NBA GM survey predicts Warriors to win title, LeBron to win MVP
The good folks over at NBA.com released the results to their annual general manager survey Tuesday morning, previewing the NBA's best teams, players, coaches, fans, and offseason moves before the 2016-17 season tips off.
The 48-question survey was given to all NBA GMs, though they weren't allowed to vote for anything regarding their own team or personnel.
We highlight 20 of the questions and results below, but encourage you to check out the entire survey here.
Which team will win the 2017 NBA Finals?
1. Golden State Warriors - 69%
2. Cleveland Cavaliers - 31%
Last year: Cavaliers - 53.6%
Who will win the 2016-17 MVP?
1. LeBron James - 46.7%
2. Russell Westbrook - 23.3%
3. Stephen Curry and James Harden - 10%
5. Kevin Durant - 6.7%
6. Paul George - 3.3%
Last year: James - 39.3%
USA TODAY Sports NBA predictions
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
1. Karl-Anthony Towns - 48.3%
2. Kevin Durant - 20.7%
3. LeBron James - 17.2%
Last year: Anthony Davis - 86.2%
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
1. LeBron James - 75%
2. Stephen Curry - 21.4%
3. Draymond Green - 3.6%
Last year: James - 62.1%
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2016-17?
1. Devin Booker - 31%
2. Karl-Anthony Towns - 13.8%
3. Myles Turner - 10.3%
4. D'Angelo Russell and Andrew Wiggins - 6.9%
Last year: Wiggins - 17.2%
Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?
1. Golden State Warriors - 83.3%
2. Indiana Pacers and Utah Jazz - 6.7%
4. Boston Celtics - 3.3%
Last year: San Antonio Spurs - 79.3%
NBA players who will help new team the most
Which team will be most improved in 2016-17?
1. Minnesota Timberwolves - 56.7%
2. Utah Jazz - 23.3%
3. New York Knicks - 10%
Last year: Oklahoma City Thunder - 25%
Who will win the 2016-17 Rookie of the Year?
1. Kris Dunn - 46.7%
2. Buddy Hield and Ben Simmons - 13.3%
4. Joel Embiid and Brandon Ingram - 10%
Last year: Jahlil Okafor - 44.8%
Which rookie will be the best player in five years?
1. Ben Simmons - 70%
2. Kris Dunn - 20%
3. Brandon Ingram - 6.7%
4. Joel Embiid - 3.3%
Last year: Karl-Anthony Towns - 62.1%
NBA rookie survey: Dunn favored to win ROY, Ingram to have best career
Who is the best international player in the NBA?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo - 27.6%
2. Marc Gasol - 24.1%
3. Dirk Nowitzki - 22.4%
4. Kristaps Porzingis - 12.1%
5. Pau Gasol - 6.9%
Last year: Marc Gasol - 62.1%
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
1. Kawhi Leonard - 66.7%
2. LeBron James - 10%
3. Avery Bradley, Draymond Green and DeAndre Jordan - 6.7%
6. Hassan Whiteside - 3.3%
Last year: Leonard - 27.6%
Who is the best head coach in the NBA?
1. Gregg Popovich - 83.3%
2. Rick Carlisle - 13.3%
3. Brad Stevens - 3.3%
Last year: Popovich - 93.1%
Which new (or relocated) coach will make the biggest impact this season?
1. Tom Thibodeau - 78.3%
2. Frank Vogel - 10%
3. Mike D'Antoni - 8.3%
4. Luke Walton - 3.3%
Last year: Alvin Gentry - 32.1%
Tom Thibodeau leads list of new NBA coaches
Which team has the best homecourt advantage?
1. Golden State Warriors - 58.3%
2. Denver Nuggets - 16.7%
3. Oklahoma City Thunder - 10%
4. San Antonio Spurs - 6.7%
5. Utah Jazz - 5%
6. Portland Trail Blazers - 3.3%
Last year: Warriors - 65.5%
Which player is the most athletic?
1. Russell Westbrook - 62.1%
2. LeBron James - 17.2%
3. Zach LaVine - 10.3%
4. Aaron Gordon - 6.9%
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo - 3.4%
Last year: Westbrook - 34.5%
Which player is the fastest with the ball?
1. Russell Westbrook - 46.7%
2. John Wall - 40%
3. Stephen Curry - 6.7%
Last year: Wall - 53.4%
Which player is the best passer?
1. Chris Paul - 62.1%
2. LeBron James - 20.7%
3. Ricky Rubio - 10.3%
Last year: Paul - 71.4%
Who is the most versatile player in the NBA?
1. LeBron James - 75%
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo - 10%
3. Draymond Green - 8.3%
Last year: N/A
Which player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?
1. Stephen Curry - 75.9%
2. LeBron James - 10.3%
Last year: Curry - 51.7%
What rule (regarding play, draft/lottery, playoff format, etc.) most needs to change?
1. Change draft lottery odds/system - 30%
2. Reduce number of timeouts - 20%
3. Intentional fouling - 10%
4. Adopt FIBA goaltending/basket interference rules and change/stretch the schedule - 6.7%
Last year: Draft lottery odds/system