NBA general managers across the league are convinced that the Golden State Warriors will be lifting the Larry O'Brien trophy for the third consecutive season in 2019. According to the annual NBA GM survey, 87% of general managers have picked the Warriors to win the NBA title, which is actually down from a year ago when GSW received 93% of the votes.
When asked to select the top-four teams in each conference, 90% of GMs picked the Boston Celtics to win the East, followed by the Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks. In the West, it's Golden State, Houston, OKC and Utah.
In total, the GMs responded to 49 different questions about the best teams, players, coaches, fans, and offseason moves. General managers were not permitted to vote for their own team or personnel.
When it comes to selecting the best player at each position, Stephen Curry received 57% of the vote for best point guard, while the reigning NBA MVP, James Harden was named best shooting guard by 73% of GMs. LeBron James was ranked best small forward (57%) ahead of Kevin Durant who totalled 40% of the votes. As for the best power forward and center? Anthony Davis received the most votes in both categories.
Check out some of the results from the annual NBA GM survey below. Click here for the full results.
Who will win the 2018-19 Kia MVP?
1. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 30%
2. Kevin Durant, Golden State –27%
3. Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 17%
4. James Harden, Houston – 10%
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 30%
2. Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 23%
3. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 20%
4. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 17%
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2018-19?
1. Jamal Murray, Denver – 20%
2. Brandon Ingram, L.A. Lakers – 10%
Jayson Tatum, Boston – 10%
Who will win the 2018-19 Rookie of the Year?
1. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 43%
2. Marvin Bagley III, Sacramento – 17%
Wendell Carter Jr., Chicago – 17%
4. DeAndre Ayton, Phoenix – 13%
Which rookie will be the best player in five years?
1. DeAndre Ayton, Phoenix – 27%
Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis – 27%
3. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 17%
4. Marvin Bagley III, Sacramento – 13%
Kevin Knox, New York – 13%
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
1. Rudy Gobert, Utah – 37%
Kawhi Leonard, Toronto – 37%
3. Draymond Green, Golden State – 17%
4. Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 7%
Who is the best international player in the NBA?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 73%
2. Kristaps Porzingis, New York – 10%
3. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 7%
Nikola Jokic, Denver – 7%
Who is the best head coach in the NBA?
1. Brad Stevens, Boston – 47%
2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 30%
3. Mike D'Antoni, Houston – 7%
Steve Kerr, Golden State – 7%
Which team has the best home-court advantage?
1. Golden State – 50%
2. Utah – 27%
3. Denver – 13%