The NBA.com annual survey of all 30 of the league’s general managers has revealed interesting insights into their championship predictions, player rankings, coaching assessments, offseason evaluations, and rule changes for the upcoming season. Let’s delve into the details to understand the trends and expectations within the NBA community.
Championship Favorites
According to the survey, the defending champion Denver Nuggets and the Boston Celtics emerged as the co-favorites to clinch this year’s NBA title. The Nuggets and Celtics each gathered 10 of the 30 votes, depicting the level of confidence general managers have in these teams. However, this is a significant shift from last year where the Milwaukee Bucks dominated the category with 43% of the vote. The Bucks managed to secure the third spot this year with seven votes, behind the Nuggets and Celtics.
Conference Projections
Unsurprisingly, the Nuggets and Celtics were not only deemed as favorites for the championship but also predicted to win their respective conferences. Out west, the Nuggets were followed by the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, and Memphis Grizzlies. In the Eastern Conference, the Celtics were trailed by the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat. It is intriguing to note how general managers perceive the team dynamics and potential success among these conference contenders.
Player Predictions
Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ standout player, garnered significant recognition in the survey. He was selected as the player most likely to win the NBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and the player most general managers would choose to start a franchise with. These acknowledgments align with ESPN.com’s annual offseason survey where Jokic was also favored for the MVP title. The survey also identified Anthony Edwards as a top candidate for a breakout season, narrowly surpassing Cade Cunningham. Victor Wembanyama was projected to win the Rookie of the Year award while having the potential to be the best rookie in five years.
The survey presented interesting rankings for players in different positions. Stephen Curry was recognized as the best point guard in the league, whereas Devin Booker secured the title of the best shooting guard. Jayson Tatum was identified as the top small forward, Giannis Antetokounmpo excelled as the best power forward, and Nikola Jokic dominated as the best center. Notably, Tatum’s position above Kevin Durant marked the only change from last year among these five players, highlighting his growth and impact on the court.
Erik Spoelstra, a familiar name in the coaching realm, was once again acknowledged as the NBA’s best coach. Spoelstra gained recognition for his abilities in motivation, making adjustments, and implementing defensive schemes. Mike Brown of the Sacramento Kings was credited with running the league’s best offense. Ime Udoka, recently hired by the Houston Rockets, was anticipated to have the biggest impact on his new team. Additionally, Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez received praise for leading Team Canada to a bronze medal at last month’s FIBA World Cup, securing his position as the league’s top assistant coach.
Offseason Evaluations
The Celtics and Bucks shared the spotlight for the best offseason, with Damian Lillard’s acquisition by the Bucks receiving attention as the most surprising move of the summer and one that would have the biggest impact. On the other hand, the Memphis Grizzlies acquiring Marcus Smart was regarded as the most underrated move of the offseason. These assessments highlight the significance of strategic player acquisitions and their potential impact on team performance.
The survey also explored expectations for the upcoming season. The Oklahoma City Thunder were predicted to be the most improved team, showcasing their potential for growth and development. Moreover, the Thunder were also recognized as having the league’s best young core. The Denver Nuggets were described as the most enjoyable team to watch, possessing the best home-court advantage and the league’s most efficient offense. However, the Philadelphia 76ers faced uncertainty due to the James Harden drama, making it challenging to predict how their season would unfold.
Individual Accolades
Several individual players received accolades based on specific skills and attributes. Ja Morant was named the league’s most athletic player, while Stephen Curry was acknowledged as the best shooter, particularly when moving without the ball. De’Aaron Fox claimed the title of the fastest player with the ball, Nikola Jokic displayed his exceptional passing abilities and high basketball IQ, and Giannis Antetokounmpo was recognized as the most versatile player. LeBron James, a veteran leader in the league, was deemed the best leader among the NBA players.
The survey also shed light on the rule changes expected for the upcoming season. According to the general managers, the new player participation policy governing resting of players posed the most significant adjustment for teams this season. This policy aimed to address concerns surrounding player load management. Following closely, the new luxury tax rules in the incoming collective bargaining agreement were also regarded as requiring notable adaptation. Additionally, the survey highlighted the introduction of an inaugural in-season tournament as a rule change that would impact team dynamics.
The NBA general managers’ survey provided valuable insights into their predictions, assessments, and expectations for the upcoming season. From championship favorites to player rankings, coaching evaluations, offseason evaluations, and rule changes, the survey shed light on the prevailing opinions within the NBA community. As the season unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how closely these assessments align with on-court performances and actual outcomes.
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