The Spurs were the reigning champs entering the 2003-04 season.
Look back at every NBA GM Survey since 2002.
PREDICTIONS
Who will win the 2004 NBA Finals?
1. Los Angeles Lakers – 52.4%
2. San Antonio Spurs – 23.8%
3. Sacramento Kings – 9.5%
> Also receiving votes: New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat
Who will win the 2003-04 MVP?
T-1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 42.9%
T-1. Shaquille O’Neal, L.A. Lakers – 42.9%
> Also receiving votes: Kevin Garnett, Minnesota; Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Chris Webber, Sacramento
Which player has the greatest hunger to win the championship in 2003-04?
1. Karl Malone, L.A. Lakers – 38.1%
2. Gary Payton, L.A. Lakers – 19.0%
3. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota – 14.3%
> Also receiving votes: Jason Kidd, New Jersey; Alonzo Mourning, New Jersey; Allen Iverson, Philadelphia; Shaquille O’Neal, L.A. Lakers
Which team will win the Eastern Conference?
1. New Jersey Nets – 57.1%
2. Indiana Pacers – 19.0%
3. Detroit Pistons – 9.5%
> Also receiving votes: Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat
Which team will win the Atlantic Division?
1. New Jersey Nets – 80.8%
T-2. Boston Celtics – 4.8%
T-2. Miami Heat – 4.8%
T-2. Orlando Magic – 4.8%
T-2. Philadelphia 76ers – 4.8%
Which team will win the Central Division?
1. Detroit Pistons – 61.9%
2. Indiana Pacers – 28.6%
3. New Orleans Hornets – 9.5%
Which team will win the Midwest Division?
1. San Antonio Spurs – 61.9%
2. Dallas Mavericks – 23.8%
3. Minnesota Timberwolves – 9.5%
4. Houston Rockets – 4.8%
Which team will win the Pacific Division?
1. Los Angeles Lakers – 61.9%
2. Sacramento Kings – 38.1%
PLAYERS
Kevin Garnett and Shaquille O’Neal loomed large in the minds of many GMs entering the 2003-04 season.
Which player in the NBA would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 52.4%
2. Reggie Miller, Indiana – 14.3%
3. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 9.5%
> Also receiving votes: Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento; Tracy McGrady, Orlando; Nick Van Exel, Golden State; Ray Allen, Seattle; Paul Pierce, Boston
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 57.1%
2. Shaquille O’Neal, L.A. Lakers – 28.6%
3. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota – 9.5%
> Also receiving votes: Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Tracy McGrady, Orlando
Who is the toughest player in the NBA?
1. Ben Wallace, Detroit – 40.5%
2. Ron Artest, Indiana – 21.4%
3. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia – 19.0%
> Also receiving votes: Shaquille O’Neal, L.A. Lakers; Kenyon Martin, New Jersey; Charles Oakley
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
1. Jason Kidd, New Jersey – 95.2%
2. Steve Nash, Dallas – 4.8%
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 52.4%
3. Tracy McGrady, Orlando – 33.3%
> Also receiving votes: Paul Pierce, Boston; Ray Allen, Seattle; Allen Iverson, Philadelphia
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
1. Tracy McGrady, Orlando – 38.1%
2. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota – 33.3%
3. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 14.3%
> Also receiving votes: Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento; Paul Pierce, Boston
Who is the best power forward in the NBA?
1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 73.8%
2. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota – 21.4%
T-3. Jermaine O’Neal, Indiana – 4.8%
T-3. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 4.8%
Who is the best center in the NBA?
1. Shaquille O’Neal, L.A. Lakers – 80.9%
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 19.1%
Which team will win the Western Conference?
1. Los Angeles Lakers – 57.1%
2. San Antonio Spurs – 23.8%
3. Sacramento Kings – 14.3%
4. Dallas Mavericks – 4.8%
Which team made the best offseason moves?
1. Los Angeles Lakers – 54.8%
2. Minnesota Timberwolves – 45.2%
Which player has the best post moves?
1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 95.2%
2. Shaquille O’Neal, L.A. Lakers – 4.8%
Which player is the best passing big man?
1. Vlade Divac, Sacramento – 38.1%
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 33.3%
3. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota – 14.3%
> Also receiving votes: Yao Ming, Houston; Chris Webber, Sacramento
Which player is best at making his teammates better?
1. Jason Kidd, New Jersey – 76.2%
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 19.0%
3. Tracy McGrady, Orlando – 4.8%
Which player has the best court smarts?
1. Jason Kidd, New Jersey – 61.9%
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 23.8%
> Also receiving votes: Steve Nash, Dallas; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; Reggie Miller, Indiana
Which player is the best on-court leader?
1. Jason Kidd, New Jersey – 57.1%
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 19.0%
3. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota – 9.5%
> Also receiving votes: Steve Nash, Dallas; Sam Cassell, Minnesota
Which player is the best locker room leader?
1. Michael Curry, Toronto – 19.0%
2. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota – 14.3%
3. Avery Johnson, Golden State – 9.5%
> Also receiving votes: Jason Kidd, New Jersey; Ray Allen, Seattle; Eric Snow, Philadelphia; Juwan Howard, Orlando; Antonio Davis, Toronto; Ben Wallace, Detroit; Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Darrell Armstrong, New Orleans
OFFENSE
Which team will be the most fun to watch?
1. Dallas Mavericks – 42.9%
2. Sacramento Kings – 23.8%
3. Cleveland Cavaliers – 14.3%
> Also receiving votes: Los Angeles Lakers, New Jersey Nets, Seattle Sonics
Which player is the most athletic?
1. Tracy McGrady, Orlando – 40.0%
2. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota – 14.3%
3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 14.3%
4. Desmond Mason, Milwaukee – 14.3%
> Also receiving votes: Vince Carter, Toronto; Shawn Marion, Phoenix; Jason Richardson, Golden State; Steve Francis, Houston
Which player is the fastest with the ball?
1. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia – 42.9%
2. Jason Kidd, New Jersey – 33.3%
3. Earl Boykins, Denver – 9.5%
> Also receiving votes: Tony Parker, San Antonio; Jason Terry, Atlanta; Jason Williams, Memphis
Which player is the best fast-break finisher?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 33.3%
2. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia – 14.3%
3. Shawn Marion, Phoenix – 11.9%
> Also receiving votes: Tracy McGrady, Orlando; Kevin Garnett, Minnesota; Jason Richardson, Golden State; Paul Pierce, Boston; Kenyon Martin, New Jersey; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; Jason Kidd, New Jersey
Which player is the best pure shooter?
1. Ray Allen, Seattle – 33.3%
2. Allan Houston, New York – 23.8%
3. Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento – 19.0%
> Also receiving votes: Reggie Miller, Indiana; Steve Nash, Dallas; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; Wally Szczerbiak, Minnesota
DEFENSE
Who will win Defensive Player of the Year?
1. Ben Wallace, Detroit – 38.1%
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 19.0%
3. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota – 14.3%
> Also receiving votes: Gary Payton, L.A. Lakers; Theo Ratliff, Atlanta; Ron Artest, Indiana; Shaquille O’Neal, L.A. Lakers; Jason Kidd, New Jersey
Who is the NBA’s best perimeter defender?
1. Bruce Bowen, San Antonio – 28.6%
2. Ron Artest, Indiana – 14.3%
3. Gary Payton, L.A. Lakers – 14.3%
> Also receiving votes: Jason Kidd, New Jersey; Doug Christie, Sacramento; Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Scottie Pippen, Chicago; Kenyon Martin, New Jersey; Shane Battier, Memphis
Who is the NBA’s best interior defender?
1. Ben Wallace, Detroit – 71.4%
2. Shaquille O’Neal, L.A. Lakers – 14.3%
> Also receiving votes: Kevin Garnett, Minnesota; Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Kenyon Martin, New Jersey
ROOKIES, INTERNATIONAL & MISCELLANEOUS
NBA GMs were hardly indecisive as to whether Carmelo Anthony or LeBron James would win Rookie of the Year in 2003-04.
Who will win Rookie of the Year?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 81.0%
2. Carmelo Anthony, Denver – 19.0%
Which international rookie is most ready to contribute this season?
1. Darko Milicic, Detroit – 55.0%
2. Zarko Cabarkapa, Phoenix – 20.0%
3. Zoran Planinic, New Jersey & Boris Diaw, Atlanta – 10.0%
> Also receiving votes: Mickael Pietrus, Golden State
Which rookie will be the best player in five years?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland — 81.0%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 9.5%
T-3. Carmelo Anthony, Denver – 4.8%
T-3. Mickael Pietrus, Golden State – 4.8%
Which rookie is most likely to be a sleeper success?
1. Boris Diaw, Atlanta – 15.8%
2. Jarvis Hayes, Washington – 10.5%
3. Josh Howard, Dallas – 10.5%
> Also receiving votes: T.J. Ford, Milwaukee; Troy Bell, Memphis; Nick Collison, Seattle; Willie Green, Philadelphia; Travis Outlaw, Portland; Zaza Pachulia, Orlando; Mike Sweetney, New York; David West, New Orleans; Steve Blake, Washington; Marquis Daniels, Dallas; Maciej Lampe, New York; Luke Walton, L.A. Lakers
Which player acquisition will make the biggest impact?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 35.0%
2. Gary Payton, L.A. Lakers – 20.0%
T-3. Karl Malone, L.A. Lakers – 10.0%
T-3. Alonzo Mourning, N.J. – 10.0%
> Also receiving votes: Latrell Sprewell, Minnesota; Brad Miller, Sacramento; Antawn Jamison, Dallas; Jake Tsakalidis, Memphis; Jermaine O’Neal, Indiana (re-signed)
Which team will be most improved in 2003-04?
1. Cleveland Cavaliers – 33.3%
2. Chicago Bulls – 19.0%
3. Houston Rockets – 14.3%
> Also receiving votes: Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets
Who is the best international player in the NBA?
1. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 87.5%
2. Pau Gasol, Memphis – 7.5%
3. Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento – 5.0%
Which three countries, excluding the U.S., are most likely to produce the most NBA players in the next decade?
1. Serbia & Montenegro – 31.5%
T-2. China – 14.8%
T-2. Russia – 14.8%
> Also receiving votes: Argentina, France, Croatia, Lithuania, Spain, Brazil, Turkey, Italy
Which country, including the U.S., produces the most fundamentally sound basketball players?
1. Serbia & Montenegro – 47.5%
2. United States – 30.0%
3. Croatia – 10.0%
> Also receiving votes: Lithuania, Spain
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2003-04?
T-1. Mehmet Okur, Detroit – 14.3%
T-1. Yao Ming, Houston – 14.3%
T-1. Eddy Curry, Chicago – 14.3%
> Also receiving votes: Lamar Odom, Miami; Richard Jefferson, New Jersey; Nenê, Denver; Vladimir Radmanovic, Seattle; Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Cleveland; Kenyon Martin, New Jersey; Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix; Jason Richardson, Golden State; Kwame Brown, Washington; Corey Maggette, L.A. Clippers; Shawn Marion, Phoenix
Which international player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2003-04?
1. Yao Ming, Houston – 35.7%
2. Pau Gasol, Memphis – 19.0%
T-3. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio – 9.5%
T-3. Hedo Turkoglu, San Antonio – 9.5%
> Also receiving votes: Mehmet Okur, Detroit; Andrei Kirilenko, Utah; Tony Parker, San Antonio; Vladimir Radmanovic, Seattle; Marko Jaric, L.A. Clippers; Nenê, Denver
COACHES
Who is the NBA’s best head coach?
1. Larry Brown, Detroit – 42.9%
2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 19.0%
3. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers – 14.3%
> Also receiving votes: Flip Saunders, Minnesota; Pat Riley, Miami; Jerry Sloan, Utah; Nate McMillan, Seattle
Which head coach is the best manager and motivator?
1. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers – 40.5%
2. Pat Riley, Miami – 21.4%
3. Larry Brown, Detroit – 19.0%
> Also receiving votes: Hubie Brown, Memphis; Gregg Popovich, San Antonio; Jerry Sloan, Utah
Which head coach is the best strategic/X’s and O’s coach?
1. Larry Brown, Detroit – 33.3%
2. Jeff Van Gundy, Houston – 14.3%
T-3. Rick Carlisle, Indiana – 9.5%
T-3. Pat Riley, Miami – 9.5%
> Also receiving votes: Gregg Popovich, San Antonio; Jim O’Brien, Boston; Jerry Sloan, Utah; Flip Saunders, Minnesota; Hubie Brown, Memphis
Which head coach is the best at developing young players?
1. Larry Brown, Detroit – 23.8%
2. Eric Musselman, Golden State – 14.3%
T-3. Jeff Bzdelik, Denver – 9.5%
T-3. Paul Silas, Cleveland – 9.5%
> Also receiving votes: Nate McMillan, Seattle; Jim O’Brien, Boston; Rick Carlisle, Indiana; Rick Adelman, Sacramento; Pat Riley, Miami; Don Nelson, Dallas; Doc Rivers, Orlando; Gregg Popovich, San Antonio
Who is the best assistant coach?
1. Del Harris, Dallas – 14.3%
T-2. Dwane Casey, Seattle – 4.8%
T-2. Marc Iavaroni, Phoenix – 4.8%
T-2. Stan Van Gundy, Miami – 4.8%
T-2. Phil Johnson, Utah – 4.8%
> Also receiving votes: Tex Winter, L.A. Lakers, Jim Cleamons, L.A. Lakers; Jim Lynam, Portland; Mike Brown, Indiana; Bob Ociepka, Milwaukee; Mike D’Antoni, Phoenix
Which active player will make the best head coach someday?
1. Avery Johnson, Golden State – 33.3%
2. Mark Jackson – 28.6%
3. Eric Snow, Philadelphia – 9.5%
> Also receiving votes: Steve Smith; Karl Malone, L.A. Lakers; Jason Kidd, New Jersey; Michael Curry, Toronto; Darrell Armstrong, New Orleans
