The Boston Celtics were one of the most dominant champions in recent memory, ranking in the top two on both ends of the floor in the regular season and then losing only three playoff games on their way to the franchise’s 18th title.
It’s been seven years since the NBA had a repeat champion, but it should be no surprise that the Celtics are heavy favorites to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy again in 2025. In the 23rd annual NBA.com GM Survey, 83% of respondents picked Boston to do just that, with that rate being the third highest for a title pick in the history of the survey. Not coincidentally, the Celtics were the most popular response for both the league’s best defensive team and the team that will lead the league in offensive efficiency this season.
The Celtics don’t have the most popular players in the survey, but GMs selected Jayson Tatum as the league’s best small forward for the second straight year. Jrue Holiday, meanwhile, was tabbed as the NBA’s best perimeter defender.
The best overall defender, according to the league’s GMs, is a 20-year old with only 71 games of NBA experience. The San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama is also, overwhelmingly, the player that decision-makers would most like to start a franchise with.
The GMs responded to 50 different questions about the best teams, players, coaches and offseason moves. General managers were not permitted to vote for their own team or personnel. Percentages are based on the pool of respondents to that particular question, rather than all 30 GMs.
PREDICTIONS
Which team will win the 2025 NBA Finals?
1. Boston Celtics – 83%
2. Oklahoma City Thunder – 13%
3. Dallas Mavericks – 3%
» Last year: Boston Celtics & Denver Nuggets – 33%
Eastern Conference rankings
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | %Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Boston | 97% | 39% | |||
| 2. | New York | 43% | 37% | 14% | 22% | |
| 3. | Philadelphia | 50% | 20% | 17% | 21% | |
| 4. | Cleveland | 3% | 7% | 20% | 17% | 9% |
| 5. | Milwaukee | 13% | 31% | 6% | ||
| 6. | Orlando | 10% | 7% | 3% | ||
| 7. | Indiana | 14% | 1% |
%Total = Percentage of total points (4 for 1st place vote, 3 for 2nd, 2 for 3rd, 1 for 4th)
» Last year: 53% picked Boston to win the East. Order after the Celtics was Milwaukee, Cleveland, Philadelphia, New York, Miami and Atlanta.
Western Conference rankings
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | %Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Oklahoma City | 80% | 10% | 3% | 35% | |
| 2. | Minnesota | 40% | 40% | 10% | 21% | |
| 3. | Denver | 7% | 27% | 27% | 20% | 17% |
| 4. | Dallas | 7% | 23% | 23% | 20% | 15% |
| 5. | Phoenix | 7% | 3% | 3% | 23% | 7% |
| 6. | Memphis | 3% | 7% | 10% | 3% | |
| 7. | New Orleans | 10% | 1% | |||
| 8. | Golden State | 3% | 0% |
%Total = Percentage of total points (4 for 1st place vote, 3 for 2nd, 2 for 3rd, 1 for 4th)
» Last year: 70% picked Denver to win the West. Order after the Nuggets was Phoenix, L.A. Lakers, Golden State, LA Clippers, Memphis, New Orleans and Sacramento (tie), Dallas and Oklahoma City.
PLAYERS
Who will win the 2024-25 Kia MVP?
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City – 40%
2. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 30%
T-3. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia – 7%
T-3. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 7%
T-3. Jayson Tatum, Boston – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee; Jaylen Brown, Boston; Anthony Edwards, Minnesota
» Last year: Nikola Jokic – 43%
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 77%
T-2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City – 10%
T-2. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 10%
4. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 3%
» Last year: Nikola Jokic – 33%
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
1. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 33%
2. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 30%
3. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 23%
T-4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 7%
T-4. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia – 7%
» Last year: Stephen Curry – 40%
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2024-25?
1. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City – 13%
T-2. Evan Mobley, Cleveland – 10%
T-2. Ja Morant, Memphis – 10%
T-2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 10%
T-5. Paolo Banchero, Orlando – 7%
T-5. Cade Cunningham, Detroit – 7%
T-5. Brandon Miller, Charlotte – 7%
» Also receiving votes: LaMelo Ball, Charlotte; Anthony Edwards, Minnesota; Dereck Lively II, Dallas; Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia; Trey Murphy III, New Orleans; Keegan Murray, Sacramento; Andrew Nembhard, Indiana; Alperen Sengun, Houston; Cam Thomas, Brooklyn; Amen Thompson, Houston; Ausar Thompson, Detroit
» Last year: Anthony Edwards – 23%
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
1. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 37%
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City – 30%
3. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 23%
4. Jalen Brunson, New York – 10%
» Last year: Stephen Curry – 63%
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
1. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota – 33%
2. Devin Booker, Phoenix – 23%
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City – 20%
4. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 10%
5. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Jaylen Brown, Boston; Derrick White, Boston
» Last year: Devin Booker – 63%
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
1. Jayson Tatum, Boston – 47%
T-2. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 17%
T-2. Kevin Durant, Phoenix – 17%
T-2. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 17%
5. Jaylen Brown, Boston – 3%
» Last year: Jayson Tatum – 47%
Who is the best power forward in the NBA?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 77%
2. Kevin Durant, Phoenix – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Anthony Davis, L.A. Lakers; Draymond Green, Golden State; Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento; Jayson Tatum, Boston; Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio
» Last year: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 97%
Who is the best center in the NBA?
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 87%
2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia – 10%
3. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 3%
» Last year: Nikola Jokic – 93%
Highest percentage of total votes on position questions
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 17%
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 15%
3. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 12%
T-4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City – 10%
T-4. Jayson Tatum, Boston – 10%
» Last year: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 19.3%
OFFSEASON MOVES
Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – 37%
2. Philadelphia 76ers – 33%
3. New York Knicks – 20%
» Also receiving votes: Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings
» Last year: Boston Celtics & Milwaukee Bucks – 23%
Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?
1. Paul George, Philadelphia – 60%
T-2. Mikal Bridges, New York – 13%
T-2. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York – 13%
4. Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City – 7%
» Also receiving votes: DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento; Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City
» Last year: Damian Lillard – 47%
What was the most underrated player acquisition?
1. Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City – 23%
2. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Orlando – 17%
T-3. Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City – 13%
T-3. Tyus Jones, Phoenix – 13%
5. Klay Thompson, Dallas – 10%
6. Chris Paul, San Antonio – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Kyle Anderson, Golden State; Donte DiVincenzo, Minnesota; Josh Giddey, Chicago; Caleb Martin, Philadelphia; Gary Trent Jr., Milwaukee
» Last year: Marcus Smart – 17%
Which team will be most improved in 2024-25?
1. Memphis Grizzlies – 67%
2. San Antonio Spurs – 13%
3. Philadelphia 76ers – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns
» Last year: Oklahoma City Thunder – 30%
What was the most surprising move of the offseason?
1. Karl-Anthony Towns to New York – 27%
2. Paul George to Philadelphia – 23%
3. DeMar DeRozan to Sacramento – 17%
4. Mikal Bridges to New York – 10%
5. Zaccharie Risacher drafted No. 1 – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Deni Avdija to Portland; Tyus Jones to Phoenix, Caleb Martin to Philadelphia, Dejounte Murray to New Orleans, Klay Thompson to Dallas
» Last year: Holiday/Lillard trade – 43%
ROOKIES & INTERNATIONAL
Who will win the 2024-25 Rookie of the Year?
1. Reed Sheppard, Houston – 50%
2. Zach Edey, Memphis – 30%
3. Stephon Castle, San Antonio – 13%
» Also receiving votes: Ron Holland II, Detroit; Alex Sarr, Washington
» Last year: Victor Wembanyama – 50%
Which rookie will be the best player in five years?
1. Reed Sheppard, Houston – 43%
2. Stephon Castle, San Antonio – 17%
3. Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta – 13%
T-4. Bub Carrington, Washington – 7%
T-4. Alex Sarr, Washington – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Matas Buzelis, Chicago; Donovan Clingan, Portland; Ron Holland II, Detroit; Dalton Knecht, L.A. Lakers
» Last year: Victor Wembanyama – 90%
» Five years ago: Zion Williamson – 70%
Which rookie was the biggest steal at where he was selected in the Draft?
T-1. Bub Carrington (14), Washington – 10%
T-1. Devin Carter (13), Sacramento – 10%
T-1. Johnny Furphy (35), Indiana – 10%
T-1. Dalton Knecht (17), L.A. Lakers – 10%
T-1. Terrence Shannon Jr. (27), Minnesota – 10%
T-1. Nikola Topic (12), Oklahoma City – 10%
T-7. Matas Buzelis (11), Chicago – 7%
T-7. Donovan Clingan (7), Portland – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Cam Christie (46), LA Clippers; Isaiah Collier (29), Utah; Zach Edey (9), Memphis; Kyle Filipowski (32), Utah; Jared McCain (16), Philadelphia; Baylor Scheierman (30), Boston; Reed Sheppard (3), Houston; Cody Williams (10), Utah
» Last year: Cam Whitmore – 43%
Who is the best international player in the NBA?
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 87%
2. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 10%
3. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 3%
» Last year: Nikola Jokic – 80%
Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA?
1. Sasha Vezenkov – 30%
2. Nikola Mirotic – 23%
3. Edy Tavares – 17%
4. Nolan Traore – 10%
T-5. Dzanan Musa – 7%
T-5. Cedi Osman – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Boban Marjanovic, Armel Traore
» Last year: Nikola Mirotic – 37%
DEFENSE
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 40%
T-2. Bam Adebayo, Miami – 10%
T-2. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota – 10%
T-2. Jrue Holiday, Boston – 10%
T-5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 7%
T-5. Anthony Davis, L.A. Lakers – 7%
T-5. Herb Jones, New Orleans – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City; Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota; Marcus Smart, Memphis
» Last year: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 40%
Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
1. Jrue Holiday, Boston – 43%
2. Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City – 20%
3. Herb Jones, New Orleans – 17%
4. Lu Dort, Oklahoma City – 7%
» Also receiving votes: OG Anunoby, New York; Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota; Marcus Smart, Memphis; Derrick White, Boston
» Last year: Jrue Holiday – 50%
Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 40%
2. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota – 37%
3. Anthony Davis, L.A. Lakers – 10%
4. Bam Adebayo, Miami – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee; Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis
» Last year: Jaren Jackson Jr. – 30%
Who is the most versatile defender in the NBA?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 17%
T-2. OG Anunoby, New York – 13%
T-2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 13%
4. Bam Adebayo, Miami – 10%
T-5. Jrue Holiday, Boston – 7%
T-5. Jonathan Isaac, Orlando – 7%
T-5. Herb Jones, New Orleans – 7%
T-5. Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City; Lu Dort, Oklahoma City; Aaron Gordon, Denver; Evan Mobley, Cleveland; Marcus Smart, Memphis; Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City
» Last year: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 37%
Which is the best defensive team in the NBA?
1. Boston Celtics – 57%
2. Minnesota Timberwolves – 23%
3. Oklahoma City Thunder – 20%
» Last year: Boston Celtics – 47%
COACHES
Who is the best head coach in the NBA?
1. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 69%
2. Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City – 17%
3. Steve Kerr, Golden State – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Mike Budenholzer, Phoenix; Chris Finch, Minnesota
» Last year: Erik Spoelstra – 73%
Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people?
1. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 37%
2. Steve Kerr, Golden State – 17%
T-3. Joe Mazzulla, Boston – 10%
T-3. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 10%
T-3. Doc Rivers, Milwaukee – 10%
6. Jason Kidd, Dallas – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City; Michael Malone, Denver; Tom Thibodeau, New York
» Last year: Erik Spoelstra – 37%
Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?
1. Tyronn Lue, LA Clippers – 28%
2. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 24%
3. Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City – 17%
T-4. Rick Carlisle, Indiana – 7%
T-4. Taylor Jenkins, Memphis – 7%
T-4. Nick Nurse, Philadelphia – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Chris Finch, Minnesota; Will Hardy, Utah; Michael Malone, Denver
» Last year: Erik Spoelstra – 43%
Which head coach runs the best offense?
1. Rick Carlisle, Indiana – 47%
2. Joe Mazzulla, Boston – 17%
3. Chris Finch, Minnesota – 13%
4. Steve Kerr, Golden State – 10%
» Also receiving votes: Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City; Michael Malone, Denver; Nick Nurse, Philadelphia; Erik Spoelstra, Miami
» Last year: Mike Brown – 33%
Which head coach has the best defensive schemes?
1. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 23%
T-2. Chris Finch, Minnesota – 20%
T-2. Tom Thibodeau, New York – 20%
4. Joe Mazzulla, Boston – 17%
5. Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City – 10%
6. Jamahl Mosley, Orlando – 7%
7. Ime Udoka, Houston – 3%
» Last year: Erik Spoelstra – 40%
Which new or relocated head coach will make the biggest impact on his new team?
1. Mike Budenholzer, Phoenix – 40%
T-2. Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland – 20%
T-2. J.B. Bickerstaff, Detroit – 20%
4. Charles Lee, Charlotte – 10%
5. Jordi Fernandez, Brooklyn – 7%
6. JJ Redick, L.A. Lakers – 3%
» Last year: Ime Udoka – 57%
Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?
T-1. Sam Cassell, Boston – 17%
T-1. Micah Nori, Minnesota – 17%
3. Sean Sweeney, Dallas – 10%
T-4. Chris Quinn, Miami – 7%
T-4. Jeff Van Gundy, LA Clippers – 7%
» Also receiving votes: David Adelman, Denver; Pat Delany, Toronto; Chris DeMarco, Golden State; Lindsey Harding, L.A. Lakers; Trevor Hendry, Cleveland; Juwan Howard, Brooklyn; Royal Ivey, Houston; Jay Larranaga, LA Clippers; Josh Longstaff, Charlotte; Dale Osborne, Orlando; Jordan Ott, Cleveland; Terry Stotts, Golden State; Jay Triano, Sacramento
» Last year: Jordi Fernandez – 31%
Which active player will make the best head coach someday?
1. Chris Paul, San Antonio – 30%
2. Garrett Temple, Toronto – 20%
3. Mike Conley, Minnesota – 13%
T-4. T.J. McConnell, Indiana – 7%
T-4. Fred VanVleet, Houston – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Harrison Barnes, San Antonio; Bradley Beal, Phoenix; Jalen Brunson, New York; Jrue Holiday, Boston; Al Horford, Boston; Tyus Jones, Phoenix; Kyle Lowry, Philadelphia
» Last year: Chris Paul – 20%
MISCELLANEOUS
Which team is the most fun to watch?
1. Indiana Pacers – 37%
2. Oklahoma City Thunder – 27%
T-3. Denver Nuggets – 10%
T-3. Golden State Warriors – 10%
5. Boston Celtics – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns
» Last year: Denver Nuggets – 30%
Which team has the best home-court advantage?
1. Denver Nuggets – 47%
2. Oklahoma City Thunder – 17%
T-3. Boston Celtics – 13%
T-3. New York Knicks – 13%
5. Utah Jazz – 7%
6. Sacramento Kings – 3%
» Last year: Denver Nuggets – 37%
Which team will have the league’s most efficient offense this season?
1. Boston Celtics – 53%
2. Indiana Pacers – 20%
3. Oklahoma City Thunder – 13%
4. Dallas Mavericks – 7%
» Also receiving votes: New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns
» Last year: Denver Nuggets – 34%
Which team’s level of success this season is toughest to predict?
1. Los Angeles Lakers – 17%
T-2. Houston Rockets – 13%
T-2. New Orleans Pelicans – 13%
4. Phoenix Suns – 10%
T-5. Dallas Mavericks – 7%
T-5. Philadelphia 76ers – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings
» Last year: Philadelphia 76ers – 30%
Which team has the most promising young core?
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – 60%
2. Orlando Magic – 20%
3. Houston Rockets – 10%
4. San Antonio Spurs – 7%
5. Detroit Pistons – 3%
» Last year: Oklahoma City Thunder – 73%
Which player is the most athletic?
1. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota – 45%
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 17%
3. Amen Thompson, Houston – 10%
T-4. Ja Morant, Memphis – 7%
T-4. Ausar Thompson, Detroit – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Bam Adebayo, Miami; Jalen Green, Houston; Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State; Zion Williamson, New Orleans
» Last year: Ja Morant – 34%
Which player is the best pure shooter?
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 87%
» Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant, Phoenix; Luke Kennard, Memphis; Trey Murphy III, New Orleans; Klay Thompson, Dallas
» Last year: Stephen Curry – 90%
Which player is the fastest with the ball?
1. De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento – 52%
2. Ja Morant, Memphis – 38%
3. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia – 7%
4. Kyrie Irving, Dallas – 3%
» Last year: De’Aaron Fox – 57%
Which player is the best at moving without the ball?
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 83%
» Also receiving votes: Desmond Bane, Memphis; Mikal Bridges, New York; CJ McCollum, New Orleans; Duncan Robinson, Miami; Klay Thompson, Dallas
» Last year: Stephen Curry – 73%
Which player is the best passer?
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 70%
2. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 17%
3. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana – 10%
4. Josh Giddey, Chicago – 3%
» Last year: Nikola Jokic – 67%
Which player is the best leader?
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 33%
T-2. Jalen Brunson, New York – 23%
T-2. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 23%
T-4. Jrue Holiday, Boston – 7%
T-4. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 7%
T-4. Chris Paul, San Antonio – 7%
» Last year: LeBron James – 27%
Who is the most versatile player in the NBA?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 30%
2. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 20%
T-3. Kevin Durant, Phoenix – 10%
T-3. Jayson Tatum, Boston – 10%
T-3. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 10%
6. Mikal Bridges, New York – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Bam Adebayo, Miami; Jrue Holiday, Boston; Nikola Jokic, Denver; Amen Thompson, Houston
» Last year: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 45%
Which player has the best basketball IQ?
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 53%
2. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 30%
T-3. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 7%
T-3. Chris Paul, San Antonio – 7%
5. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana – 3%
» Last year: Nikola Jokic – 50%
Which player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 40%
2. Kevin Durant, Phoenix – 23%
3. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 10%
T-4. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 7%
T-4. Damian Lillard, Milwaukee – 7%
» Also receiving votes: DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City; Kyrie Irving, Dallas; Jamal Murray, Denver
» Last year: Stephen Curry – 37%
What rule (regarding play, schedule, Draft/Lottery, playoff format, roster construction, etc.) most needs to change?
1. Roster construction – Apron rules/trade math too restrictive or should be indexed to team’s market – 20%
2. Schedule – fewer games and/or back-to-backs – 17%
T-3. Game flow – Reduce stoppages and replay reviews, or change to G-League, 1-free-throw rule – 13%
T-3. Playoff format – Seed 1-16 or let top seeds choose opponents – 13%
T-5. Free agency before the Draft – 7%
T-5. Return to a one-day Draft – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Add third round to the Draft, Draft Lottery format, Expand All-Star rosters to 15 players, Elam ending, Fouls on lobs should be shooting fouls, Playoff eligibility for two-way players, Remove divisions
» Last year: N/A
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John Schuhmann is a senior stats analyst for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.
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