The Spurs were the reigning champs entering the 2005-06 season.
Look back at every NBA GM Survey since 2002.
PREDICTIONS
Which team will win NBA Finals 2006?
1. San Antonio Spurs – 76.9%
2. Miami Heat – 15.4%
> Also receiving votes: Detroit, Minnesota
Who will win the 2005-06 MVP?
1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 58.3%
2. Shaquille O’Neal, Miami – 16.7%
> Also receiving votes: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, Kevin Garnett, Minnesota, Tracy McGrady, Houston, Jermaine O’Neal, Indiana, Amar’e Stoudemire, Phoenix, Dwyane Wade, Miami
Which team will win the Eastern Conference?
1. Miami Heat – 73.1%
2. Detroit Pistons – 15.4%
3. Indiana Pacers – 11.5%
Which team will win the Western Conference?
1. San Antonio Spurs – 96.2%
2. Phoenix Suns – 3.8%
Which team will win the Atlantic Division?
1. New Jersey Nets – 92.3%
T-2. Boston Celtics – 3.8%
T-2. Philadelphia 76ers – 3.8%
Which team will win the Central Division?
1. Indiana Pacers – 57.7%
2. Detroit Pistons – 38.5%
3. Cleveland Cavaliers – 3.8%
Which team will win the Southeast Division?
1. Miami Heat – 100.0%
Which team will win the Southwest Division?
1. San Antonio Spurs – 100.0%
Which team will win the Northwest Division?
1. Denver Nuggets – 65.4%
2. Minnesota Timberwolves – 23.1%
3. Seattle SuperSonics – 11.5%
Which team will win the Pacific Division?
1. Phoenix Suns – 80.8%
2. Sacramento Kings – 11.5%
3. Golden State Warriors – 7.7%
Which team will be the most fun to watch?
1. Phoenix Suns – 59.6%
2. Miami Heat – 11.5%
T-3. Dallas Mavericks – 7.7%
T-3. Golden State Warriors – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Charlotte, New Orleans/Oklahoma City, Sacramento, San Antonio
OFFENSE
Allen Iverson and LeBron James were among the best of the best players entering the 2005-06 season.
Which player is the most athletic?
T-1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 23.1%
T-1. Amar’e Stoudemire, Phoenix – 23.1%
2. Tracy McGrady, Houston – 11.5%
> Also receiving votes: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, Vince Carter, New Jersey, Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia, Shawn Marion, Phoenix, Darius Miles, Portland, Nate Robinson, New York, Josh Smith, Atlanta, Stromile Swift, Houston, Dwyane Wade, Miami, Gerald Wallace, Charlotte
Which player is the best pure shooter?
1. Ray Allen, Seattle – 57.7%
2. Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento – 26.9%
> Also receiving votes: Fred Hoiberg; Allan Houston, Kyle Korver, Philadelphia, Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas
Which player is the fastest with the ball?
1. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia – 34.6%
2. Jason Kidd, New Jersey – 19.2%
3. T.J. Ford, Milwaukee – 15.4%
4. Tony Parker, San Antonio – 11.5%
> Also receiving votes: Gilbert Arenas, Washington, LeBron James, Cleveland, Stephon Marbury, New York, Sebastian Telfair, Portland
Which player is best at moving without the ball?
1. Richard Hamilton, Detroit – 73.1%
2. Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento – 15.4%
> Also receiving votes: Ray Allen, Seattle; Fred Hoiberg; Arvydas Macijauskas, New Orleans/Oklahoma City
Which player is the best at getting his own shot?
1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers – 61.5%
2. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia – 19.2%
3. Tracy McGrady, Houston – 11.5%
> Also receiving votes: Baron Davis, Golden State, Paul Pierce, Boston
Which player is the best offensive rebounder?
1. Ben Wallace, Detroit – 28.0%
2. Amar’e Stoudemire, Phoenix – 16.0%
3. Reggie Evans, Seattle – 12.0%
> Also receiving votes: Elton Brand, Los Angeles Clippers, Tyson Chandler, Chicago, Danny Fortson, Seattle, Jeff Foster, Indiana, Dan Gadzuric, Milwaukee, Kevin Garnett, Minnesota, Al Jefferson, Boston, Shawn Marion, Phoenix, Emeka Okafor, Charlotte
Which player is the best passer?
1. Jason Kidd, New Jersey – 51.9%
2. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 36.5%
> Also receiving votes: LeBron James, Cleveland, Shaun Livingston, Los Angeles Clippers, Jamaal Tinsley, Indiana
Which player is the best in the open court?
1. Jason Kidd, New Jersey – 32.0%
2. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers – 18.0%
3. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia – 16.0%
4. LeBron James, Cleveland – 12.0%
> Also receiving votes: Gilbert Arenas, Washington, Steve Francis, Orlando, Tracy McGrady, Houston, Steve Nash, Phoenix
Who is the best finisher?
1. Amar’e Stoudemire, Phoenix – 38.5%
2. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers – 23.1%
> Also receiving votes: Ron Artest, Indiana, Allen Iverson, Philadelphia, LeBron James, Cleveland, Tracy McGrady, Houston, Steve Nash, Phoenix, Shaquille O’Neal, Miami, Dwyane Wade, Miami
Which player in the NBA would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?
1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers – 61.5%
2. Ray Allen, Seattle – 15.4%
> Also receiving votes: Chauncey Billups, Detroit, Sam Cassell, Los Angeles Clippers, Tim Duncan, San Antonio, Robert Horry, San Antonio, Paul Pierce, Boston
COACHES
NBA GMs viewed new Knicks coach Larry Brown as 1 of the best at his craft entering the 2005-06 season.
Who is the best head coach in the NBA?
1. Larry Brown, New York – 33.3%
2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 25.0%
T-3. Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers – 12.5%
T-3. Jerry Sloan, Utah – 12.5%
> Also receiving votes: Bernie Bickerstaff, Charlotte, Rick Carlisle, Indiana, Mike D’Antoni, Phoenix, Scott Skiles, Chicago
Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people?
T-1. Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers – 33.3%
T-1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 33.3%
> Also receiving votes: Bernie Bickerstaff, Charlotte, Larry Brown, New York, Rick Carlisle, Indiana, Mike D’Antoni, Phoenix, Nate McMillan, Portland, Doc Rivers, Boston, Flip Saunders, Detroit, Jerry Sloan, Utah
Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?
1. Larry Brown, New York – 54.2%
2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 20.8%
> Also receiving votes: Bernie Bickerstaff, Charlotte, Rick Carlisle, Indiana, Lawrence Frank, New Jersey, Flip Saunders, Detroit, Jeff Van Gundy, Houston
Which head coach is the best in the last two minutes of a close game?
1. Larry Brown, New York – 45.8%
T-2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 8.3%
T-2. Scott Skiles, Chicago – 8.3%
T-2. Jerry Sloan, Utah – 8.3%
> Also receiving votes: Bernie Bickerstaff, Charlotte, Rick Carlisle, Indiana, Mike Fratello, Memphis, George Karl, Denver, Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers, Flip Saunders, Detroit, Jeff Van Gundy, Houston
Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?
1. Del Harris, Dallas – 20.8%
2. Phil Johnson, Utah – 16.7%
3. P.J. Carlesimo, San Antonio – 12.5%
4. Pete Carril, Sacramento – 8.3%
> Also receiving votes: Bill Bertka; Mario Elie, Golden State; Marc Iavaroni, Phoenix; Jim Lynam, Philadelphia; Doug Moe, Denver; Eric Musselman, Memphis; Kevin O’Neill, Indiana; Tom Thibodeau, Houston; Herb Williams, New York
Which active player will make the best head coach someday?
1. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 29.2%
2. Jason Kidd, New Jersey – 16.7%
3. Eric Snow, Cleveland – 8.3%
> Also receiving votes: Brent Barry, San Antonio, Chauncey Billups, Detroit, Derek Fisher, Golden State, Kirk Hinrich, Chicago, Fred Hoiberg, Grant Hill, Orlando, Brevin Knight, Charlotte, Aaron McKie, Los Angeles Lakers, Andre Miller, Denver, Kurt Thomas, Phoenix
If you had one game to win, which current coach would you want coaching that game?
1. Larry Brown, New York – 40.0%
T-2. Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers – 16.0%
T-2. Jerry Sloan, Utah – 16.0%
4. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 12.0%
> Also receiving votes: Bernie Bickerstaff, Charlotte, Rick Carlisle, Indiana, Mike Fratello, Memphis, Scott Skiles, Chicago
ROOKIES
Who will win the 2005-06 Rookie of the Year?
1. Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee – 40.0%
2. Chris Paul, New Orleans/Oklahoma City – 36.0%
3. Deron Williams, Utah – 12.0%
> Also receiving votes: Rashad McCants, Minnesota, Nate Robinson, New York, Hakim Warrick, Memphis
Which rookie will be the best player in five years?
1. Marvin Williams, Atlanta – 37.5%
2. Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee – 16.7%
3. Gerald Green, Boston – 12.5%
4. Chris Paul, New Orleans/Oklahoma City – 8.3%
> Also receiving votes: Monta Ellis, Golden State, Raymond Felton, Charlotte, Channing Frye, New York, Danny Granger, Indiana, Rashad McCants, Minnesota, Martell Webster, Portland
Which international rookie is most ready to contribute this season?
T-1. Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee – 31.6%
T-1. Sarunas Jasikevicius, Indiana – 31.6%
3. Arvydas Macijauskas, New Orleans/Oklahoma City – 15.8%
> Also receiving votes: Martynas Andriuskevicius, Cleveland, Jose Calderon, Toronto, Ersan Ilyasova, Milwaukee, Fabricio Oberto, San Antonio
Which rookie is most likely to be a “sleeper” success?
1. Nate Robinson, New York – 22.9%
2. Salim Stoudamire, Atlanta – 14.6%
T-3. Francisco Garcia, Sacramento – 12.5%
T-3. Danny Granger, Indiana – 12.5%
> Also receiving votes: Brandon Bass, New Orleans/Oklahoma City, Travis Diener, Orlando, Joey Graham, Toronto, Jarrett Jack, Portland, David Lee, New York, Sean May, Charlotte, Hakim Warrick, Memphis, Martell Webster, Portland
DEFENSE
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
1. Ben Wallace, Detroit – 32.0%
2. Ron Artest, Indiana – 20.0%
3. Bruce Bowen, San Antonio – 16.0%
> Also receiving votes: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, Tim Duncan, San Antonio, Andrei Kirilenko, Utah, Tayshaun Prince, Detroit
Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
1. Bruce Bowen, San Antonio – 46.2%
2. Ron Artest, Indiana – 26.9%
3. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers – 11.5%
> Also receiving votes: Andrei Kirilenko, Utah, Ruben Patterson, Portland, Tayshaun Prince, Detroit, Earl Watson, Denver
Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?
1. Ben Wallace, Detroit – 57.7%
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 23.1%
> Also receiving votes: Dale Davis, Detroit, Jeff Foster, Indiana, Kevin Garnett, Minnesota, Joel Przybilla, Portland, Theo Ratliff, Portland
INTERNATIONAL
Who is the best international player in the NBA?
1. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 76.9%
2. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio – 15.4%
> Also receiving votes: Andrei Kirilenko, Utah, Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento
Which international player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2005-06?
1. Mickael Pietrus, Golden State – 20.8%
T-2. Samuel Dalembert, Philadelphia – 8.3%
T-2. Nenad Krstic, New Jersey – 8.3%
T-2. Darko Milicic, Detroit – 8.3%
> Also receiving votes: Primoz Brezec, Charlotte, Jose Calderon, Toronto, Boris Diaw, Phoenix, Pau Gasol, Memphis, Gordan Giricek, Utah, Mario Kasun, Orlando, Arvydas Macijauskas, New Orleans/Oklahoma City, Nene, Denver, Andres Nocioni, Chicago, Fabricio Oberto, San Antonio, Mehmet Okur, Utah, Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento
Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA?
T-1. Luis Scola – 27.3%
T-1. Fran Vazquez – 27.3%
3. Dejan Bodiroga – 18.2%
> Also receiving votes: Jorge Garbajosa, Mackael Gelabale, Juan Carlos Navarro, Tiago Splitter
PLAYERS
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 40.0%
2. LeBron James, Cleveland – 36.0%
T-3. Shaquille O’Neal, Miami – 8.0%
T-3Amar’e Stoudemire, Phoenix – 8.0%
> Also receiving votes: Kevin Garnett, Minnesota, Dwyane Wade, Miami
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
1. Shaquille O’Neal, Miami – 64.0%
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 16.0%
3. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia – 8.0%
> Also receiving votes: Earl Boykins, Denver, Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, Kevin Garnett, Minnesota
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2005-06?
1. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 45.5%
2. Travis Outlaw, Portland – 9.1%
> Also receiving votes: Chris Bosh, Toronto, Primoz Brezec, Charlotte, Tyson Chandler, Chicago, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Golden State, Kirk Hinrich, Chicago, Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia, Joe Johnson, Atlanta, Wally Szczerbiak, Minnesota, Sebastian Telfair, Portland, Dwyane Wade, Miami
Which player does the most with least?
1. Brad Miller, Sacramento – 21.7%
2. Ben Wallace, Detroit – 13.0%
3. Brian Cardinal, Memphis – 10.9%
> Also receiving votes: Bruce Bowen, San Antonio, Ryan Bowen, Houston, Earl Boykins, Denver, Elton Brand, Los Angeles Clippers, Reggie Evans, Seattle, Manu Ginobili, San Antonio, Kyle Korver, Philadelphia, Mark Madsen, Minnesota, Andre Miller, Denver, Steve Nash, Phoenix, Paul Pierce, Boston
Who is the toughest player in the NBA?
1. Ben Wallace, Detroit – 42.3%
2. Ron Artest, Indiana – 26.9%
3. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia – 11.5%
> Also receiving votes: Matt Harpring, Utah, Manu Ginobili, San Antonio, Shaquille O’Neal, Miami, Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix
Which player is the best leader?
1. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 36.5%
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 25.0%
3. Jason Kidd, New Jersey – 15.4%
4. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota – 11.5%
> Also receiving votes: Mike Bibby, Sacramento, Grant Hill, Orlando, Shaquille O’Neal, Miami
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
1. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 68.0%
2. Jason Kidd, New Jersey – 28.0%
3. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia – 4.0%
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers – 56.0%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 28.0%
3. Ray Allen, Seattle – 8.0%
> Also receiving votes: LeBron James, Cleveland, Tracy McGrady, Houston
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
1. Tracy McGrady, Houston – 48.0%
2. LeBron James, Cleveland – 40.0%
> Also receiving votes: Ron Artest, Indiana, Shawn Marion, Phoenix, Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas
Who is the best power forward in the NBA?
1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 78.0%
2. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota – 12.0%
> Also receiving votes: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas, Amar’e Stoudemire, Phoenix
Who is the best center in the NBA?
1. Shaquille O’Neal, Miami – 84.0%
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 16.0%
OFFSEASON
Joe Johnson’s move to the Hawks before the 2005-06 season was seen as an impactful one by NBA GMs.
Which team made the best moves overall?
1. Miami Heat – 41.7%
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – 37.5%
3. San Antonio Spurs – 20.8%
Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?
1. Larry Hughes, Cleveland – 50.0%
2. Joe Johnson, Atlanta – 16.7%
3. Michael Finley, San Antonio – 12.5%
> Also receiving votes: Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Sacramento, Raja Bell, Phoenix, Bobby Simmons, Milwaukee, Antoine Walker, Miami, Earl Watson, Denver
What was the most underrated player acquisition?
1. Raja Bell, Phoenix – 22.7%
T-2. Michael Finley, San Antonio – 13.6%
T-2. Marko Jaric, Minnesota – 13.6%
4. Stromile Swift, Houston – 11.4%
> Also receiving votes: Caron Butler, Washington, Antonio Daniels, Washington, Damon Jones, Cleveland, Donyell Marshall, Cleveland, Bobby Simmons, Milwaukee, Darius Songaila, Chicago, Nick Van Exel, San Antonio
Which team will be most improved in 2005-06?
1. Golden State Warriors – 28.0%
2. Milwaukee Bucks – 12.0%
T-3 Cleveland Cavaliers – 10.0%
T-3 Indiana Pacers – 10.0%
> Also receiving votes: Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans/Oklahoma City, New York, Orlando, Utah
Which team had the best offseason?
1. Miami Heat – 38.0%
2. San Antonio Spurs – 32.0%
T-3. Cleveland Cavaliers – 12.0%
T-3. Milwaukee Bucks – 12%
> Also receiving votes: Atlanta, New Jersey
What was the most surprising move of the offseason?
1. Joe Johnson to Atlanta – 37.5%
2. Antoine Walker to Miami – 12.5%
T-3. Larry Hughes to Cleveland – 8.3%
T-3 Earl Watson to Denver – 8.3%
> Also receiving votes: Rafer Alston to Houston, Larry Brown leaving Detroit, Kwame Brown to Lakers, Eddy Curry to New York, Michael Finley to San Antonio, Phil Jackson returns to Lakers, Bobby Simmons to Milwaukee, Fran Vazquez returns to Europe, Jason Williams to Miami
What was the least surprising move of the offseason?
1. Shaquille O’Neal re-signing – 20.0%
2. Larry Brown leaving Detroit – 15.0%
T-3. Ray Allen re-signing – 10.0%
T-3 Michael Redd re-signing – 10.0%
T-3 Jason Williams to Miami – 10.0%
> Also receiving votes: Rafer Alston leaving Toronto, Michael Finley waived by Dallas, Amar’e Stoudemire contract extension, Antoine Walker to Miami, Earl Watson to Denver, Bonzi Wells traded, Yao Ming contract extension
