NBA GM Survey: 2007-08 edition

Look back at every NBA GM Survey since 2002.

---

PREDICTIONS

Who will win the 2008 NBA Finals?

1. San Antonio — 37.0%
2. Phoenix – 25.9%
3. Dallas – 14.8%
4. Detroit – 7.4%
T-4. Boston – 3.7%
T-4.Houston  – 3.7%
T-4.Miami – 3.7%
T-4.Orlando – 3.7%

Which team will win the Eastern Conference Finals? 

T-1. Boston – 25.9%
T-1. Detroit – 25.9%
3. Chicago – 22.2%
4. Miami – 14.8%
T-5.Cleveland – 3.7%
T-5.Orlando – 3.7%
T-5.Washington – 3.7%

Which team will win the Western Conference Finals?

1. San Antonio – 51.9%
2. Phoenix – 29.6%
3. Dallas – 14.8%
4. Houston – 3.7%

Which team will win the Atlantic Division?

1. Boston – 70.4%
2. New Jersey – 25.9%
3. New York – 3.7%

Which team will win the Central Division?

1. Chicago — 51.9%
2. Detroit – 40.7%
3. Cleveland – 7.4%

Which team will win the Southeast Division?

1. Miami – 40.7%
2. Orlando – 37.0%
3. Washington – 22.2%

Which team will win the Southwest Division?

1. Dallas – 44.4%
2. San Antonio – 40.7%
3. Houston – 14.8%

Which team will win the Northwest Division?

1. Utah – 74.1%
2. Denver – 25.9%

Which team will win the Pacific Division?

1. Phoenix – 100%

---

PLAYERS

Who will win the 2007-08 Kia MVP?

1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 29.6%
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 22.2%
3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 18.5%
4. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 11.1%
T-5. Kevin Garnett, Boston – 7.4%
T-5. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 7.4%
7. Yao Ming, Houston – 3.7%

If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?

1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 59.3%
2. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 14.8%
T-3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 11.1%
T-3. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 11.1%
5. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 3.7%

Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?

1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 34.6%
2. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 15.4%
T-3. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 11.5%
T-3. LeBron James, Cleveland – 11.5%
T-3. Shaquille O’Neal, Miami – 11.5%
6. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 7.7%
T-7. Gilbert Arenas, Washington  – 3.8%
T-7. Kevin Garnett, Boston – 3.8%

Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2007-08?

T-1. Luol Deng, Chicago – 14.8%
T-1. Al Jefferson, Minnesota – 14.8%
T-2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 7.4%
T-2. Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia – 7.4%

> Also receiving votes: LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland; Randy Foye, Minnesota; Rudy Gay, Memphis; Grant Hill, Phoenix; Dwight Howard, Orlando; Corey Maggette, LA Clippers; Kevin Martin, Houston; Chris Paul, New Orleans; Zach Randolph, Memphis; JJ Reddick, Orlando; Rajon Rondo, Boston; Brandon Roy, Portland; Josh Smith, Atlanta; Amar’e Stoudemire, Phoenix; Marvin Williams, Atlanta

Who is the best point guard in the NBA?

1. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 85.2%
2. Jason Kidd, New Jersey – 14.8%

Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?

1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers — 92.6%
T-2. Ray Allen, Boston — 3.7%
T-2. Dwyane Wade, Miami — 3.7%

Who is the best small forward in the NBA?

1. LeBron James, Cleveland — 74.1%
2. Carmelo Anthony, Denver — 14.8%
3. Tracy McGrady, Houston — 7.4%
4. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers– 3.7%

Who is the best power forward in the NBA?

1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio — 48.1%
2. Kevin Garnett, Boston  — 25.9%
3. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas– 18.5%
T-4. Dwight Howard, Orlando — 3.7%
T-4. Amar’e Stoudemire, Phoenix — 3.7%

Who is the best center in the NBA?

1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio — 48.1%
2. Yao Ming, Houston — 33.3%
T-3. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 7.4%
T-3. Shaquille O’Neal, Miami — 7.4%
4. Amar’e Stoudemire, Phoenix — 3.7%

---

OFFSEASON

Which team made the best overall moves during the 2007 offseason?

1. Boston Celtics — 85.2%
2. Houston — 7.4%
T-3. Charlotte — 3.7%
T-3. Milwaukee — 3.7%

Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?

1. Kevin Garnett, Boston — 96.3%
2. Rashard Lewis, Orlando — 3.7%

What was the most underrated player acquisition?

1. Luis Scola, Houston — 25.9%
2. Grant Hill, Phoenix — 18.5%
T-3. Rashard Lewis, Orlando — 7.4%
T-3. Darko Milicic, Memphis — 7.4%
T-3. Zach Randolph, Memphis — 7.4%

> Also receiving votes: Derek Fisher, L.A. Lakers; Ryan Gomes, Minnesota; Jeff Green, Seattle; Al Horford, Atlanta; Eddie House, Boston; Desmond Mason, Milwaukee; Morris Peterson, New Orleans; James Posey, Boston; Joe Smith, Chicago

Which team will be most improved in 2007-08?

1. Boston Celtics — 77.8%
2. Memphis — 11.1%
3. Orlando — 7.4%
4. Milwaukee — 3.7%

What was the most surprising move of the offseason?

1. Kevin Garnett, Boston — 50%
T-2. Ray Allen, Boston — 11.5%
T-2. Rashard Lewis, Orlando — 11.5%
T-3. Zach Randolph, Memphis — 7.7%
T-3. Jason Richardson, Charlotte — 7.7%
4. Jason Kapono, Toronto — 3.8%

---

ROOKIES

Who will win the 2007-08 Rookie of the Year?

1. Kevin Durant, Seattle — 92.6%
T-2. Al Horford, Atlanta — 3.7%
T-2. Rodney Stuckey, Detroit — 3.7%

Which rookie will be the best player in five years?

1. Kevin Durant, Seattle — 74.1%
2. Greg Oden, Portland — 22.2%
3. Rodney Stuckey, Detroit — 3.7%

Which rookie is the most athletic?

1. Al Thornton, LA Clippers — 23.1%
2. Kevin Durant, Seattle — 19.2%
3. Mike Conley, Memphis — 11.5%
T-4. D.J. Strawberry, Phoenix — 7.7%
T-4.Sean Williams, New Jersey — 7.7%

Which international rookie is most ready to contribute this season?

1. Marco Belinelli, Golden State — 61.1%
2. Luis Scola, Houston — 18.5%
3. Yi Jianlian, Milwaukee — 14.8%
4. Juan Carlos Navarro, Memphis — 5.6%

Which rookie is most likely to be a “sleeper” success?

1. Rodney Stuckey, Detroit — 29.6%
2. Marco Belinelli, Golden State — 18.5%
3. Jared Dudley, Charlotte — 11.1%
T-4. Gabe Pruitt, Boston — 7.4%
T-4. Luis Scola, Houston — 7.4%
T-4. Al Thornton, LA Clippers — 7.4%

---

DEFENSE

Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?

1. Bruce Bowen, San Antonio — 38.5%
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio — 28.8%
3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers — 9.6%
4. Ben Wallace, Detroit — 7.7%
T-5. Ron Artest, Sacramento — 3.8%
T-5. Raja Bell, Phoenix — 3.8%
T-5. Marcus Camby, Denver — 3.8%
T-5. Dikembe Mutombo, Houston — 3.8%

Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?

1. Bruce Bowen, San Antonio — 53.8%
2. Ron Artest, Sacramento — 23.1%
3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers — 19.2%
4. Raja Bell, Phoenix — 3.8%

Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?

1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio — 46.2%
T-2. Marcus Camby, Denver — 15.4%
T-2. Ben Wallace, Detroit 15.4%

> Also receiving votes: Tyson Chandler, New Orleans; Kevin Garnett, Boston; Dwight Howard, Orlando; Alonzo Mourning, Miami; Dikembe Mutombo, Houston; Rasheed Wallace, Detroit — 3.8%

Who is the best on-the-ball defender in the NBA?

1. Bruce Bowen, San Antonio — 46.2%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers — 23.1%
T-3. Ron Artest, Sacramento — 7.7%
T-3. Kyle Lowry, Memphis — 7.7%

> Also receiving votes: Chauncey Billups, Detroit; Luol Deng, Chicago; Devin Harris, Dallas; Kirk Hinrich, Chicago

Which player best defends the passing lanes in the NBA?

1. Allen Iverson, Denver — 19.2%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers — 11.5%
3. Caron Butler, Washington — 11.5%
4. Jason Kidd, New Jersey- 7.7%

> Also receiving votes: Ron Artest, Sacramento; Leandro Barbosa, Phoenix; Shane Battier, Houston; Raja Bell, Phoenix; Bruce Bowen, San Antonio; Baron Davis, Golden State; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia; LeBron James, Cleveland; Andrei Kirilenko, Utah; Kevin Martin, Houston; Tayshaun Prince, Detroit — 3.8%; Gerald Wallace, Charlotte

---

INTERNATIONAL

Who is the best international player in the NBA?

1. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas — 74.1%
2. Yao Ming, Houston — 11.1%
T-3. Steve Nash, Phoenix — 7.4%
T-3. Tony Parker, San Antonio — 7.4%

Which international player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2007-08?

1. Andrea Bargnani, Toronto — 25.9%
2. Jose Calderon, Toronto — 14.8%
T-3. Darko Milicic, Memphis — 11.1%
T-3. Luis Scola, Houston — 11.1%
T-4. Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee — 7.4%
T-4. Bostjan Nachbar, New Jersey — 7.4%

Also receiving votes: Andris Biedrins, Golden State; Carlos Delfino, Toronto; Luol Deng, Chicago; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Nene, Denver; Sasha Pavlovic, Cleveland — 3.7%

Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA?

1. Theo Papaloukas — 54.2%
T-2. Dimitrios Diamantidis — 8.3%
T-2. Rudy Fernandez — 8.3%
T-3. Nicolas Batum — 4.2%
T-3. Danilo Gallinari — 4.2%
T-3. J.R. Holden — 4.2%
T-3. Ricky Rubio — 4.2%
T-3. Ramas Siskauskas — 4.2%
T-3. Tiago Splitter — 4.2%
T-3. Fran Vazquez — 4.2%

---

COACHES

Who is the best head coach in the NBA?

1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio — 73.1%
2. Jerry Sloan, Utah — 15.4%
T-3. Mike D’Antoni, Phoenix — 3.8%
T-3. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers — 3.8%
T-3. Scott Skiles, Chicago — 3.8%

Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people?

1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio — 36.5%
T-2. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers — 15.4%
T-2. Pat Riley, Miami — 15.4%
3. Mike D’Antoni, Phoenix — 9.6%
4. Don Nelson, Golden State — 7.7%
T-5. Mike Brown, Cleveland — 3.8%
T-5. Avery Johnson, Dallas — 3.8%
T-5. Byron Scott, New Orleans — 3.8%
T-5. Jerry Sloan, Utah — 3.8%

Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?

1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio — 26.9%
T-2. Don Nelson, Golden State — 19.2%
T-2. Scott Skiles, Chicago — 19.2%
3. Jerry Sloan, Utah — 11.5%
T-4. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers — 7.7%
T-4. Pat Riley, Miami — 7.7%
T-5. Mike D’Antoni, Phoenix — 3.8%
T-5. Lawrence Frank, New Jersey — 3.8%

Which head coach is the best in the last two minutes of a close game?

1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio — 34.6%
2. Pat Riley, Miami — 15.4%
T-3. Don Nelson, Golden State — 11.5%
T-3. Scott Skiles, Chicago — 11.5%
T-4. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers — 7.7%
T-4. Jerry Sloan, Utah — 7.7%

> Also receiving votes: Rick Adelman, Houston; Eddie Jordan, Washington; George Karl, Denver — 3.8%

Which coach runs the best offense?

1. Mike D’Antoni, Phoenix — 73.1%
2. Jerry Sloan, Utah — 7.7%

> Also receiving votes: Rick Adelman, Houston; Don Nelson, Golden State; Pat Riley, Miami; Flip Saunders, Minnesota; Scott Skiles, Chicago — 3.8%

Which coach has the best defensive schemes?

1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio — 65.4%
2. Jerry Sloan, Utah — 15.4%
3. Scott Skiles, Chiacago — 11.5%
T-4. Mike Brown, Cleveland — 3.8%
T-4. Pat Riley, Miami — 3.8%

Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?

1. Phil Johnson, Utah — 26.9%
2. Tim Grgurich — 11.5%

> Also receiving votes: Hank Egan, Del Harris, Terry Porter, Tom Thibodeau, Ron Adams, Dean Demopolous, Chip Engelland, Armond Hill, Brian Hill, Kim Hughes, John Kuester, Chuck Person

Which active player will make the best head coach someday?

1. Eric Snow, Cleveland — 34.6%
2. Steve Nash, Phoenix — 11.5%
T-3. Darrell Armstrong, New Jersey — 7.7%
T-3. Raja Bell, Phoenix — 7.7%
T-3. Sam Cassell, LA Clippers — 7.7%
T-3. Derek Fisher, L.A. Lakers — 7.7%

> Also receiving votes: Shane Battier, Houston; Bruce Bowen, San Antonio; Jason Kidd, New Jersey; Jacque Vaughn, San Antonio; Luke Walton, L.A. Lakers; Deron Williams, Utah — 3.8%

---

MISCELLANEOUS

Which team will be the most fun to watch?

1. Phoenix — 73.1%
2. Golden State — 15.4%
T-3. Boston — 3.8%
T-3. Dallas — 3.8%
T-3. San Antonio — 3.8%

Which team has the best home-court advantage?

1. Utah — 34.6%
2. Dallas — 26.9%
3. San Antonio — 11.5%
4. Golden State — 7.7%

> Also receiving votes: Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Miami, Phoenix

Which player is the most athletic?

1. LeBron James, Cleveland — 46.2%
2. Vince Carter, New Jersey — 11.5%
T-3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers — 7.7%
T-3. Shawn Marion, Phoenix — 7.7%
T-3. Gerald Wallace, Charlotte — 7.7%

> Also receiving votes: Monta Ellis, Golden State; Dwight Howard, Orlando; Tracy McGrady, Houston; Amar’e Stoudemire, Phoenix; Tyrus Thomas, Chicago

Which player is the best pure shooter?

1. Ray Allen, Boston — 59.6%
2. Michael Redd, Milwaukee — 11.5%
3. Jason Kapono, Toronto — 7.7%
4. Kyle Korver, Philadelphia — 5.8%

> Also receiving votes: Richard Hamilton, Detroit; Steve Nash, Phoenix; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento

Which player is the fastest with the ball?

1. Allen Iverson, Denver — 23.1%
2. T.J. Ford, Milwaukee — 21.2%
3. Leandro Barbosa, Phoenix — 19.2%
T-4. Jason Kidd, New Jersey — 7.7%
T-4. Steve Nash, Phoenix — 7.7%
T-4. Rajon Rondo, Boston — 7.7%
7. Chris Paul, New Orleans — 5.8%

> Also receiving votes: Gilbert Arenas, Washington; Tony Parker, San Antonio

Which player is best at moving without the ball?

1. Richard Hamilton, Detroit Pistons — 73.1%
T-2. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio — 3.8%
T-2. Richard Jefferson, New Jersey — 3.8%
T-2. Andrei Kirilenko, Utah — 3.8%
T-2. Kyle Korver, Philadelphia — 3.8%
T-2. Shawn Marion, Phoenix — 3.8%
T-2. Kevin Martin, Houston — 3.8%
T-2. Michael Redd, Milwaukee — 3.8%

Which player is the best at getting his own shot?

1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers — 88.5%
T-2. Gilbert Arenas, Washington — 3.8%
T-2. LeBron James, Cleveland — 3.8%
T-2. Tracy McGrady, Houston — 3.8%

Which player is the best offensive rebounder?

1. Tyson Chandler, New Orleans — 26.9%
2. Dwight Howard, Orlando — 11.5%
T-3. Elton Brand, LA Clippers — 7.7%
T-3. David Lee, New York — 7.7%
T-3. Shawn Marion, Phoenix — 7.7%
T-3. Ben Wallace, Detroit — 7.7%
T-4. Carmelo Anthony, Denver — 3.8%
T-4. Tim Duncan, San Antonio  — 3.8%
T-4. Reggie Evans, Philadelphia — 3.8%
T-4. Jeff Foster, Indiana — 3.8%
T-4. Paul Millsap, Utah — 3.8%
T-4. Jermaine O’Neal, Indiana — 3.8%
T-4. Zach Randolph, Memphis — 3.8%
T-4. Anderson Varejao, Cleveland — 3.8%

Which player is the best passer?

1. Steve Nash, Phoenix — 76.9%
2. Jason Kidd, New Jersey — 23.1%

Which player is the best in the open court?

1. Jason Kidd, New Jersey — 34.6%
2. LeBron James, Cleveland — 26.9%
3. Steve Nash, Phoenix — 19.2%

> Also receiving votes: Gilbert Arenas, Washington; Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Tracy McGrady, Houston; Tony Parker, San Antonio; Dwyane Wade, Miami

Who is the best finisher?

1. LeBron James, Cleveland — 38.5%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers — 19.2%
3. Amar’e Stoudemire, Phoenix — 11.5%
T-4. Carmelo Anthony, Denver — 7.7%
T-4. Vince Carter, New Jersey — 7.7%
T-4. Shawn Marion, Phoenix — 7.7%
T-5. Dwight Howard, Orlando — 3.8%
T-5. Tony Parker, San Antonio — 3.8%

Which player does the most with least?

1. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns– 19.2%
T-2. Shane Battier, Houston — 11.5%
T-2. Bruce Bowen, San Antonio — 11.5%
T-2. Chuck Hayes, Houston — 11.5%

> Also receiving votes: Jeff Foster, Indiana; Jorge Garbajosa, Toronto; Ben Gordon, Chicago; Udonis Haslem, Miami; Kirk Hinrich, Chicago; Jason Kapono, Toronto; Kevin Martin, Houston; Andre Miller, Philadelphia; Mehmet Okur, Utah; Michael Redd, Milwaukee; Michael Ruffin, Milwaukee; Ben Wallace, Detroit — 3.8%

Who is the toughest player in the NBA?

1. Ron Artest, Sacramento — 19.2%
2. Ben Wallace, Detroit — 15.4%
3. Andres Nocioni, Chicago — 11.5%
T-4. Caron Butler, Washington — 7.7%
T-4. Matt Harpring, Utah — 7.7%
T-4. Shaquille O’Neal, Miami — 7.7%

> Also receiving votes: Raja Bell, Phoenix; Bruce Bowen, San Antonio; Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Kevin Garnett, Boston; Allen Iverson, Denver; Steve Nash, Phoenix; Tayshaun Prince, Detroit; Amar’e Stoudemire, Phoenix

Which player is the best leader?

1. Steve Nash, Phoenix — 42.3%
2. Jason Kidd, New Jersey — 30.8%
3. Tim Duncan, San Antonio — 15.4%

> Also receiving votes: Chauncey Billups, Detroit; Sam Cassell, LA Clippers; Kevin Garnett, Boston

Which player in the NBA would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?

1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers — 88.5%
T-2. Carmelo Anthony, Denver — 3.8%
T-2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio — 3.8%
T-2. Steve Nash, Phoenix — 3.8%

---

Complete NBA GM Survey History