NBA general managers view the Thunder as the overwhelming favorite to repeat as champions this season, according to the 24th annual GM survey conducted by John Schuhmann of NBA.com. GMs were not allowed to vote for their own team or personnel.
Eighty percent of general managers predicted Oklahoma City to win the 2026 NBA Finals, with the Cavaliers and Nuggets tied for second at 7% each. The Rockets and Knicks were the only other teams to receive votes.
If the Thunder do go back-to-back, they would be the first repeat champions since Golden State in 2018.
Still, it’s worth noting that 83% of GMs thought Boston would win its second consecutive title in 2025 during last year’s edition of the survey, and the Celtics wound up being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs.
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic is heavily favored to win his fourth award in 2025/26. The Nuggets superstar received 67% of the vote and was also tabbed as the league’s best center (maximum possible 97%), best international player (93%), best passer (80%), the player with the best basketball IQ (80%), and the player who forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments (57%).
NBA GMs view Rockets guard/forward Amen Thompson as the league’s most athletic player (58%) and most versatile defender (18%), as well as the player most likely to have a breakout season (30%).
For the second straight year, Spurs center Victor Wembanyama was tabbed as the best player to build a franchise around, receiving 83% of the vote. The French center was also voted the league’s best defender (80%) and tied with Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo for the league’s most versatile player (30% apiece).
Unsurprisingly, Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg is the runaway favorite to win Rookie of the Year, claiming the maximum 97% of the vote. General managers also think he’s the rookie who will be the best player five years from now (93%).
Fifty-three percent of GMs surveyed think the Hawks made the best offseason moves, while 47% believe the Magic will be the most improved team this season.
According to general managers, Milwaukee made by far the two most surprising offseason moves: waiving and stretching Damian Lillard (43%) and subsequently signing Myles Turner in free agency (30%).
Schuhmann’s survey is worth checking out in full and can be found right here.
ESPN has OKC-GSW as 1-2 in the West. Told you so.
I’m hanging my hat on the Nuggets.
With the additions the Nuggets made. They should be a lot closer to Thunder. Especially by so called NBA GMs. Imo Thunder are the best team in NBA. Playoffs are about matchups. And the Thunder are not beating the Nuggets in the playoffs.
Bottom half of West. Is going to be more competitive. Spurs can take a big jump. If their young players grow up. And Fox has a big year. Mavs, Clippers, Warriors, Lakers all can have good years. If certain players show up. Or if they add a player during season. They can just as easily finish #4 or #8. West is more competitive.
The East is all about the Cavs and Knicks. Magic and Pistons will grow up this year. So nothing is guaranteed. Sixers health will also play a role.
Okc beat Nuggets in playoffs last year…they have more experience this time and are older in a good way. Nuggets are older in a bad way for the key guys.
Did you watch the playoffs. Cause Nuggets had them. And could have won if they didn’t get hurt. Thunder have trouble with true bigs. I hope they meet in playoffs.
“could’ve won if they didn’t get hurt” Jalen Williams had a torn ligament in his shooting hand and the Thunder still Molly whooped the Nuggets in game 7.
….in a game 7
Could of. Would of. Should of
but they didn’t did they?
Nuggets were up 2-1 and didn’t close out game 4 with lead in 4th. MPJ and Gordon were injured in round 1 so it was no surprise and they had time to adjust. Jalen Williams hurt his wrist majority of the playoffs and adjusted.
Miracle comeback helped Denver in game 1
This season hasn’t happen yet to say OKC has trouble with bigs and every team has trouble with Jokic. Valenciunas is getting played off the court, if their others can’t make stops and make shots it won’t matter because Jokic not scoring 100pts a game. I trust OKC defense on others will still be tougher than Nuggets with Gordon and Brown.
Not having Bam on any defensive list, is absolutely criminal.
Yea the gm’s should be locked up
OKC can repeat due to being deepest team, they have match up nightmares and fresh legs. They were figuring out that pnr with Sga and Jalen late. They have likely been working on it way more. Jalen played in the playoff with messed up wrist.
What happened to Malone? How did he fall from grace so fast?
Nothing really, there were no good jobs open. He is a championship level coach so all rebuilds are off the table. If Spurs don’t make playoffs and look good they may let the new guy go and Malone can step in.
Maybe Orlando if they don’t get out of round 1.
Players don’t like Malone. It’s a players league.