Garnett, Boston; Kendrick Perkins, Oklahoma City
> Last year: Dwight Howard – 92.6%
Which is the best defensive team in the NBA?
The Bulls entered the 2011-12 season with one of the most respected defenses in the NBA.
1. Chicago – 66.7%
T-2. Boston – 11.1%
T-2. Miami – 11.1%
> Also receiving votes: Memphis, Milwaukee, San Antonio
> Last year: Boston – 75.0%
COACHES
Who is the best head coach in the NBA?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 42.3%
2. Doc Rivers, Boston – 23.1%
3. Rick Carlisle, Dallas – 11.5%
4. Mike Brown, L.A. Lakers – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Rick Adelman, Minnesota; Doug Collins, Philadelphia; Nate McMillan, Portland; Tom Thibodeau, Chicago
> Last year: Phil Jackson – 39.3%
Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 42.9%
2. Doc Rivers, Boston – 39.3%
> Also receiving votes: Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City; Mike Brown, L.A. Lakers; Doug Collins, Philadelphia; Nate McMillan, Portland; Erik Spoelstra, Miami
> Last year: Phil Jackson – 46.4%
Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 35.7%
2. Rick Carlisle, Dallas – 14.3%
T-3. Doug Collins, Philadelphia – 10.7%
T-3. Doc Rivers, Boston – 10.7%
T-3. Tom Thibodeau, Chicago – 10.7%
6. Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Rick Adelman, Minnesota; Lionel Hollins, Memphis; Scott Skiles, Milwaukee
> Last year: Gregg Popovich – 28.6%
Which head coach runs the best offense?
1. George Karl, Denver – 22.2%
2. Rick Adelman, Minnesota – 18.5%
T-3. Rick Carlisle, Dallas – 11.1%
T-3. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 11.1%
T-5. Mike Brown, L.A. Lakers – 7.4%
T-5. Mike D’Antoni – New York – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City; Dwane Casey, Toronto; Doug Collins, Philadelphia; Erik Spoelstra, Miami; Tom Thibodeau, Chicago; Stan Van Gundy, Orlando
> Last year: Jerry Sloan – 35.7%
Which head coach has the best defensive schemes?
1. Tom Thibodeau, Chicago – 61.5%
T-2. Mike Brown, L.A. Lakers – 11.5%
T-2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 11.5%
4. Doc Rivers, Boston – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Lionel Hollins, Memphis; Scott Skiles, Milwaukee
> Last year: Doc Rivers – 28.6%
Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?
1. Mike Malone, Golden State – 29.2%
2. Brian Shaw, Indiana – 20.8%
3. Mike Budenholzer, San Antonio – 12.5%
> Also receiving votes: Ron Adams, Chicago; Kenny Atkinson, New York; P.J. Carlesimo, New Jersey; David Fizdale, Miami; Pete Myers, Golden State; Stephen Silas, Charlotte; Terry Stotts, Dallas; Elston Turner, Phoenix; Mike Woodson, New York
> Last year: Phil Johnson – 23.1%
Which active player will make the best head coach someday?
1. Derek Fisher, L.A. Lakers – 25.9%
T-2. Shane Battier, Miami – 14.8%
T-2. Chauncey Billups, LA Clippers – 14.8%
T-4. Grant Hill, Phoenix – 7.4%
T-4. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 7.4%
T-4. Chris Paul, LA Clippers – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Ray Allen, Boston; Mike Bibby, New York; Anthony Carter, Toronto; Juwan Howard, Miami; Jason Kidd, Dallas; Earl Watson, Utah
> Last year: Derek Fisher – 29.6%
MISCELLANEOUS
Which team is the most fun to watch?
NBA GMs felt LeBron James and the Heat were the most entertaining team to watch.
1. Miami – 33.3%
2. LA Clippers – 29.6%
3. Oklahoma City – 18.5%
> Also receiving votes: Denver, Golden State, Indiana, Minnesota, Toronto
> Last year: Oklahoma City – 51.8%
Which team has the best home-court advantage?
1. Oklahoma City – 44.4%
2. Utah – 22.2%
3. Denver – 14.8%
4. Chicago – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Boston, Miami, Portland
> Last year: Utah – 46.4%
Which player is the most athletic?
1. LeBron James, Miami – 46.2%
2. Blake Griffin, LA Clippers – 19.2%
T-3. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 7.7%
T-3. Josh Smith, Atlanta – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Rudy Gay, Memphis; JaVale McGee, Washington; Derrick Rose, Chicago; Dwyane Wade, Miami; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
> Last year: LeBron James – 50.0%
Which player is the best pure shooter?
1. Ray Allen, Boston – 85.7%
> Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; James Jones, Miami; Jason Kapono, L.A. Lakers; Steve Nash, Phoenix
> Last year: Ray Allen –53.6%
Which player is the fastest with the ball?
1. Derrick Rose, Chicago – 57.7%
T-2. John Wall, Washington – 7.7%
T-2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Mike Conley, Memphis; Monta Ellis, Golden State; LeBron James, Miami; Ty Lawson, Denver; Tony Parker, San Antonio; Chris Paul, LA Clippers; Rajon Rondo, Boston
> Last year: Derrick Rose – 21.4%
Which player is best at moving without the ball?
1. Ray Allen, Boston – 67.9%
2. Richard Hamilton, Chicago – 10.7%
3. Manu Ginobili – San Antonio – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Kyle Korver, Chicago; Kevin Martin, Houston; Paul Pierce, Boston; Jason Terry, Dallas
> Last year: Ray Allen – 40.7%
Which player is the best at getting his own shot?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 35.7%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 21.4%
T-3. LeBron James, Miami – 14.3%
T-3. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 14.3%
> Also receiving votes: Carmelo Anthony, New York; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; Paul Pierce, Boston; Derrick Rose, Chicago
> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 70.4%
Which player is the best offensive rebounder?
1. Kevin Love, Minnesota – 64.3%
2. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 21.4%
3. Zach Randolph, Memphis – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: David Lee, Golden State; Amar’e Stoudemire, New York
> Last year: Dwight Howard – 37.0%
Which player is the best passer?
1. Chris Paul, LA Clippers – 40.7%
2. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 37.0%
3. Ricky Rubio – 11.1%
> Also receiving votes: Jose Calderon, Toronto; Jason Kidd, Dallas; Deron Williams, New Jersey
> Last year: Steve Nash – 75.0%
Which player is the most dangerous in the open floor?
1. LeBron James, Miami – 53.8%
2. Derrick Rose, Chicago – 23.1%
3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Steve Nash, Phoenix; Chris Paul, LA Clippers; Rajon Rondo, Boston; Dwyane Wade, Miami
> Last year: LeBron James – 67.9%
Which player is the best finisher?
1. LeBron James, Miami – 42.3%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 19.2%
T-3. Blake Griffin, LA Clippers – 11.5%
T-3. Derrick Rose, Chicago – 11.5%
> Also receiving votes: Andre Bynum, L.A. Lakers; Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; James Harden, Oklahoma City; Dwight Howard, Orlando
> Last year: LeBron James – 60.7%
Which player does the most with the least?
1. Kevin Love, Minnesota – 26.9%
2. Luis Scola, Houston – 15.4%
3. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: J.J. Barea, Minnesota; Andrea Bargnani, Toronto; Brian Cardinal, Dallas; Mike Conley, Memphis; Glen Davis, Orlando; Jared Dudley, Phoenix; Raymond Felton, Portland; Landry Fields, New York; Dwight Howard, Orlando; Paul Millsap, Utah; Joakim Noah, Chicago; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; Zach Randolph, Memphis
> Last year: Luis Scola – 14.3%
Who is the toughest player in the NBA?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 32.1%
2. Rajon Rondo, Boston – 10.7%
T-3. Tony Allen, Memphis – 7.1%
T-3. Reggie Evans, LA Clippers – 7.1%
T-3. Kevin Garnett, Boston – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Caron Butler, LA Clippers; Dwight Howard, Orlando; LeBron James, Miami; Andre Miller, Denver; Zaza Pachulia, Atlanta; Chris Paul, LA Clippers; Kendrick Perkins, Oklahoma City; Luis Scola, Houston; Kurt Thomas, Portland; Dwyane Wade, Miami
> Last year: Ron Artest – 37.0%
Which player is the best leader?
1. Chris Paul, LA Clippers – 25.0%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 14.3%
T-3. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 10.7%
T-3. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 10.7%
T-5. Chauncey Billups, LA Clippers – 7.1%
T-5. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 7.1%
T-5. Kevin Garnett, Boston – 7.1%
T-5. Jason Kidd, Dallas – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Tyson Chandler, New York; Derek Fisher, L.A. Lakers; Derrick Rose, Chicago
> Last year: Steve Nash – 32.1%
Which player has the best basketball IQ?
1. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 28.6%
2. Chris Paul, LA Clippers – 21.4%
3. Jason Kidd, Dallas – 17.9%
T-4. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 7.1%
T-4. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 7.1%
T-4. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Kevin Love, Minnesota; Rajon Rondo, Boston; Deron Williams, New Jersey
> Last year: Steve Nash – 46.3%
Which player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 48.1%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 30.8%
> Also receiving votes: Ray Allen, Boston; Carmelo Anthony, New York; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; Chris Paul, LA Clippers; Dwyane Wade, Miami
> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 78.6%
