NBA General Managers Favor Spurs, Wembanyama Dominates Survey
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
NBA general managers overwhelmingly selected the San Antonio Spurs as favorites to win the upcoming championship and projected Victor Wembanyama as the leading MVP candidate. The survey also highlighted Wembanyama's dominance in multiple individual categories, including best defensive player and franchise cornerstone. Individual player honors went to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokić at their respective positions. The New York Knicks were favored in the Eastern Conference, while the Portland Trail Blazers were ranked seventh in the West, with Deni Avdija not mentioned.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- San Antonio Spurs are favored to win the NBA championship, according to a GM survey.
- Victor Wembanyama dominated the survey, leading in eight categories including MVP favorite.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokić were named best at their positions.
- New York Knicks are projected to finish first in the Eastern Conference.
- Portland Trail Blazers were ranked seventh in the Western Conference projections.
- Israeli player Deni Avdija was not mentioned in the survey results.
The NBA's annual general managers survey has revealed a strong consensus favoring the San Antonio Spurs to win the upcoming championship, with 50% of respondents picking them. The Spurs were also projected to finish first in the Western Conference by 53% of GMs. Rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama was the survey's biggest winner, appearing in eight different categories. He was overwhelmingly chosen as the player to build a franchise around (93%), the best defensive player (97%), and the leading MVP candidate (77%).
Wembanyama also led in categories for forcing opponent adjustments (47%) and as the best international player (53%). In the Western Conference projections, the Portland Trail Blazers were ranked seventh, behind teams like OKC, Minnesota, Denver, Houston, and the Lakers. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks were predicted to finish atop the Eastern Conference by 60% of the GMs.
Individual player awards saw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named the best point guard (67%), Anthony Edwards the top shooting guard (73%), Luka Dončić the best small forward (37%), Giannis Antetokounmpo the best power forward (70%), and Nikola Jokić the best center (63%).
Regarding offseason moves, the Philadelphia 76ers were recognized for the best offseason moves (73%). The acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo by Miami was deemed the most impactful signing (53%), while Tobias Harris joining San Antonio was labeled the most "underrated" signing (20%). The Indiana Pacers were predicted to show the most improvement in the 2026-27 season (43%).
In rookie and young player categories, Cameron Boozer of Memphis was the favorite for Rookie of the Year (50%). AJ Dybantsa and Caleb Wilson tied as the best future rookie in five years (33% each). Dylan Harper of San Antonio was picked as the player most likely to break out this season (27%). Sasha Vezenkov was named the best international player outside the NBA (77%), and Miami's Erik Spoelstra was voted best coach (43%). Notably, Israeli player Deni Avdija and the Portland Trail Blazers received no mentions in the survey results.
Mentioned
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