The Heat were the reigning champs entering the 2006-07 season.
Look back at every NBA GM Survey since 2002.
PREDICTIONS
Which team will win NBA Finals 2007?
1. San Antonio Spurs – 42.9%
2. Dallas Mavericks – 28.6%
3. Miami Heat – 14.3%
> Also receiving votes: Minnesota, Phoenix, Orlando
Who will win the 2006-07 MVP?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 39.3%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 28.6%
3. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 17.9%
> Also receiving votes: Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers, Tim Duncan, San Antonio, Kevin Garnett, Minnesota
Which team will win the Eastern Conference?
1. Miami Heat – 71.4%
2. Detroit Pistons – 21.4%
> Also receiving votes: Chicago, Orlando
Which team will win the Western Conference?
1. San Antonio Spurs – 50.0%
2. Dallas Mavericks – 39.3%
> Also receiving votes: Phoenix, Minnesota
Which team will win the Atlantic Division?
1. New Jersey Nets – 92.9%
2. Boston Celtics – 3.6%
2. Philadelphia 76ers – 3.6%
Which team will win the Central Division?
1. Detroit Pistons – 50.0%
2. Chicago Bulls – 35.7%
3. Cleveland Cavaliers – 14.3%
Which team will win the Southeast Division?
1. Miami Heat – 92.9%
2. Orlando Magic – 3.6%
2. Washington Wizards – 3.6%
Which team will win the Southwest Division?
1. Dallas Mavericks – 57.1%
2. San Antonio Spurs – 42.9%
Which team will win the Northwest Division?
1. Denver Nuggets – 71.4%
2. Utah Jazz – 17.9%
3. Minnesota Timberwolves – 7.1%
4. Seattle SuperSonics – 3.6%
Which team will win the Pacific Division?
1. Phoenix Suns – 89.3%
> Also receiving votes: L.A. Clippers, L.A. Lakers, Sacramento
Which team will be the most fun to watch?
1. Phoenix Suns – 74.1%
T-2. Dallas Mavericks – 7.4%
T-2. Golden State Warriors – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: New York, Sacramento, San Antonio
Which team has the best home-court advantage?
1. Sacramento Kings – 37.0%
2. Detroit Pistons – 25.9%
3. Dallas Mavericks – 11.1%
> Also receiving votes: Chicago, Miami, New Orleans/Oklahoma City, New York, San Antonio, Utah
OFFENSE
Nets star Vince Carter drew praise for his offensive talents entering the 2006-07 season.
Which player is the most athletic?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 37.0%
2. Vince Carter, New Jersey – 14.8%
3. Josh Smith, Atlanta – 11.1%
> Also receiving votes: Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers, Gerald Green, Boston, Dwight Howard, Orlando, Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia, Shawn Marion, Phoenix, Tyrus Thomas, Chicago, Dwyane Wade, Miami, Gerald Wallace, Charlotte
Which player is the best pure shooter?
1. Ray Allen, Seattle – 74.1%
2. Peja Stojakovic, New Orleans/Oklahoma City – 11.1%
> Also receiving votes: Steve Nash, Phoenix, Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas, Michael Redd, Milwaukee, J.J. Redick, Orlando
Which player is the fastest with the ball?
1. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia – 22.2%
2. Tony Parker, San Antonio – 14.8%
3. Leandro Barbosa, Phoenix – 11.1%
3. T.J. Ford, Toronto – 11.1%
3. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 11.1%
6. Chris Paul, New Orleans/Oklahoma City – 11.1%
> Also receiving votes: Gilbert Arenas, Washington, Raymond Felton, Charlotte, Jason Kidd, New Jersey
Which player is best at moving without the ball?
1. Richard Hamilton, Detroit – 63.0%
2. Peja Stojakovic, New Orleans/Oklahoma City – 22.2%
> Also receiving votes: Ray Allen, Seattle, Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers, Manu Ginobili, San Antonio, Shawn Marion, Phoenix
Which player is the best at getting his own shot?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 70.4%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 11.1%
> Also receiving votes: Gilbert Arenas, Washington, Allen Iverson, Philadelphia, LeBron James, Cleveland, Tracy McGrady, Houston, Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas
Which player is the best offensive rebounder?
1. Ben Wallace, Chicago – 33.3%
T-2. Jeff Foster, Indiana – 14.8%
T-2.. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 14.8%
> Also receiving votes: Elton Brand, L.A. Clippers, Tim Duncan, San Antonio, Kevin Garnett, Minnesota, Shawn Marion, Phoenix, Zaza Pachulia, Atlanta, Josh Smith, Atlanta, Anderson Varejao, Cleveland
Which player is the best passer?
1. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 81.5%
2. Jason Kidd, New Jersey – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Tracy McGrady, Houston, Chris Paul, New Orleans/Oklahoma City, Jamaal Tinsley, Indiana
Which player is the best in the open court?
1. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 25.9%
T-2. LeBron James, Cleveland – 18.5%
T-2.. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 18.5%
4. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 14.8%
> Also receiving votes: Gilbert Arenas, Washington, Carlos Arroyo, Orlando, Allen Iverson, Philadelphia, Jason Kidd, New Jersey, Shawn Marion, Phoenix
Who is the best finisher?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 29.6%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 29.6%
3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 14.8%
> Also receiving votes: Gilbert Arenas, Washington, Tim Duncan, San Antonio, Manu Ginobili, San Antonio, Stephon Marbury, New York, Shawn Marion, Phoenix, Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix
Which player does the most with least?
1. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 15.4%
2. Ben Wallace, Chicago – 15.4%
T-3. Bruce Bowen, San Antonio – 7.7%
T-3. Brad Miller, Sacramento – 7.7%
T-3. Andres Nocioni, Chicago – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Mike Bibby, Sacramento, Chauncey Billups, Detroit, Earl Boykins, Denver, Brian Cardinal, Memphis, Sam Cassell, L.A. Clippers, Adrian Griffin, Chicago, Udonis Haslem, Miami, Kirk Hinrich, Chicago, Eduardo Najera, Denver, Jameer Nelson, Orlando, Bo Outlaw, Orlando, Tayshaun Prince, Detroit, Darius Songaila, Washington
Who is the toughest player in the NBA?
1. Ben Wallace, Chicago – 29.6%
2. Ron Artest, Sacramento – 18.5%
3. Shaquille O’Neal, Miami – 11.1%
> Also receiving votes: Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers, Reggie Evans, Denver, Manu Ginobili, San Antonio, Udonis Haslem, Miami, Allen Iverson, Philadelphia, Andres Nocioni, Chicago, Chris Paul, New Orleans/Oklahoma City, Dwyane Wade, Miami
Which player is the best leader?
1. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 40.7%
2. Shaquille O’Neal, Miami – 18.5%
3. Jason Kidd, New Jersey – 14.8%
> Also receiving votes: Chauncey Billups, Detroit, Sam Cassell, L.A. Clippers, Tim Duncan, San Antonio, Kevin Garnett, Minnesota
Which player in the NBA would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 74.1%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 14.8%
> Also receiving votes: Carmelo Anthony, Denver, Gilbert Arenas, Washington, Chauncey Billups, Detroit
COACHES
Who is the best head coach in the NBA?
1. Pat Riley, Miami – 44.4%
2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 25.9%
3. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers – 18.5%
> Also receiving votes: Scott Skiles, Chicago, Jerry Sloan, Utah
Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people?
1. Pat Riley, Miami – 50.0%
2. Avery Johnson, Dallas – 23.1%
3. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers – 15.4%
> Also receiving votes: Mike D’Antoni, Phoenix, Gregg Popovich, San Antonio
Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?
T-1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 23.1%
T-1. Pat Riley, Miami – 23.1%
3. Scott Skiles, Chicago – 15.4%
> Also receiving votes: Rick Carlisle, Indiana, Mike D’Antoni, Phoenix, Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers, George Karl, Denver, Don Nelson, Golden State, Jerry Sloan, Utah, Jeff Van Gundy, Houston
Which head coach is the best in the last two minutes of a close game?
1. Pat Riley, Miami – 30.8%
2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 15.4%
3. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers – 11.5%
> Also receiving votes: Rick Carlisle, Indiana, Mike D’Antoni, Phoenix, Mike Fratello, Memphis, George Karl, Denver, Don Nelson, Golden State, Doc Rivers, Boston, Scott Skiles, Chicago, Jerry Sloan, Utah, Jeff Van Gundy, Houston
Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?
1. Del Harris, Dallas – 23.1%
2. Marc Iavaroni, Phoenix – 19.2%
3. Phil Johnson, Utah – 15.4%
> Also receiving votes: P.J. Carlesimo, San Antonio; Larry Drew, Atlanta; Tim Grgurich, Denver; Terry Porter, Detroit; Ron Rothstein, Miami; Erik Spoelstra, Miami; Tom Thibodeau, Houston; Tex Winter; Randy Wittman, Minnesota
Which active player will make the best head coach someday?
1. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 23.1%
2. Eric Snow, Cleveland – 19.2%
3. Shane Battier, Houston – 11.5%
> Also receiving votes: Darrell Armstrong, Indiana, Bruce Bowen, San Antonio, P.J. Brown, Chicago, Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers, Kirk Hinrich, Chicago, Lindsey Hunter, Detroit, Anthony Johnson, Dallas, Jason Kidd, New Jersey, Brevin Knight, Charlotte, Chris Paul, New Orleans/Oklahoma City, Jacque Vaughn, San Antonio
ROOKIES
Portland’s Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge were 2 of the top rookies entering the 2006-07 season.
Who will win the 2006-07 Rookie of the Year?
1. Brandon Roy, Portland – 44.4%
2. Adam Morrison, Charlotte – 25.9%
3. Randy Foye, Minnesota – 14.8%
> Also receiving votes: Andrea Bargnani, Toronto, Shelden Williams, Atlanta
Which rookie will be the best player in five years?
T-1. Andrea Bargnani, Toronto – 22.2%
T-1. Tyrus Thomas, Chicago – 22.2%
3. Randy Foye, Minnesota – 18.5%
4. Brandon Roy, Portland – 11.1%
> Also receiving votes: LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland, Rudy Gay, Memphis, Adam Morrison, Charlotte, Shelden Williams, Atlanta
Which international rookie is most ready to contribute this season?
T-1. Andrea Bargnani, Toronto – 40.7%
T-1. Jorge Garbajosa, Toronto – 40.7%
3. Thabo Sefolosha, Chicago – 18.5%
Which rookie is most likely to be a ‘sleeper’ success?
1. Rajon Rondo, Boston – 25.0%
2. Thabo Sefolosha, Chicago – 14.3%
3. Randy Foye, Minnesota – 10.7%
> Also receiving votes: Maurice Ager, Dallas, Hilton Armstrong, New Orleans/Oklahoma City, Ronnie Brewer, Utah, Rodney Carney, Philadelphia, Yakhouba Diawara, Denver, Jordan Farmar, L.A. Lakers, Jorge Garbajosa, Toronto, Rudy Gay, Memphis, Steve Novak, Houston, Brandon Roy, Portland, Mouhamed Sene, Seattle, Craig Smith, Minnesota
DEFENSE
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
1. Ben Wallace, Chicago – 32.1%
2. Ron Artest, Sacramento – 28.6%
3. Bruce Bowen, San Antonio – 25.0%
4. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 10.7%
5. Alonzo Mourning, Miami – 3.6%
Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
1. Bruce Bowen, San Antonio – 39.3%
2. Ron Artest, Sacramento – 25.0%
3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 25.0%
4. Raja Bell, Phoenix – 10.7%
Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?
1. Ben Wallace, Chicago – 64.3%
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 17.9%
3. Alonzo Mourning, Miami – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Andrei Kirilenko, Utah, Shaquille O’Neal, Miami, Darko Milicic, Orlando
INTERNATIONAL
Who is the best international player in the NBA?
1. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 89.3%
2. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 7.1%
3. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio – 3.6%
Which international player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2006-07?
1. Darko Milicic, Orlando – 28.6%
2. Nenad Krstic, New Jersey – 17.9%
3. Jorge Garbajosa, Toronto – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Andris Biedrins, Golden State, Primoz Brezec, Charlotte, Jose Calderon, Toronto, Carlos Delfino, Detroit, DeSagana Diop, Dallas, Pau Gasol, Memphis, Manu Ginobili, San Antonio, Andrei Kirilenko, Utah, Nene, Denver, Andres Nocioni, Chicago, Johan Petro, Seattle, Mickael Pietrus, Seattle, Anderson Varejao, Cleveland
Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA?
1. Theodoros Papaloukas – 37.5%
2. Juan Carlos Navarro – 16.7%
3. Luis Scola – 16.7%
4. Tiago Splitter – 12.5%
> Also receiving votes: Marco Belinelli, Rudy Fernandez, Robertas Javtokas, Ricky Rubio
PLAYERS
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 71.4%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 10.7%
> Also receiving votes: Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers, Tim Duncan, San Antonio, Dwight Howard, Orlando
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
1. Shaquille O’Neal, Miami – 42.9%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 21.4%
3. LeBron James, Cleveland – 10.7%
4. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 10.7%
> Also receiving votes: Tim Duncan, San Antonio, Steve Nash, Phoenix, Dwyane Wade, Miami
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2006-07?
1. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 32.1%
T-2. Eddy Curry, New York – 7.1%
T-2. Kevin Martin, Sacramento – 7.1%
T-2. Marvin Williams, Atlanta – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Baron Davis, Golden State, Danny Granger, Indiana, Devin Harris, Dallas, Josh Howard, Dallas, Joe Johnson, Phoenix, Nenad Krstic, New Jersey, Jameer Nelson, Orlando, Emeka Okafor, Charlotte, Chris Paul, New Orleans/Oklahoma City, Mickael Pietrus, Golden State, Josh Smith, Atlanta, Gerald Wallace, Charlotte, Hakim Warrick, Memphis
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
1. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 96.4%
2. Jason Kidd, New Jersey – 3.6%
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 71.4%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 21.4%
3. Tracy McGrady, Houston – 3.6%
3. Michael Redd, Milwaukee – 3.6%
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 78.6%
2. Carmelo Anthony, Denver – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Ron Artest, Sacramento, Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers, Kevin Garnett, Minnesota, Shawn Marion, Phoenix
Who is the best power forward in the NBA?
1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 57.1%
2. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 25.0%
3. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota – 14.3%
4. Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix – 3.6%
Who is the best center in the NBA?
1. Shaquille O’Neal, Miami – 75.0%
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 17.9%
> Also receiving votes: Dwight Howard, Orlando, Yao Ming, Houston
OFFSEASON
Which team made the best moves overall?
1. Chicago Bulls – 60.7%
2. New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets – 28.6%
> Also receiving votes: Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors
Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?
1. Ben Wallace, Chicago – 78.6%
2. T.J. Ford, Toronto – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Shane Battier, Houston, Mike James, Minnesota, Ronald Murray, Detroit, Peja Stojakovic, New Orleans/Oklahoma City
What was the most underrated player acquisition?
1. Shane Battier, Houston – 25.0%
2. P.J. Brown, Chicago – 14.3%
3. Jackie Butler, San Antonio – 7.1%
4. Speedy Claxton, Atlanta – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Marcus Banks, Phoenix, Tyson Chandler, New Orleans/Oklahoma City, Marquis Daniels, Indiana, T.J. Ford, Toronto, Jorge Garbajosa, Toronto, Al Harrington, Indiana, Jamaal Magloire, Portland, Nazr Mohammed, Detroit, Ruben Patterson, Milwaukee, Vladimir Radmanovic, L.A. Lakers, Brandon Roy, Portland, Kirk Snyder, Houston, Charlie Villanueva, Milwaukee
Which team will be most improved in 2006-07?
1. Houston Rockets – 25.9%
2. Orlando Magic – 14.8%
3. Golden State Warriors – 11.1%
4. New York Knicks – 11.1%
5. Toronto Raptors – 11.1%
> Also receiving votes: Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, Seattle SuperSonics, Utah Jazz
What was the most surprising move of the offseason?
1. Ben Wallace, Chicago – 40.7%
2. Peja Stojakovic, New Orleans/Oklahoma City – 29.6%
3. T.J. Ford – Charlie Villanueva trade – 7.4%
> Also receiving votes: Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade not signing max contracts; Al Harrington, Indiana; Allen Iverson not getting traded; Don Nelson returning to Golden State; Nene; New York drafting Renaldo Balkman
What was the least surprising move of the offseason?
1. Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade re-signing – 15.4%
2. Larry Brown out in New York – 15.4%
T-3. Al Harrington, Indiana – 11.5%
T-3. Ben Wallace, Chicago – 11.5%
> Also receiving votes: Miami re-signing everybody, Rafael Araujo, Andrea Bargnani selected first overall, Sam Cassell, Kevin Garnett, Jamaal Magloire, Mike Montgomery, Rasho Nesterovic, Dirk Nowitzki, Pat Riley, Jason Terry
