GM Survey: LeBron and Heat the faves, but look out for L.A.
By John Schuhmann, NBA.com
Posted Oct 22, 2012 12:14 PM
In his ninth season in the NBA, LeBron James got his ring. Now, how many more can he get?
At least one, if you ask the league's general managers. Despite major moves made by the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat are still the prohibitive favorites to win their second straight title, according to NBA.com's 11th annual GM Survey. And James is clearly head and shoulders above every other player in the league.
All 30 GMs responded to 57 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 | Players | Offseason Moves | Rookies & International | Defense | Coaches | Misc.
PREDICTIONS
Which team will win the 2013 NBA Finals?
1. Miami -- 70.0%
2. L.A. Lakers -- 23.3%
3. Oklahoma City -- 6.7%
Last year: Miami -- 74.1%
Which team will win the Eastern Conference?
1. Miami -- 96.7%
2. Boston -- 3.3%
Last year: Miami -- 96.3%
Which team will win the Western Conference?
1. L.A. Lakers -- 60.0%
2. Oklahoma City -- 36.7%
3. Denver -- 3.3%
Last year: Oklahoma City -- 67.9%
Which team will win the Atlantic Division?
1. Boston -- 66.7%
2. Brooklyn and New York -- 13.3%
4. Philadelphia -- 6.7%
Last year: Boston -- 64.3%
Which team will win the Central Division?
1. Indiana -- 80%
2. Chicago -- 20%
Last year: Chicago -- 96.4%
Which team will win the Southeast Division?
1. Miami -- 96.7%
2. Atlanta -- 3.3%
Last year: Miami --96.3%
Which team will win the Southwest Division?
1. San Antonio -- 96.7%
2. Memphis -- 3.3%
Last year: San Antonio -- 63.6%
Which team will win the Northwest Division?
1. Oklahoma City -- 86.7%
2. Denver -- 10.0%
3. Minnesota -- 3.3%
Last year: Oklahoma City -- 71.4%
Which team will win the Pacific Division?
1. L.A. Lakers -- 96.7%
2. L.A. Clippers -- 3.3%
Last year: L.A. Lakers -- 77.8%
PLAYERS
Who will win the 2012-13 MVP?
1. LeBron James, Miami -- 66.7%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 30.0%
3. Carmelo Anthony, New York -- 3.3%
Last year: Kevin Durant -- 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 -- 80.0%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 16.7%
3. Dwight Howard, L.A. Lakers -- 3.3%
Last year: Kevin Durant, LeBron James -- 37.0%
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
1. LeBron James, Miami -- 50.0%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 20.0%
3. Dwight Howard, L.A. Lakers -- 16.7%
4. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; Derrick Rose, Chicago
Last year: Dwight Howard -- 29.6%
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2012-13?
1. Klay Thompson, Golden State -- 13.3%
2. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland, and Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio -- 10.0%
4. Paul George, Indiana, and James Harden, Oklahoma City -- 6.7%
Last year: James Harden -- 21.4%
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
1. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 69.0%
2. Derrick Rose, Chicago -- 20.7%
3. Rajon Rondo, Boston -- 6.9%
4. Tony Parker, San Antonio -- 3.4%
Last year: Derrick Rose -- 59.3%
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 66.7%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami -- 23.3%
Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; James Harden, Oklahoma City
Last year: Kobe Bryant -- 55.6%
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
1. LeBron James, Miami -- 73.3%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 26.7%
Last year: LeBron James -- 77.8%
Who is the best power forward in the NBA?
1. Kevin Love, Minnesota -- 30.0%
2. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas -- 23.3%
3. LeBron James, Miami -- 16.7%
4. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland -- 10.0%
5. Kevin Garnett, Boston, and Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers
Last year: Dirk Nowitzki -- 41.4%
Who is the best center in the NBA?
1. Dwight Howard, L.A. Lakers -- 93.3%
2. Andrew Bynum, Philadelphia -- 6.7%
Last year: Dwight Howard -- 96.3
OFFSEASON MOVES
Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?
1. L.A. Lakers -- 86.2%
2. Brooklyn -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Atlanta, Golden State
Last year: L.A. Clippers -- 85.2%
Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?
1. Dwight Howard, L.A. Lakers -- 70.0%
2. Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers -- 20.0%
Also receiving votes: Andrew Bynum, Philadelphia; Joe Johnson, Brooklyn; Deron Williams, Brooklyn
Last year: Chris Paul - 100%
What was the most underrated player acquisition?
1. Andre Iguodala, Denver -- 16.7%
2. Jason Terry, Boston -- 13.3%
3. Courtney Lee, Boston -- 10.0%
4. Ryan Anderson, New Orleans, Andrei Kirilenko, Minnesota, Brandon Roy, Minnesota, Lou Williams, Atlanta -- 6.7%
Last year: Brandon Bass, David West -- 15.4%
Which team will be most improved in 2012-13?
1. Brooklyn -- 62.1%
2. L.A. Lakers, Minnesota -- 10.3%
4. New Orleans -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Denver, Golden State, Milwaukee
Last year: L.A. Clippers -- 66.7%
What was the most surprising move of the offseason?
1. Steve Nash to the Lakers -- 39.3%
2. Bynum/Howard/Iguodala trade -- 17.9%
3. Knicks not matching Jeremy Lin offer -- 14.3%
4. Ray Allen to Miami, Joe Johnson to Brooklyn -- 10.7%
Also receiving votes: Jeff Green's contract, Luis Scola amnestied by Houston
Last year: Chris Paul to the Clippers -- 33.3%
ROOKIES & INTERNATIONAL
Who will win 2012-13 Rookie of the Year?
1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 76.7%
2. Damian Lillard, Portland -- 20.0%
3. Austin Rivers, New Orleans -- 3.3%
Last year: Kyrie Irving -- 63.0%
Which rookie will be the best player in five years?
1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 86.7%
2. Bradley Beal, Washington -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Damian Lillard, Portland; Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto
Last year: Kyrie Irving -- 51.9%
Which rookie is the most athletic?
1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 40.0%
2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Charlotte -- 16.7%
3. Andre Drummond, Detroit -- 13.3%
4. Terrence Ross, Toronto -- 10.0%
5. Perry Jones, Oklahoma City -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Quincy Acy, Toronto; Terrence Jones, Houston; Thomas Robinson, Sacramento; Dion Waiters, Cleveland
Last year: Derrick Williams -- 32.1%
Which rookie is most likely to be a "sleeper" success?
1. Jared Sullinger, Boston -- 17.2%
2. Maurice Harkless, Orlando, Andrew Nicholson, Orlando -- 13.8%
4. Jae Crowder, Dallas, Damian Lillard, Portland -- 10.3%
6. Terrence Jones, Houston -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Jared Cunningham, Dallas; Andre Drummond, Detroit; Evan Fournier, Denver; John Jenkins, Atlanta; Perry Jones, Oklahoma City; Doron Lamb, Milwaukee; Donatas Motiejunas, Houston; Terrence Ross, Toronto
Last year: Norris Cole -- 44.0%
By John Schuhmann, NBA.com
Posted Oct 22, 2012 12:14 PM
In his ninth season in the NBA, LeBron James got his ring. Now, how many more can he get?
At least one, if you ask the league's general managers. Despite major moves made by the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat are still the prohibitive favorites to win their second straight title, according to NBA.com's 11th annual GM Survey. And James is clearly head and shoulders above every other player in the league.
All 30 GMs responded to 57 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 | Players | Offseason Moves | Rookies & International | Defense | Coaches | Misc.
PREDICTIONS
Which team will win the 2013 NBA Finals?
1. Miami -- 70.0%
2. L.A. Lakers -- 23.3%
3. Oklahoma City -- 6.7%
Last year: Miami -- 74.1%
Which team will win the Eastern Conference?
1. Miami -- 96.7%
2. Boston -- 3.3%
Last year: Miami -- 96.3%
Which team will win the Western Conference?
1. L.A. Lakers -- 60.0%
2. Oklahoma City -- 36.7%
3. Denver -- 3.3%
Last year: Oklahoma City -- 67.9%
Which team will win the Atlantic Division?
1. Boston -- 66.7%
2. Brooklyn and New York -- 13.3%
4. Philadelphia -- 6.7%
Last year: Boston -- 64.3%
Which team will win the Central Division?
1. Indiana -- 80%
2. Chicago -- 20%
Last year: Chicago -- 96.4%
Which team will win the Southeast Division?
1. Miami -- 96.7%
2. Atlanta -- 3.3%
Last year: Miami --96.3%
Which team will win the Southwest Division?
1. San Antonio -- 96.7%
2. Memphis -- 3.3%
Last year: San Antonio -- 63.6%
Which team will win the Northwest Division?
1. Oklahoma City -- 86.7%
2. Denver -- 10.0%
3. Minnesota -- 3.3%
Last year: Oklahoma City -- 71.4%
Which team will win the Pacific Division?
1. L.A. Lakers -- 96.7%
2. L.A. Clippers -- 3.3%
Last year: L.A. Lakers -- 77.8%
PLAYERS
Who will win the 2012-13 MVP?
1. LeBron James, Miami -- 66.7%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 30.0%
3. Carmelo Anthony, New York -- 3.3%
Last year: Kevin Durant -- 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 -- 80.0%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 16.7%
3. Dwight Howard, L.A. Lakers -- 3.3%
Last year: Kevin Durant, LeBron James -- 37.0%
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
1. LeBron James, Miami -- 50.0%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 20.0%
3. Dwight Howard, L.A. Lakers -- 16.7%
4. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; Derrick Rose, Chicago
Last year: Dwight Howard -- 29.6%
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2012-13?
1. Klay Thompson, Golden State -- 13.3%
2. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland, and Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio -- 10.0%
4. Paul George, Indiana, and James Harden, Oklahoma City -- 6.7%
Last year: James Harden -- 21.4%
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
1. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 69.0%
2. Derrick Rose, Chicago -- 20.7%
3. Rajon Rondo, Boston -- 6.9%
4. Tony Parker, San Antonio -- 3.4%
Last year: Derrick Rose -- 59.3%
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 66.7%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami -- 23.3%
Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; James Harden, Oklahoma City
Last year: Kobe Bryant -- 55.6%
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
1. LeBron James, Miami -- 73.3%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 26.7%
Last year: LeBron James -- 77.8%
Who is the best power forward in the NBA?
1. Kevin Love, Minnesota -- 30.0%
2. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas -- 23.3%
3. LeBron James, Miami -- 16.7%
4. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland -- 10.0%
5. Kevin Garnett, Boston, and Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers
Last year: Dirk Nowitzki -- 41.4%
Who is the best center in the NBA?
1. Dwight Howard, L.A. Lakers -- 93.3%
2. Andrew Bynum, Philadelphia -- 6.7%
Last year: Dwight Howard -- 96.3
OFFSEASON MOVES
Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?
1. L.A. Lakers -- 86.2%
2. Brooklyn -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Atlanta, Golden State
Last year: L.A. Clippers -- 85.2%
Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?
1. Dwight Howard, L.A. Lakers -- 70.0%
2. Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers -- 20.0%
Also receiving votes: Andrew Bynum, Philadelphia; Joe Johnson, Brooklyn; Deron Williams, Brooklyn
Last year: Chris Paul - 100%
What was the most underrated player acquisition?
1. Andre Iguodala, Denver -- 16.7%
2. Jason Terry, Boston -- 13.3%
3. Courtney Lee, Boston -- 10.0%
4. Ryan Anderson, New Orleans, Andrei Kirilenko, Minnesota, Brandon Roy, Minnesota, Lou Williams, Atlanta -- 6.7%
Last year: Brandon Bass, David West -- 15.4%
Which team will be most improved in 2012-13?
1. Brooklyn -- 62.1%
2. L.A. Lakers, Minnesota -- 10.3%
4. New Orleans -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Denver, Golden State, Milwaukee
Last year: L.A. Clippers -- 66.7%
What was the most surprising move of the offseason?
1. Steve Nash to the Lakers -- 39.3%
2. Bynum/Howard/Iguodala trade -- 17.9%
3. Knicks not matching Jeremy Lin offer -- 14.3%
4. Ray Allen to Miami, Joe Johnson to Brooklyn -- 10.7%
Also receiving votes: Jeff Green's contract, Luis Scola amnestied by Houston
Last year: Chris Paul to the Clippers -- 33.3%
ROOKIES & INTERNATIONAL
Who will win 2012-13 Rookie of the Year?
1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 76.7%
2. Damian Lillard, Portland -- 20.0%
3. Austin Rivers, New Orleans -- 3.3%
Last year: Kyrie Irving -- 63.0%
Which rookie will be the best player in five years?
1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 86.7%
2. Bradley Beal, Washington -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Damian Lillard, Portland; Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto
Last year: Kyrie Irving -- 51.9%
Which rookie is the most athletic?
1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 40.0%
2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Charlotte -- 16.7%
3. Andre Drummond, Detroit -- 13.3%
4. Terrence Ross, Toronto -- 10.0%
5. Perry Jones, Oklahoma City -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Quincy Acy, Toronto; Terrence Jones, Houston; Thomas Robinson, Sacramento; Dion Waiters, Cleveland
Last year: Derrick Williams -- 32.1%
Which rookie is most likely to be a "sleeper" success?
1. Jared Sullinger, Boston -- 17.2%
2. Maurice Harkless, Orlando, Andrew Nicholson, Orlando -- 13.8%
4. Jae Crowder, Dallas, Damian Lillard, Portland -- 10.3%
6. Terrence Jones, Houston -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Jared Cunningham, Dallas; Andre Drummond, Detroit; Evan Fournier, Denver; John Jenkins, Atlanta; Perry Jones, Oklahoma City; Doron Lamb, Milwaukee; Donatas Motiejunas, Houston; Terrence Ross, Toronto
Last year: Norris Cole -- 44.0%
at Bron getting votes for being the best SF and PF in the league
is Charles Jenkins doing there?
