NBA GM Survey: 2010-11 edition

The Lakers were the reigning champs entering the 2010-11 season.

Look back at every NBA GM Survey since 2002.


PREDICTIONS

Which team will win the 2011 NBA Finals?

1. L.A. Lakers – 63.0%
2. Miami – 33.3%
3. Boston – 3.7%

> Last year: L.A. Lakers – 60.7%

Which team will win the Eastern Conference?

1. Miami – 70.4%
2. Boston – 18.5%
3. Orlando – 11.1%

> Last year: Boston – 50.0%

Which team will win the Western Conference?

1. L.A. Lakers – 96.4%
2. Dallas – 3.6%

> Last year: L.A. Lakers – 75.9%

Which team will win the Atlantic Division?

1. Boston – 100%

> Last year: Boston – 100%

Which team will win the Central Division?

1. Chicago – 82.1%
2. Milwaukee – 17.9%

> Last year: Cleveland – 96.6%

Which team will win the Southeast Division?

1. Miami – 74.1%
2. Orlando – 25.9%

> Last year: Orlando – 92.6%

Which team will win the Southwest Division?

1. Dallas – 71.4%
2. San Antonio – 28.6%

> Last year: San Antonio – 89.7%

Which team will win the Northwest Division?

1. Oklahoma City – 63.0%
2. Portland – 22.2%
3. Utah – 11.1%
4. Denver – 3.7%

> Last year: Portland – 42.9%

Which team will win the Pacific Division?

1. L.A. Lakers – 96.4%
2. Phoenix – 3.6%

> Last year: L.A. Lakers – 96.6%


PLAYERS

Who will win the 2010-11 MVP?

1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 66.7%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 25.9%

> Also receiving votes: Dwight Howard, Orlando; LeBron James, Miami

> Last year: LeBron James – 69.0%

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

Kevin Durant was voted as the top franchise player ahead of the 2010-11 season.

1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 55.6%
2. LeBron James, Miami – 25.9%
T-3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 7.4%
T-3. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 7.4%
5. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 3.7%

> Last year: LeBron James – 78.6%

Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?

1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 35.7%
2. LeBron James, Miami – 28.6%
3. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 17.9%
4. Kevin Durant – 10.7%

> Also receiving votes: Chris Paul, New Orleans; Dwyane Wade, Miami

> Last year: LeBron James – 39.3%

Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2009-10?

T-1. Blake Griffin, LA Clippers – 14.8%
T-1. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 14.8%
3. Derrick Rose, Chicago – 11.1%
T-4. Darren Collison, Indiana – 7.4%
T-4 . Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia – 7.4%
T-4. JaVale McGee, Washington – 7.4%

> Also receiving votes: LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland; Michael Beasley, Minnesota; DeMar DeRozan, Toronto; Tyreke Evans, Sacramento; Eric Gordon, LA Clippers; J.J. Hickson, Cleveland; Kirk Hinrich, Washington; Joakim Noah, Chicago; Anthony Randolph, New York; Marcus Thornton, New Orleans

> Last year: Kevin Durant – 25.9%

Who is the best point guard in the NBA?

1. Deron Williams, Utah – 50.0%
2. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 35.7%
3. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 10.7%
4. Chauncey Billups, Denver – 3.6%

> Last year: Chris Paul – 77.8%

Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?

1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 85.7%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 10.7%
3. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 3.6%

> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 89.7%

Who is the best small forward in the NBA?

1. LeBron James, Miami – 67.9%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 28.6%
3. Carmelo Anthony, Denver – 3.6%

> Last year: LeBron James – 96.6%

Who is the best power forward in the NBA?

T-1. Paul Gasol, L.A. Lakers – 28.6%
T-1. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 28.6%
3. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 21.4%
T-4. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 7.1%
T-4. Amar’e Stoudemire, New York – 7.1%

> Also receiving votes: Chris Bosh, Miami; Kevin Garnett, Boston

> Last year: Tim Duncan – 58.6%

Who is the best center in the NBA?

1. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 96.3%
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 3.7%

> Last year: Dwight Howard – 82.1%


OFFSEASON MOVES

Which team made the best overall moves?

1. Miami – 96.4%
2. L.A. Lakers – 3.6%

> Last year: San Antonio – 71.2%

Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?

1. LeBron James, Miami – 89.3%
2. Amar’e Stoudemire, New York – 7.1%
3. Tyson Chandler, Dallas – 3.6%

> Last year: Vince Carter – 25.0%

What was the most underrated player acquisition?

1. Al Jefferson, Utah – 21.4%
2. Steve Blake, L.A. Lakers – 14.3%
3. Darren Collison, Indiana – 10.7%
T-4. Carlos Boozer, Chicago – 7.1%
T-4. Mike Miller, Miami – 7.1%
T-4. Anthony Randolph, New York – 7.1%

> Also receiving votes: Raymond Felton, New York; Spencer Hawes, Philadelphia; Joe Johnson, Atlanta; Courtney Lee, Houston; David Lee, Golden State; Shaquille O’Neal, Boston; Luke Ridnour, Minnesota; Hedo Turkoglu, Phoenix; John Wall, Washington

> Last year: Anthony Parker – 14.3%

Which team will be most improved in 2010-11?

1. Miami – 39.3%
T-2. New York – 14.3%
T-2. Washington – 14.3%
T-4. LA Clippers – 10.7%
T-4. New Jersey – 10.7%
6. Philadelphia – 7.1%
7. Toronto – 3.6%

> Last year: Washington – 48.3%

What was the most surprising move of the offseason?

LeBron James made a stunning offseason move from the Cavs to the Heat.

1. LeBron James going to Miami – 67.3%
2. Wesley Matthews’ contract with Portland – 11.5%

> Also receiving votes: Chris Bosh going to Miami, Amir Johnson’s contract with Toronto, Jermaine O’Neal signing with Boston, Shaquille O’Neal signing with Boston, Johan Petro’s contract with New Jersey, Amar’e Stoudemire going to New York

> Last year: Ron Artest signing with the Lakers – 19.2%


ROOKIES & INTERNATIONAL

Who will win the 2010-11 Rookie of the Year?

1. John Wall, Washington – 67.9%
2. Blake Griffin, LA Clippers – 28.6%
3. Wesley Johnson, Minnesota – 3.6%

> Last year: Blake Griffin – 79.3%

Which rookie will be the best player in five years?

1. John Wall, Washington – 67.9%
T-2. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento – 10.7%
T-2. Blake Griffin, LA Clippers – 10.7%
4. Derrick Favors, New Jersey – 7.1%
5. Evan Turner, Philadelphia – 3.6%

> Last year: Blake Griffin – 65.5%

Which rookie is the most athletic?

1. John Wall, Washington – 64.3%
2. Wesley Johnson, Minnesota – 17.9%
3. Derrick Favors, New Jersey – 10.7%

> Also receiving votes: Paul George, Indiana; Blake Griffin, LA Clippers

> Last year: Blake Griffin – 42.9%

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

T-1. Luke Harangody, Boston – 11.1%
T-1. Patrick Patterson, Houston – 11.1%
T-3. Derrick Favors, New Jersey – 7.4%
T-3. Paul George, Indiana – 7.4%
T-3. Damion James, New Jersey – 7.4%
T-3. Greg Monroe, Detroit – 7.4%

> Also receiving votes: Trevor Booker, Washington; Craig Brackins, Philadelphia; DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento; Jordan Crawford, Atlanta; Ed Davis, Toronto; Devin Ebanks, L.A. Lakers; Landry Fields, New York; Gordon Hayward, Utah; Lazar Hayward, Minnesota; Xavier Henry, Memphis; Nikola Pekovic, Minnesota; Larry Sanders, Milwaukee; Ekpe Udoh, Golden State

> Last year: James Harden, Brandon Jennings, Ty Lawson – 11.1%

Who is the best international player in the NBA?

1. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 57.1%
2. Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers – 32.1%
3. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 7.1%
4. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio – 3.6%

> Last year: Dirk Nowitzki – 64.3%

Which international player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2010-11?

1. Rodrigue Beaubois, Dallas – 21.4%
T-2. Nicolas Batum, Portland – 10.7%
T-2. Omri Casspi, Sacramento – 10.7%
T-2. Tiago Splitter, San Antonio – 10.7%
T-5. Marc Gasol, Memphis – 7.1%
T-5. Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City – 7.1%
T-5. Jonas Jerebko, Detroit – 7.1%
T-5. Linas Kleiza, Toronto – 7.1%

> Also receiving votes: Andrea Bargnani, Toronto; Goran Dragic, Phoenix; Rudy Fernandez, Portland; Danilo Gallinari, New York; Ersan Ilyasova, Milwaukee

> Last year: Rudy Fernandez – 22.2%

Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA?

1. Ricky Rubio – 42.3%
T-2. Juan Carlos Navarro – 19.2%
T-2. Jan Vesely – 19.2%
4. Milos Teodosic – 7.7%

> Also receiving votes: Dimitris Diamantidis, Sergio Llull, Milenko Tepic

> Last year: Ricky Rubio – 50.0%


DEFENSE

Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?

1. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 77.8%
T-2. Ron Artest, L.A. Lakers – 7.4%
T-2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 7.4%

> Also receiving votes: Shane Battier, Houston; Kevin Garnett, Boston

> Last year: Dwight Howard – 46.4%

Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?

1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 35.7%
2. Ron Artest, L.A. Lakers – 21.4%
3. Rajon Rondo, Boston – 17.9%
4. Shane Battier, Houston – 7.1%

> Also receiving votes: Tony Allen, Memphis; Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia; Mickael Pietrus, Orlando; Thabo Sefolosha, Oklahoma City; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City

> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 34.5%

Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?

1. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 92.6%

> Also receiving votes: Kevin Garnett, Boston; Kendrick Perkins, Boston

> Last year: Dwight Howard – 64.3%

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

1. Rajon Rondo, Boston – 32.1%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 17.9%
T-3. Ron Artest, L.A. Lakers – 14.3%
T-3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 14.3%
5. Tony Allen, Memphis – 7.1%

> Also receiving votes: Kirk Hinrich, Washington; Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia; Mickael Pietrus, Orlando; Thabo Sefolosha, Oklahoma City

> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 25.0%

Which player best defends the passing lanes in the NBA?

1. Rajon Rondo, Boston – 32.1%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 14.3%
T-3. Trevor Ariza, New Orleans – 10.7%
T-3. LeBron James, Miami – 10.7%
T-3. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 10.7%

> Also receiving votes: Ron Artest, L.A. Lakers; Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Grant Hill, Phoenix; Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia; Josh Smith, Atlanta; Gerald Wallace, Charlotte

> Last year: Chris Paul – 25.0%

Which is the best defensive team in the NBA?

1. Boston – 75.0%
2. L.A. Lakers – 10.7%
3. Orlando – 7.1%

> Also receiving votes: Charlotte, Milwaukee

> Last year: Boston – 60.7%


COACHES

Who is the best head coach in the NBA?

1. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers – 39.3%
2. Jerry Sloan, Utah – 25.0%
3. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 21.4%
4. Larry Brown, Charlotte – 7.1%

> Also receiving votes: Doc Rivers, Boston; Stan Van Gundy, Orlando

> Last year: Phil Jackson – 37.0%

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

1. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers – 46.4%
2. Doc Rivers, Boston – 26.8%
3. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 17.9%

> Also receiving votes: Scott Skiles, Milwaukee; Jerry Sloan, Utah; Stan Van Gundy, Orlando

> Last year: Phil Jackson – 48.1%

Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?

1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 28.6%
2. Larry Brown, Charlotte – 21.4%
T-3. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers – 10.7%
T-3. Doc Rivers, Boston – 10.7%
T-3. Scott Skiles, Milwaukee – 10.7%
6. Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City – 7.1%

> Also receiving votes: Flip Saunders, Washington; Erik Spoelstra, Miami; Stan Van Gundy, Orlando

> Last year: Larry Brown – 34.6%

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

1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 32.1%
2. Larry Brown, Charlotte – 25.0%
3. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers – 17.9%
4. Scott Skiles, Milwaukee – 14.3%

> Also receiving votes: Rick Adelman, Houston; Doc Rivers, Boston; Stan Van Gundy, Orlando

> Last year: Gregg Popovich – 37.0%

Which head coach runs the best offense?

1. Jerry Sloan, Utah – 35.7%
2. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers – 17.9%
3. Rick Adelman, Houston – 14.3%
T-4. Alvin Gentry, Phoenix – 7.1%
T-4. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 7.1%
T-4. Stan Van Gundy, Orlando – 7.1%

> Also receiving votes: Rick Carlisle, Dallas; Flip Saunders, Washington; Scott Skiles, Milwaukee

> Last year: Phil Jackson – 26.9%

Which head coach has the best defensive schemes?

1. Doc Rivers, Boston – 28.6%
2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 25.0%
3. Stan Van Gundy, Orlando – 10.7%
T-4. Larry Brown, Charlotte – 7.1%
T-4. Nate McMillan, Portland – 7.1%
T-4. Jerry Sloan, Utah – 7.1%
T-4. Tom Thibodeau, Chicago – 7.1%

> Also receiving votes: Scott Skiles, Milwaukee; Erik Spoelstra, Miami

> Last year: Gregg Popovich – 59.3%

Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?

1. Phil Johnson, Utah – 23.1%
2. Tyrone Corbin, Utah – 15.4%
T-3. Ron Adams, Chicago – 11.5%
T-3. Mike Budenholzer, San Antonio – 11.5%
T-3. Dwane Casey, Dallas – 11.5%
T-6. Lawrence Frank, Boston – 7.7%
T-6. Tim Grgurich – 7.7%

> Also receiving votes: David Fizdale, Miami; Elston Turner, Houston; Randy Wittman, Washington

> Last year: Tom Thibodeau – 38.0%

Which active player will make the best head coach someday?

1. Derek Fisher, L.A. Lakers – 29.6%
T-2. Chauncey Billups, Denver – 14.8%
T-2. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 14.8%
4. Shane Battier, Houston – 11.1%
5. Jason Kidd, Dallas – 7.4%

> Also receiving votes: Ray Allen, Boston; Jared Dudley, Phoenix; Grant Hill, Phoenix; Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Miami; Mike Miller, Miami; Jameer Nelson, Orlando

> Last year: Derek Fisher – 28.0%


MISCELLANEOUS

Which team is the most fun to watch?

1. Oklahoma City – 51.8%
2. Phoenix – 23.2%
T-3. Dallas – 7.1%
T-3. L.A. Lakers – 7.1%
T-3. Miami – 7.1%
6. Golden State – 3.6%

> Last year: L.A. Lakers – 30.8%

Which team has the best home-court advantage?

1. Utah – 46.4%
2. L.A. Lakers – 21.4%
3. Oklahoma City – 7.1%

> Also receiving votes: Boston, Dallas, Denver, Golden State, Miami, Portland, San Antonio

> Last year: Cleveland – 37.9%

Which player is the most athletic?

1. LeBron James, Miami – 50.0%
T-2. Josh Smith, Atlanta – 10.7%
T-2. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 10.7%
T-4. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 7.1%
T-4. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 7.1%

> Also receiving votes: Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; JaVale McGee, Washington; Derrick Rose, Chicago; John Wall, Washington

> Last year: LeBron James – 69.6%

Which player is the best pure shooter?

1. Ray Allen, Boston – 53.6%
2. Kyle Korver, Chicago – 21.4%
3. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 14.3%

> Also receiving votes: Stephen Curry, Golden State; Jason Kapono, Philadelphia; Steve Nash, Phoenix

> Last year: Ray Allen –57.1%

Which player is the fastest with the ball?

1. Derrick Rose, Chicago – 21.4%
T-2. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 17.9%
T-2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 17.9%
T-4. Rajon Rondo, Boston – 10.7%
T-4. John Wall, Washington – 10.7%

> Also receiving votes: Gilbert Arenas, Washington; Leandro Barbosa, Phoenix; Aaron Brooks, Houston; Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee; Ty Lawson, Denver

> Last year: Chris Paul – 42.9%

Which player is best at moving without the ball?

1. Ray Allen, Boston – 40.7%
2. Richard Hamilton, Detroit – 37.0%

> Also receiving votes: Caron Butler, Dallas; Stephen Curry, Golden State; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Paul Pierce, Boston; Luis Scola, Houston; Anderson Varejao, Cleveland

> Last year: Richard Hamilton – 67.9%

Which player is the best at getting his own shot?

Kobe Bryant was recognized as the best shot-creator ahead of the 2010-11 season.

1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 70.4%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 11.1%
3. Carmelo Anthony, Denver – 7.4%

> Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; LeBron James, Miami; Brandon Roy, Portland

> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 69.0%

Which player is the best offensive rebounder?

1. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 37.0%
2. Kevin Love, Minnesota – 11.1%
T-3. Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers – 7.4%
T-3. Brendan Haywood, Dallas – 7.4%
T-3. Zach Randolph, Memphis – 7.4%
T-3. Josh Smith, Atlanta – 7.4%

> Also receiving votes: Al Jefferson, Utah; David Lee, Golden State; Paul Millsap, Utah; Greg Oden, Portland; Luis Scola, Houston; Anderson Varejao, Cleveland

> Last year: Dwight Howard – 74.1%

Which player is the best passer?

1. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 75.0%
2. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 14.3%
3. Jason Kidd, Dallas – 7.1%
4. LeBron James, Miami – 3.6%

> Last year: Steve Nash – 58.6%

Which player is the most dangerous in the open floor?

1. LeBron James, Miami – 67.9%
2. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 10.7%
3. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 7.1%

> Also receiving votes: Jason Kidd, Dallas; Tony Parker, San Antonio; Derrick Rose, Chicago; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City

> Last year: LeBron James – 62.1%

Which player is the best finisher?

1. LeBron James, Miami – 60.7%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 17.9%
3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 7.1%

> Also receiving votes: Carlos Boozer, Chicago; Dwight Howard, Orlando; Josh Smith, Atlanta; Amar’e Stoudemire, New York

> Last year: LeBron James – 55.2%

Which player does the most with the least?

1. Luis Scola, Houston – 14.3%
2. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 10.7%
T-3. Shane Battier, Houston – 7.1%
T-3. Marc Gasol, Memphis – 7.1%
T-3. J.J. Redick, Orlando – 7.1%

> Also receiving votes: Carmelo Anthony, Denver; Matt Bonner, San Antonio; Glen Davis, Boston; Kirk Hinrich, Washington; Dwight Howard, Orlando; Chris Kaman, LA Clippers; Kyle Korver, Chicago; Brook Lopez, New Jersey; Kevin Love, Minnesota; Kevin Martin, Houston; Paul Millsap, Utah; Joakim Noah, Chicago; Mehmet Okur, Utah; Kendrick Perkins, Boston; Rajon Rondo, Boston

> Last year: Mehmet Okur – 14.3%

Who is the toughest player in the NBA?

1. Ron Artest, L.A. Lakers – 37.0%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 18.5%
3. Dwight Howard, Orlando – 7.4%

> Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; Reggie Evans, Toronto; Kevin Garnett, Boston; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Chuck Hayes, Houston; Stephen Jackson, Charlotte; Shaquille O’Neal, Boston; Kendrick Perkins, Boston; Luis Scola, Houston; Ben Wallace, Detroit

> Last year: Ron Artest – 42.9%

Which player is the best leader?

1. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 32.1%
2. Chauncey Billups, Denver – 17.9%
T-3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 14.3%
T-3. Chris Paul, New Orleans – 14.3%
T-5. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 7.1%
T-5. Derek Fisher, L.A. Lakers – 7.1%
T-5. Jason Kidd, Dallas – 7.1%

> Last year: Chauncey Billups – 28.6%

Which player has the best basketball IQ?

1. Steve Nash, Phoenix – 46.3%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 22.2%
3. Jason Kidd, Dallas – 14.8%

> Also receiving votes: Shane Battier, Houston; Chauncey Billups, Denver; Andre Miller, Portland; Chris Paul, New Orleans; Tayshaun Prince, Detroit

> Last year: Steve Nash – 36.5%

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

1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 78.6%
T-2. Carmelo Anthony, Denver – 7.1%
T-2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 7.1%

> Also receiving votes: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; Dwyane Wade, Miami

> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 89.7%


Complete NBA GM Survey History

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