The Lakers were the reigning champs entering the 2009-10 season.
Look back at every NBA GM Survey since 2002.
It was a busy offseason for the league’s General Managers, but before they sat back and watched their players and coaches go to work, NBA.com asked the GMs to fill out our eighth annual GM Survey.
Can the Lakers repeat for the seventh time in their history, will the Celtics capture banner No. 18, or will Shaq help the King get his ring? Will LeBron James earn another MVP award, and if you were putting together an NBA franchise, is he the player you’d most like to start with?
Those are just a few of the 60 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 NBA Finals 2010?
1. L.A. Lakers – 60.7%
T-2. Boston – 17.9%
T-2. Cleveland – 17.9%
4. San Antonio – 3.6%
> Last year: L.A. Lakers – 46.2%
Which team will win the Eastern Conference?
1. Boston – 50.0%
2. Cleveland – 42.9%
3. Orlando – 7.1%
> Last year: Boston – 74.1%
Which team will win the Western Conference?
1. L.A. Lakers – 75.9%
2. San Antonio – 24.1%
> Last year: L.A. Lakers – 66.7%
Which team will win the Atlantic Division?
1. Boston – 100%
> Last year: Boston – 85.2%
Which team will win the Central Division?
1. Cleveland – 96.6%
2. Detroit – 3.4%
> Last year: Detroit – 55.6%
Which team will win the Southeast Division?
1. Orlando – 92.6%
2. Washington – 7.4%
> Last year: Orlando – 96.3%
Which team will win the Southwest Division?
1. San Antonio – 89.7%
2. Dallas – 6.9%
3. New Orleans – 3.4%
> Last year: New Orleans – 37%
Which team will win the Northwest Division?
1. Portland – 42.9%
2. Denver – 39.3%
3. Utah – 17.9%
> Last year: Utah – 92.6%
Which team will win the Pacific Division?
1. L.A. Lakers – 96.6%
2. Phoenix – 3.4%
> Last year: L.A. Lakers – 100%
PLAYERS
Who will win the 2009-10 MVP?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 69.0%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 17.2%
3. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Dwyane Wade, Miami
> Last year: LeBron James – 55.6%
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 78.6%
2. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 14.3%
3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 7.1%
> Last year: LeBron James – 66.7%
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 39.3%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 23.2%
3. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 14.3%
4. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 12.5%
> Also receiving votes: Lamar Odom, L.A. Lakers; Shaquille O’Neal, Cleveland; Dwyane Wade, Miami
> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 63.0%
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2009-10?
1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 25.9%
2. Anthony Randolph, Golden State – 14.8%
3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 7.4%
4. Louis Williams, Philadelphia – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland; Gilbert Arenas, Washington; Aaron Brooks, Houston; Jonny Flynn, Minnesota; Rudy Gay, Memphis; Greg Oden, Portland; Brandon Roy, Portland; Ramon Sessions, Minnesota; J.R. Smith, Denver; Rodney Stuckey, Detroit; Hakim Warrick, Milwaukee; Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia
> Last year: Andrew Bynum – 18.5%
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
1. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 77.8%
2. Deron Williams, Utah – 14.8%
3. Steve Nash – 7.4%
> Last year: Chris Paul – 88.9%
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 89.7%
> Also receiving votes: Ray Allen, Boston; Brandon Roy, Portland; Dwyane Wade, Miami
> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 92.6%
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 96.6%
2. Carmelo Anthony, Denver – 3.4%
> Last year: LeBron James – 92.6%
Who is the best power forward in the NBA?
1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 58.6%
2. Kevin Garnett, Boston – 20.7%
3. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 10.3%
> Also receiving votes: Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers; Dwight Howard, Orlando; Amar’e Stoudemire, Phoenix
> Last year: Tim Duncan – 51.9%
Who is the best center in the NBA?
NBA GMs had high regards for Dwight Howard’s presence in the paint.
1. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 82.1%
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 17.9%
> Last year: Dwight Howard – 55.6%
OFFSEASON MOVES
Which team made the best overall moves?
1. San Antonio – 71.2%
2. Orlando – 17.3%
> Also receiving votes: Cleveland, Toronto, Washington
> Last year: Philadelphia – 51.9%
Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?
1. Vince Carter, Orlando – 25.0%
T-2. Ron Artest, L.A. Lakers – 14.3%
T-2. Richard Jefferson, San Antonio – 14.3%
T-4. Shaquille O’Neal, Cleveland – 14.3%
T-4. Rasheed Wallace, Boston – 14.3%
6. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Randy Foye & Mike Miller, Washington; Shawn Marion, Dallas; Emeka Okafor, New Orleans
> Last year: Elton Brand – 66.7%
What was the most underrated player acquisition?
1. Anthony Parker, Cleveland – 14.3%
T-2. Antonio McDyess, San Antonio – 10.7%
T-2. Rasheed Wallace, Boston – 10.7%
T-4. Trevor Ariza, Houston – 7.1%
T-4. Brandon Bass, Orlando – 7.1%
T-4. Shawn Marion, Dallas – 7.1%
T-4. Andre Miller, Portland – 7.1%
T-4. Mike Miller, Washington – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Ryan Anderson, Orlando; Vince Carter, Orlando; Jamal Crawford, Atlanta; Marquis Daniels, Boston; Ben Gordon, Detroit; Richard Jefferson, San Antonio; Lamar Odom, L.A. Lakers; Shaquille O’Neal, Cleveland
> Last year: James Posey – 22.2%
Which team will be most improved in 2009-10?
1. Washington – 48.3%
2. L.A. Clippers – 17.2%
3. Oklahoma City – 13.8%
4. Toronto – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Boston, Memphis, Minnesota, San Antonio
> Last year: Miami, Portland – 25.9%
What was the most surprising move of the offseason?
Ron Artest joined the championship core of the Lakers prior to the 2009-10 season.
1. Ron Artest signing with L.A. – 19.2%
T-2. Vince Carter traded to Orlando – 15.4%
T-2. Allen Iverson signing with Memphis – 15.4%
T-2. Shaquille O’Neal traded to Cleveland – 15.4%
T-5. Orlando matching Marcin Gortat offer sheet – 7.7%
T-5. Richard Jefferson traded to San Antonio – 7.7%
T-5. Zach Randolph traded to Memphis – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Minnesota drafting both Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn, Ramon Sessions signing with Minnesota, Hedo Turkoglu sign-and-trade to Toronto
> Last year: Elton Brand signing with Philadelphia – 30.0%
ROOKIES & INTERNATIONAL
Who will win the 2008-09 Rookie of the Year?
1. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers – 79.3%
2. Jonny Flynn, Minnesota – 10.3%
3. Tyreke Evans, Sacramento – 6.9%
4. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 3.4%
> Last year: Michael Beasley – 48.1%
Which rookie will be the best player in five years?
1. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers – 65.5%
T-2. Tyreke Evans, Sacramento – 10.3%
T-2. James Harden, Oklahoma City – 10.3%
4. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Jonny Flynn, Minnesota; Ricky Rubio, Minnesota
> Last year: Greg Oden – 30.8%
Which rookie is the most athletic?
1. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers – 42.9%
2. DeMar DeRozan, Toronto – 32.1%
3. Terrence Williams, New Jersey – 10.7%
4. Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: DeMarre Carroll, Memphis; Jonny Flynn, Minnesota
> Last year: Derrick Rose – 33.3%
Which rookie is most likely to be a “sleeper” success?
T-1. James Harden, Oklahoma City – 11.1%
T-1. Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee – 11.1%
3. Ty Lawson, Denver – 11.1%
T-4. Rodrigue Beaubois, Dallas – 7.4%
T-4. DeJuan Blair, San Antonio – 7.4%
T-4. Dante Cunningham, Portland – 7.4%
T-4. Austin Daye, Detroit – 7.4%
T-4. Jodie Meeks, Milwaukee – 7.4%
T-4. Terrence Williams, New Jersey – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Earl Clark, Phoenix; Darren Collison, New Orleans; Stephen Curry, Golden State; Jonny Flynn, Minnesota; Tyler Hansbrough, Indiana; Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia
> Last year: J.J. Hickson – 20.0%
Who is the best international player in the NBA?
1. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 64.3%
2. Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers – 10.7%
T-3. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 7.1%
T-3. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio – 7.1%
T-3. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 7.1%
6. Tony Parker, San Antonio – 3.6%
> Last year: Dirk Nowitzki – 66.7%
Which international player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2009-10?
1. Rudy Fernandez, Portland – 22.2%
2. Danilo Gallinari, New York – 14.8%
T-3. Andrea Bargnani, Toronto – 11.1%
T-3. Marco Belinelli, Toronto – 11.1%
> Also receiving votes: Nicolas Batum, Portland; Rodrigue Beaubois, Dallas; Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee; Jose Calderon, Toronto; Francisco Garcia, Sacramento; Marc Gasol, Memphis; Ersan Ilyasova, Milwaukee; Andrei Kirilenko, Utah; Luis Scola, Houston; Thabo Sefolosha, Oklahoma City; Anderson Varejao, Cleveland
> Last year: Rudy Fernandez – 32.0%
Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA?
1. Ricky Rubio – 50.0%
T-2. Juan Carlos Navarro – 15.4%
T-2. Tiago Splitter – 15.4%
4. Dimitrios Diamantidis – 11.5%
> Also receiving votes: Jorge Garbajosa, Linas Kleiza
> Last year: Ricky Rubio – 57.7%
DEFENSE
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
1. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 46.4%
T-2. Ron Artest, L.A. Lakers – 17.9%
T-2. Kevin Garnett, Boston – 17.9%
4. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Trevor Ariza, Houston; Shane Battier, Houston; Rajon Rondo, Boston
> Last year: Kevin Garnett – 44.4%
Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 34.5%
2. Shane Battier, Houston – 24.1%
3. Ron Artest, L.A. Lakers – 20.7%
4. Rajon Rondo – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Trevor Ariza, Houston; Dahntay Jones, Indiana; Luc Mbah a Moute, Milwaukee; John Salmons, Chicago
> Last year: Bruce Bowen – 44.4%
Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?
1. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 64.3%
2. Kevin Garnett, Boston – 32.1%
3. Yao Ming, Houston – 3.6%
> Last year: Kevin Garnett – 40.7%
Who is the best on-the-ball defender in the NBA?
T-1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 25.0%
T-1. Rajon Rondo, Boston – 25.0%
3. Ron Artest, L.A. Lakers – 17.9%
T-4. Shane Battier, Houston – 10.7%
T-4. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 10.7%
6. Raja Bell, Charlotte – 7.1%
7. John Salmons, Chicago – 3.6%
> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 26.9%
Which player best defends the passing lanes in the NBA?
1. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 25.0%
2. Trevor Ariza, Houston – 21.4%
3. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 14.3%
4. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 10.7%
T-5. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio – 7.1%
T-5. LeBron James, Cleveland – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Mario Chalmers, Miami; Allen Iverson, Memphis; Kevin Martin, Sacramento; Rajon Rondo, Boston
> Last year: Allen Iverson – 26.9%
Which is the best defensive team in the NBA?
1. Boston – 60.7%
2. San Antonio – 32.1%
3. L.A. Lakers – 7.1%
COACHES
Who is the best head coach in the NBA?
1. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers – 37.0%
2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 33.3%
3. Jerry Sloan, Utah – 18.5%
> Also receiving votes: Rick Adelman, Houston; Larry Brown, Charlotte; Stan Van Gundy, Orlando
> Last year: Gregg Popovich – 53.8%
Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people?
1. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers – 48.1%
2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 29.6%
3. Doc Rivers, Boston – 14.8%
> Also receiving votes: Rick Adelman, Houston; Nate McMillan, Portland
> Last year: Phil Jackson – 44.0%
Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?
1. Larry Brown, Charlotte – 34.6%
T-2. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers – 23.1%
T-2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 23.1%
> Also receiving votes: Don Nelson, Golden State; Doc Rivers, Boston; Jerry Sloan, Utah; Erik Spoelstra, Miami; Stan Van Gundy, Orlando
> Last year: Gregg Popovich – 28.0%
Which head coach is the best in the last two minutes of a close game?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 37.0%
2. Larry Brown, Charlotte – 22.2%
3. Stan Van Gundy, Orlando – 11.1%
T-4. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers – 7.4%
T-4. Scott Skiles, Milwaukee – 7.4%
6. Jerry Sloan, Utah – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: George Karl, Denver; Doc Rivers, Boston
> Last year: Gregg Popovich – 45.8%
Which head coach runs the best offense?
1. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers – 26.9%
2. Mike D’Antoni, New York – 23.1%
3. Stan Van Gundy, Orlando – 15.4%
4. Jerry Sloan, Utah – 11.5%
5. Don Nelson, Golden State – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Rick Adelman, Houston; Larry Brown, Charlotte; George Karl, Denver; Flip Saunders, Washington
> Last year: Mike D’Antoni – 53.8%
Which head coach has the best defensive schemes?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 59.3%
2. Doc Rivers, Boston – 18.5%
3. Larry Brown, Charlotte – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Mike Brown, Cleveland; Scott Skiles, Milwaukee; Jerry Sloan, Utah; Stan Van Gundy, Orlando
> Last year: Gregg Popovich – 50%
Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?
1. Tom Thibodeau, Boston – 38.0%
2. Phil Johnson, Utah – 12.0%
3. Mike Budenholzer, San Antonio – 8.0%
> Also receiving votes: Ron Adams, Oklahoma City; Dwane Casey, Dallas; Maurice Cheeks, Oklahoma City; Tyrone Corbin, Utah; Jim Eyen, Sacramento; Tim Grgurich, Denver; Frank Hamblen, L.A. Lakers; Brian Hill, Detroit; Brian Shaw, L.A. Lakers; Terry Stotts, Dallas; Randy Wittman, Washington
> Last year: Tom Thibodeau – 41.7%
Which active player will make the best head coach someday?
1. Derek Fisher, L.A. Lakers – 28.0%
2. Lindsey Hunter, Chicago – 20.0%
3. Chauncey Billups, Denver – 12.0%
T-4. Ray Allen, Boston – 8.0%
T-4. Shane Battier, Houston – 8.0%
> Also receiving votes: Grant Hill, Phoenix; Jason Kidd, Dallas; Steve Nash, Phoenix; Kevin Ollie, Oklahoma City; Chris Paul, New Orleans; Dwyane Wade, Miami
> Last year: Eric Snow – 24.0%
MISCELLANEOUS
Which team is the most fun to watch?
1. L.A. Lakers – 30.8%
2. Orlando – 15.4%
3. Denver – 11.5%
T-4. Cleveland – 7.7%
T-4. Golden State – 7.7%
T-4. New York – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Atlanta, Phoenix, Portland, Utah, Washington
> Last year: New Orleans – 26.9%
Which team has the best home-court advantage?
NBA GMs gave a nod to the support of Cavs fans at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
1. Cleveland – 37.9%
2. Utah – 31.0%
T-3. L.A. Lakers – 10.3%
T-3. Portland – 10.3%
> Also receiving votes: Boston, Golden State, San Antonio
> Last year: Utah – 44.4%
Which player is the most athletic?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 69.6%
T-2. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 10.7%
T-2. Josh Smith, Atlanta – 10.7%
> Also receiving votes: Rudy Gay, Memphis; Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia; Tyrus Thomas, Chicago
> Last year: LeBron James – 59.3%
Which player is the best pure shooter?
1. Ray Allen, Boston – 57.1%
2. Jason Kapono, Philadelphia – 17.9%
> Also receiving votes: Joe Johnson, Atlanta; Kyle Korver, Utah; Rashard Lewis, Orlando; Kevin Martin, Sacramento; Steve Nash, Phoenix; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; J.R. Smith, Denver
> Last year: Ray Allen – 61.1%
Which player is the fastest with the ball?
1. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 42.9%
2. Tony Parker, San Antonio – 17.9%
3. Aaron Brooks, Houston – 14.3%
4. Derrick Rose, Chicago – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Leandro Barbosa, Phoenix; Devin Harris, New Jersey; Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee; Steve Nash, Phoenix; Rajon Rondo, Boston
> Last year: Chris Paul – 37.0%
Which player is best at moving without the ball?
1. Richard Hamilton, Detroit – 67.9%
2. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio – 14.3%
3. Ray Allen, Boston – 10.7%
4. Kevin Martin, Sacramento – 7.1%
> Last year: Richard Hamilton – 76.9%
Which player is the best at getting his own shot?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 69.0%
2. LeBron James, Cleveland – 20.7%
3. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 10.3%
> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 81.5%
Which player is the best offensive rebounder?
1. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 74.1%
> Also receiving votes: Samuel Dalembert, Philadelphia; Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers; Udonis Haslem, Miami; Paul Millsap, Utah; Zaza Pachulia, Atlanta; Zach Randolph, Memphis; Amar’e Stoudemire, Phoenix
> Last year: Tyson Chandler – 38.5%
Which player is the best passer?
1. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 58.6%
2. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 34.5%
3. Jason Kidd, Dallas – 6.9%
> Last year: Steve Nash – 44.4%
Which player is the most dangerous in the open floor?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 62.1%
2. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 17.2%
T-3. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 6.9%
T-3. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Jason Kidd, Dallas
> Last year: LeBron James – 37.0%
Which player is the best finisher?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 55.2%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 13.8%
3. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 10.3%
4. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Carlos Boozer, Utah; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia; Tony Parker, San Antonio
> Last year: LeBron James – 63.0%
Which player does the most with the least?
1. Mehmet Okur, Utah – 14.3%
2. Matt Bonner, San Antonio – 10.7%
T-3. Chuck Hayes, Houston – 7.1%
T-3. David Lee, New York – 7.1%
T-3. Luis Scola, Houston – 7.1%
T-3. Hedo Turkoglu, Toronto – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Kelenna Azubuike, Golden State; Shane Battier, Houston; Chauncey Billups, Denver; Glen Davis, Boston; Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Marc Gasol, Memphis; Matt Harpring, Utah; Kyle Korver, Utah; Paul Millsap, Utah; Steve Nash, Phoenix; John Salmons, Chicago; Anderson Varejao, Cleveland
> Last year: Bruce Bowen – 12.5%
Who is the toughest player in the NBA?
1. Ron Artest, L.A. Lakers – 42.9%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 10.7%
T-3. Kevin Garnett, Boston – 7.1%
T-3. Shaquille O’Neal, Cleveland – 7.1%
T-3. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Matt Harpring, Utah; Al Horford, Atlanta; Stephen Jackson, Golden State; Chris Paul, New Orleans; Luis Scola, Houston; Kurt Thomas, Milwaukee
> Last year: Ron Artest – 37.0%
Which player is the best leader?
1. Chauncey Billups, Denver – 28.6%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 25.0%
3. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 14.3%
4. Kevin Garnett, Boston – 10.7%
T-5. Jason Kidd, Dallas – 7.1%
T-5. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 7.1%
T-5. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 7.1%
> Last year: Kevin Garnett – 51.9%
Which player has the best basketball IQ?
1. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 36.5%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 28.8%
3. Jason Kidd, Dallas – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Shane Battier, Houston; Chauncey Billups, Denver; Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers; Tony Parker, San Antonio; Brandon Roy, Portland; Deron Williams, Utah
Which player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 89.7%
2. Paul Pierce, Boston – 6.9%
3. Carmelo Anthony, Denver – 3.4%
> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 88.9%
