The Heat were the reigning champs entering the 2013-14 season.
Look back at every NBA GM Survey since 2002.
Can the Miami Heat do it again?
A majority of the league’s general managers think so. According to NBA.com’s 12th annual GM Survey, the Heat are the clear favorite to win their third straight title. But five other teams also received votes to win the 2014 Finals, the most title contenders in the survey in five years.
The GMs have made it clear that LeBron James is the best player in the world. And after a three-year absence, 37-year-old Tim Duncan is back as the top power forward in the league. But for the first time in the history of the survey, someone other than Kobe Bryant has been named as the league’s best shooting guard.
All 30 GMs responded to 56 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. Percentages are based on the pool of respondents to each question of the survey, rather than all 30 GMs.
PREDICTIONS
Who will win the 2014 NBA Finals?
1. Miami – 75.9%
T-2. Indiana – 6.9%
T-2. San Antonio – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Chicago, LA Clippers, Oklahoma City
> Last year: Miami – 70.0%
Which team will win the Eastern Conference?
1. Miami – 86.2%
2. Indiana – 10.3%
3. Chicago – 3.4%
> Last year: Miami – 96.7%
Which team will win the Western Conference?
1. San Antonio – 40.0%
2. Oklahoma City – 36.7%
3. LA Clippers – 20.0%
4. Houston – 3.3%
> Last year: L.A. Lakers – 60.0%
Which team will win the Atlantic Division?
1. Brooklyn – 75.9%
2. New York – 24.1%
> Last year: Boston – 66.7%
Which team will win the Central Division?
1. Indiana – 51.7%
2. Chicago – 48.3%
> Last year: Indiana – 80.0%
Which team will win the Southeast Division?
1. Miami – 100%
> Last year: Miami –96.7%
Which team will win the Southwest Division?
1. San Antonio – 70.0%
2. Houston – 30.0%
> Last year: San Antonio – 96.7%
Which team will win the Northwest Division?
1. Oklahoma City – 96.6%
2. Denver – 3.4%
> Last year: Oklahoma City – 86.7%
Which team will win the Pacific Division?
1. LA Clippers – 89.7%
2. Golden State – 10.3%
> Last year: L.A. Lakers – 96.7%
PLAYERS
Who will win the 2013-14 Kia MVP?
1. LeBron James, Miami – 69.0%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 24.1%
> Also receiving votes: Carmelo Anthony, New York; Chris Paul, LA Clippers
> Last year: LeBron James – 66.7%
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
1. LeBron James, Miami – 89.7%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 6.9%
3. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland – 3.4%
> Last year: LeBron James – 80.0%
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
1. LeBron James, Miami – 66.7%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 13.3%
3. Chris Paul, LA Clippers – 10.0%
> Also receiving votes: Stephen Curry, Golden State; Tony Parker, San Antonio; Derrick Rose, Chicago
> Last year: LeBron James – 50.0%
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2013-14?
1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 27.6%
2. Andre Drummond , Detroit – 10.3%
T-3. Derrick Favors, Utah – 6.9%
T-3. Paul George, Indiana – 6.9%
T-3. Reggie Jackson, Oklahoma City – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Bradley Beal, Washington; James Harden, Houston; Tobias Harris, Orlando; Gordon Hayward, Utah; Kyrie Irving, Cleveland; DeAndre Jordan, LA Clippers; Jeremy Lamb, Oklahoma City; Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio; Kevin Love, Minnesota; Klay Thompson, Golden State; Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto; John Wall, Washington
> Last year: Klay Thompson – 13.3%
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
1. Chris Paul, LA Clippers – 70.0%
2. Derrick Rose, Chicago – 20.0%
3. Tony Parker, San Antonio – 10.0%
> Last year: Chris Paul – 69.0%
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
For the 1st time in the survey’s history, Kobe Bryant was not voted as the top shooting guard, which NBA GMs awarded to James Harden.
1. James Harden, Houston – 56.7%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 20.0%
T-3. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 6.7%
T-3. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 6.7%
T-3. Paul George, Indiana – 6.7%
6. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 3.3%
> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 66.7%
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
1. LeBron James, Miami – 86.7%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 13.3%
> Last year: LeBron James – 73.3%
Who is the best power forward in the NBA?
1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 31.0%
2. Kevin Love, Minnesota – 27.6%
3. LeBron James, Miami – 13.8%
T-4. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland – 6.9%
T-4. Blake Griffin, LA Clippers – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Chris Bosh, Miami; Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; Kevin Garnett, Brooklyn; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas
> Last year: Kevin Love – 30.0%
Who is the best center in the NBA?
1. Dwight Howard, Houston – 65.5%
2. Marc Gasol, Memphis – 20.7%
3. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 10.3%
4. Roy Hibbert, Indiana – 3.4%
> Last year: Dwight Howard – 93.3%
OFFSEASON MOVES
Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?
1. Houston – 55.2%
2. Brooklyn – 24.1%
3. LA Clippers – 10.3%
> Also receiving votes: Boston, Indiana, Oklahoma City
> Last year: L.A. Lakers – 86.2%
Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?
1. Dwight Howard, Houston – 86.2%
> Also receiving votes: Kevin Garnett, Brooklyn; Jrue Holiday, New Orleans; Paul Millsap, Atlanta; Josh Smith, Detroit
> Last year: Dwight Howard – 70.0%
What was the most underrated player acquisition?
T-1. Jrue Holiday, New Orleans – 10.0%
T-1. Andrei Kirilenko, Brooklyn – 10.0%
T-1. Luis Scola, Indiana – 10.0%
T-4. Jared Dudley, LA Clippers – 8.3%
T-4. J.J. Redick, LA Clippers – 8.3%
T-6. Mike Dunleavy, Chicago – 6.7%
T-6. Andre Iguodala, Golden State – 6.7%
T-6. Paul Millsap, Atlanta – 6.7%
T-6. Josh Smith, Detroit – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: Steven Adams, Oklahoma City; Marco Belinelli, San Antonio; Eric Bledsoe, Phoenix; Earl Clark, Cleveland; Jarrett Jack, Cleveland; Al Jefferson, Charlotte; Mike Miller, Memphis; Paul Pierce, Brooklyn
> Last year: Andre Iguodala – 16.7%
Which team will be most improved in 2013-14?
1. Detroit – 16.7%
T-2. Brooklyn – 13.3%
T-2. Cleveland – 13.3%
T-2. Houston – 13.3%
T-2. Minnesota – 13.3%
T-2. New Orleans – 13.3%
T-2. Washington – 13.3%
8. LA Clippers – 3.3%
> Last year: Brooklyn – 62.1%
What was the most surprising move of the offseason?
Longtime Celtics Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were dealt to the Nets ahead of the 2013-14 season.
T-1. Nets-Celtics trade – 21.4%
T-1. Andre Iguodala to Golden State – 21.4%
3. Andrei Kirilenko to Brooklyn – 14.3%
4. Dwight Howard to Houston – 10.7%
T-5. Jrue Holiday to New Orleans – 7.1%
T-5. Doc Rivers to the Clippers – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Andrea Bargnani to New York; Al Jefferson to Charlotte; Brandon Jennings to Detroit; George Karl fired; Josh Smith to Detroit
> Last year: Steve Nash to the Lakers – 39.3%
ROOKIES & INTERNATIONAL
Who will win the 2013-14 Rookie of the Year?
1. Victor Oladipo, Orlando – 80.0%
2. Cody Zeller, Charlotte – 10.0%
> Also receiving votes: Anthony Bennett, Cleveland; C.J. McCollum, Portland; Andre Roberson, Oklahoma City
> Last year: Anthony Davis – 76.7%
Which rookie will be the best player in five years?
1. Victor Oladipo, Orlando – 40.0%
2. Cody Zeller, Charlotte – 13.3%
T-3. Anthony Bennett, Cleveland – 10.0%
T-3. Ben McLemore, Sacramento – 10.0%
5. Kelly Olynyk, Boston – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: Steven Adams, Oklahoma City; Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee; Michael Carter-Williams, Philadelphia; Shane Larkin, Dallas; C.J. McCollum, Portland; Nerlens Noel, Philadelphia
> Last year: Anthony Davis – 86.7%
Which rookie was the biggest steal at where he was selected in the Draft?
1. Kelly Olynyk (13), Boston – 27.6%
T-2. Ben McLemore (7), Sacramento – 13.8%
T-2. Nerlens Noel (6), Philadelphia – 13.8%
T-4. Steven Adams (12), Oklahoma City – 6.9%
T-4. Giannis Antetokounmpo (15), Milwaukee – 6.9%
T-4. Trey Burke (9), Utah – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Isaiah Canaan (34), Houston; Allen Crabbe (31), Portland; Solomon Hill (23), Indiana; Shane Larkin (18), Dallas; Nemanja Nedovic (30), Golden State; Victor Oladipo (2), Orlando; Cody Zeller (4), Charlotte
Who is the best international player in the NBA?
1. Tony Parker, San Antonio – 53.3%
2. Marc Gasol, Memphis – 26.7%
3. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 20.0%
> Last year: Dirk Nowitzki – 72.4%
Which international player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2013-14?
1. Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto – 39.3%
2. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota – 17.9%
3. Mirza Teletovic, Brooklyn – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Nicolas Batum, Portland; Andrew Bogut, Golden State; Nando De Colo, San Antonio; Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City; Enes Kanter, Utah; Nikola Pekovic, Minnesota; Alexey Shved, Minnesota; Tristan Thompson, Cleveland; Anderson Varejao, Cleveland; Nikola Vucevic, Orland
> Last year: Jonas Valanciunas – 17.2%
Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA?
1. Nikola Mirotic – 25.0%
T-2. Rudy Fernandez – 14.3%
T-2. Vassilis Spanoulis – 14.3%
T-4. Juan Carlos Navarro – 10.7%
T-4. Dario Saric – 10.7%
6. Andrew Wiggins – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Furkan Aldemir, Bojan Bogdanovic, Linas Kleiza, Nenad Krstic, Bo McCalebb
> Last year: Juan Carlos Navarro – 34.6%
DEFENSE
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
1. Dwight Howard, Houston – 34.5%
2. LeBron James, Miami – 27.6%
3. Tony Allen, Memphis – 13.8%
4. Andre Iguodala, Golden State – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Marc Gasol, Memphis; Paul George, Indiana; Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City; Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio
> Last year: Dwight Howard – 60.0%
Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
1. Tony Allen, Memphis – 36.7%
2. LeBron James, Miami – 33.3%
3. Paul George, Indiana – 10.0%
T-4. Avery Bradley, Boston – 6.7%
T-4. Andre Iguodala, Golden State – 6.7%
T-4. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio – 6.7%
> Last year: Tony Allen – 33.3%
Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?
1. Dwight Howard, Houston – 46.7%
2. Joakim Noah, Chicago – 16.7%
T-3. Marc Gasol, Memphis – 10.0%
T-3. Roy Hibbert, Indiana – 10.0%
T-3. Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City – 10.0%
> Also receiving votes: Tyson Chandler, New York; Tim Duncan, San Antonio
> Last year: Dwight Howard – 66.7%
Which is the best defensive team in the NBA?
1. Chicago – 43.3%
2. Indiana – 33.3%
3. Miami – 10.0%
4. Memphis – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: Oklahoma City, San Antonio
> Last year: Chicago – 40.0%
COACHES
Who is the best head coach in the NBA?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 75.9%
2. Doc Rivers, LA Clippers – 10.3%
T-3. Erik Spoelstra, Miami -6.9%
T-3. Tom Thibodeau, Chicago – 6.9%
> Last year: Gregg Popovich – 80.0%
Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 51.7%
2. Doc Rivers, LA Clippers – 31.0%
3. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City; Mark Jackson, Golden State; Frank Vogel, Indiana
> Last year: Gregg Popovich – 60.0%
Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 27.6%
2. Rick Carlisle, Dallas – 24.1%
3. Doc Rivers, L.A. Clippers – 13.8%
T-4. Rick Adelman, Minnesota – 10.3%
T-4. Tom Thibodeau, Chicago – 10.3%
> Also receiving votes: Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City; Kevin McHale, Houston; Erik Spoelstra, Miami; Frank Vogel, Indiana
> Last year: Gregg Popovich – 40.0%
Which head coach runs the best offense?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 37.9%
2. Rick Adelman, Minnesota – 20.7%
3. Kevin McHale, Houston – 10.3%
T-4. Mike D’Antoni, L.A. Lakers – 6.9%
T-4. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Rick Carlisle, Dallas; Mark Jackson, Golden State; George Karl; Doc Rivers, LA Clippers; Tom Thibodeau, Chicago
> Last year: George Karl – 31.0%
Which head coach has the best defensive schemes?
1. Tom Thibodeau, Chicago – 58.6%
2. Frank Vogel, Indiana – 31.0%
> Also receiving votes: Mark Jackson, Golden State; Gregg Popovich, San Antonio; Erik Spoelstra, Miami
> Last year: Tom Thibodeau – 70.0%
Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?
1. Lawrence Frank, Brooklyn – 21.4%
T-2. Alvin Gentry, LA Clippers – 10.7%
T-2. Melvin Hunt, Denver – 10.7%
4. Nate McMillan, Indiana – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Ron Adams, Chicago; Kenny Atkinson, Atlanta; J.B. Bickerstaff, Houston; Darren Erman, Golden State; David Fizdale, Miami; Tim Grgurich; Adrian Griffin, Chicago; Dave Hanners, New Orleans; Bob McAdoo, Miami; Pete Myers, Golden State; Ron Rothstein, Miami; Kelvin Sampson, Houston; Wes Unseld Jr., Orlando; Darrell Walker, New York
> Last year: Brian Shaw – 23.3%
Which active player will make the best head coach someday?
1. Chauncey Billups, Detroit – 32.1%
2. Chris Paul, LA Clippers – 17.9%
3. Shane Battier, Miami – 14.3%
T-4. Derek Fisher, Oklahoma City – 7.1%
T-4. Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Steve Blake, L.A. Lakers; Mike Dunleavy, Chicago; DeAndre Jordan, LA Clippers; Mike Miller, Memphis; Jason Terry, Brooklyn; Earl Watson, Utah
> Last year: Chauncey Billups – 20.7%
MISCELLANEOUS
Which team is the most fun to watch?
The Warriors were voted as the most entertaining team to watch.
1. Golden State – 41.4%
2. LA Clippers – 17.2%
3. Oklahoma City – 13.8%
T-4. Brooklyn – 6.9%
T-4. San Antonio – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Denver, Houston, Indiana, Sacramento
> Last year: Oklahoma City – 30.0%
Which team has the best home-court advantage?
1. Oklahoma City – 36.7%
2. Golden State – 26.7%
3. Denver – 13.3%
4. Miami – 10.0%
T-5. Chicago – 6.7%
T-5. Utah – 6.7%
> Last year: Oklahoma City – 70.0%
Which player is the most athletic?
1. LeBron James, Miami – 56.7%
2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 16.7%
T-3. Gerald Green, Phoenix – 6.7%
T-3. Blake Griffin, LA Clippers – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: Paul George, Indiana; DeAndre Jordan, LA Clippers; Nate Robinson, Denver; Terrence Ross, Toronto
> Last year: LeBron James – 62.1%
Which player is the best pure shooter?
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 44.8%
2. Ray Allen, Miami – 24.1%
3. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 10.3%
T-4. Kyle Korver, Atlanta – 6.9%
T-4. Steve Novak, Toronto – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: James Harden, Houston; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas
> Last year: Ray Allen – 56.7%
Which player is the fastest with the ball?
1. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 26.7%
2. Ty Lawson, Denver – 23.3%
3. Derrick Rose, Chicago – 20.0%
4. John Wall, Washington – 16.7%
5. Tony Parker, San Antonio – 10.0%
6. Chris Paul, LA Clippers – 3.3%
> Last year: Russell Westbrook – 36.7%
Which player is best at moving without the ball?
1. Ray Allen, Miami – 36.7%
2. J. Redick, LA Clippers – 13.3%
T-3. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio – 10.0%
T-3. Kyle Korver, Atlanta – 10.0%
T-3. Klay Thompson, Golden State – 10.0%
6. Luol Deng, Chicago – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: Richard Hamilton; Gordon Hayward, Utah; LeBron James, Miami; Kevin Martin, Minnesota
> Last year: Ray Allen – 56.7%
Which player is the best at getting his own shot?
1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 33.3%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 26.7%
3. Carmelo Anthony, New York – 16.7%
4. LeBron James, Miami – 10.0%
> Also receiving votes: Jamal Crawford, LA Clippers; Stephen Curry, Golden State; James Harden, Houston; Derrick Rose, Chicago
> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 40.0%
Which player is the best offensive rebounder?
1. Kevin Love, Minnesota – 41.4%
2. Zach Randolph – Memphis – 24.1%
3. Kenneth Faried, Denver – 13.8%
4. Reggie Evans, Brooklyn – 10.3%
> Also receiving votes: Andre Drummond, Detroit; Dwight Howard, Houston; Paul Millsap, Atlanta
> Last year: Kevin Love – 53.3%
Which player is the best passer?
1. Chris Paul, LA Clippers – 46.7%
T-2. Rajon Rondo, Boston – 16.7%
T-2. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota – 16.7%
4. Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: Marc Gasol, Memphis; LeBron James, Miami; Greivis Vasquez, Sacramento; Dion Waiters, Cleveland
> Last year: Steve Nash – 58.6%
Which player is the most dangerous in the open floor?
1. LeBron James, Miami – 73.3%
T-2. Derrick Rose, Chicago – 10.0
T-2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 10.0%
> Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; John Wall, Washington
> Last year: LeBron James – 60.0%
Which player is the best finisher at the rim?
1. LeBron James, Miami – 70.0%
T-2. Blake Griffin, LA Clippers – 6.7%
T-2. Tony Parker, San Antonio – 6.7%
T-2. Derrick Rose, Chicago – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; Dwight Howard, Houston; Dwyane Wade, Miami
> Last year: LeBron James – 66.7%
Which player makes the most of limited natural ability?
1. Kevin Love, Minnesota – 24.1%
2. Marc Gasol, Memphis – 13.8%
T-3. Matt Bonner, San Antonio – 10.3%
T-3. Jared Dudley, LA Clippers – 10.3%
5. J.J. Barea, Minnesota – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Nick Collison, Oklahoma City; Stephen Curry, Golden State; Danny Green, San Antonio; Chuck Hayes, Sacramento; Roy Hibbert, Indiana; Kyle Korver, Atlanta; Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers; Luis Scola, Indiana; Anderson Varejao, Cleveland, Greivis Vasquez, Sacramento
> Last year: Kevin Love – 34.5%
Who is the toughest player in the NBA?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 31.0%
2. David West, Indiana – 13.8%
T-3. Nick Collison, Oklahoma City – 6.9%
T-3. Kenneth Faried, Denver – 6.9%
T-3. Kevin Garnett, Brooklyn – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Tony Allen, Memphis; Matt Barnes, LA Clippers; Reggie Evans, Brooklyn; Udonis Haslem, Miami; LeBron James, Miami; Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio; Chris Paul, LA Clippers; Nikola Pekovic, Minnesota; Zach Randolph, Memphis; Metta World Peace, New York
> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 26.7%
Which player is the best leader?
1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 30.0%
2. Kevin Garnett, Brooklyn – 23.3%
3. Chris Paul, LA Clippers – 16.7%
4. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 10.0%
> Also receiving votes: Chauncey Billups, Detroit; Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Derek Fisher, Oklahoma City; LeBron James, Miami; Tony Parker, San Antonio; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
> Last year: Chris Paul – 27.6%
Which player has the best basketball IQ?
1. Chris Paul, LA Clippers – 33.3%
2. Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers – 16.7%
T-3. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 13.3%
T-3. LeBron James, Miami – 13.3%
T-5. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 6.7%
T-5. Rajon Rondo, Boston – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: Marc Gasol, Memphis; Andrei Kirilenko, Brooklyn; Andre Miller, Denver
> Last year: Steve Nash – 27.6%
Which player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?
1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 39.3%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 32.1%
T-3. Carmelo Anthony, New York – 7.1%
T-3. LeBron James, Miami – 7.1%
> Also receiving votes: Ray Allen, Miami; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; Chris Paul, LA Clippers
> Last year: Kevin Durant – 46.7%
