Earlier today, we shared the results of an annual survey of NBA general managers offering their predictions for the upcoming season.
Few of their forecasts were surprising. Twenty-eight of the 30 GMs like the Warriors to repeat as champions, with the other two votes going to the Cavaliers. LeBron James was the MVP pick of half the GMs, followed by Kevin Durant at 29% and Kawhi Leonard at 11%.
In other major categories:
- Paul George was chosen as the offseason acquisition most likely to make the biggest impact with 59% of the vote. The Thunder acquired the four-time All-Star in a trade with the Pacers just before the start of free agency.
- Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns was chosen by 29% as the player they would most like to build a franchise around. The Bucks‘ Giannis Antetokounmpo was close behind at 21%.
- Paul Millsap‘s signing with the Nuggets is the most underrated acquisition of the offseason at 24%, followed by the Pistons‘ trade for Avery Bradley (17%).
- Mavericks point guard Dennis Smith Jr. was chosen as the biggest steal of the draft (37%), with Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball the favorite to be named Rookie of the Year (62%).
- The GMs picked the Wolves as the most improved team with 69% of the vote, far ahead of the second-place Sixers (17%).
That’s what the insiders think, but now we want to hear from you. In which of these categories did the GMs get it wrong, and who will the real winners be? Please share your thoughts in the space below. We look forward to your responses.
I would like to think KD could win mvp but honestly his numbers are dampened because he values winning over stats and thats a good thing.
I think this year its going to LeBron or Kawhi, they just simply carry the load for their respective teams.
Is Kevin Durant automatically assumed to be the Most Valuable Warrior?
Donovan Mitchell will steal the steal of the draft with steals and okay, I’ll say take the ROY too after Utah goes three guards.