NBA GM Survey: 2012-13 edition
The Heat were the reigning champs entering the 2012-13 season.
Look back at every NBA GM Survey since 2002.
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%
T-2. Brooklyn – 13.3%
T-2. 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. LA 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, LA 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%
T-2. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland – 10.0%
T-2. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio – 10.0%
T-4. Paul George, Indiana – 6.7%
T-4. James Harden, Oklahoma City – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: Nicolas Batum, Portland; Alec Burks, Utah; DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento; Stephen Curry, Golden State; Kenneth Faried, Denver; Taj Gibson, Chicago; Eric Gordon, New Orleans; Blake Griffin, LA Clippers; Gordon Hayward, Utah; Andre Iguodala, Denver; DeAndre Jordan, LA Clippers; Ty Lawson, Denver; JaVale McGee, Denver; Josh Selby, Memphis; Evan Turner, Philadelphia; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
> Last year: James Harden – 21.4%
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
1. Chris Paul, LA 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%
T-5. Kevin Garnett, Boston – 6.7%
T-5. Blake Griffin, LA 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?
The Lakers added Steve Nash and Dwight Howard with offseason moves before the 2012-13 season.
1. L.A. Lakers – 86.2%
2. Brooklyn – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Atlanta, Golden State
> Last year: LA 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%
T-4. Ryan Anderson, New Orleans – 6.7%
T-4. Andrei Kirilenko, Minnesota – 6.7%
T-4. Brandon Roy, Minnesota – 6.7%
T-4. Lou Williams, Atlanta – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: Ray Allen, Miami; Marcus Camby, New York; Gerald Green, Indiana; Grant Hill, LA Clippers; Chris Kaman, Dallas; Kyle Lowry, Toronto; O.J. Mayo, Dallas; Darko Milicic, Boston; Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers; Alexey Shved, Minnesota
> Last year: Brandon Bass, David West – 15.4%
Which team will be most improved in 2012-13?
1. Brooklyn – 62.1%
T-2. L.A. Lakers – 10.3%
T-2. Minnesota – 10.3%
4. New Orleans – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Denver, Golden State, Milwaukee
> Last year: LA 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%
T-4. Ray Allen to Miami – 10.7%
T-4. 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 the 2012-13 Rookie of the Year?
NBA GMs were enthusiastic about the Hornets’ 2012 No. 1 Draft pick Anthony Davis.
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%
T-2. Maurice Harkless, Orlando – 13.8%
T-2. Andrew Nicholson, Orlando – 13.8%
T-4. Jae Crowder, Dallas – 10.3%
T-4. 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%
Who is the best international player in the NBA?
1. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 72.4%
2. Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers – 10.3%
> Also receiving votes: Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City; Andrei Kirilenko, Minnesota; Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers; Tony Parker, San Antonio
> Last year: Dirk Nowitzki – 96.4%
Which international player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2012-13?
1. Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto – 17.2%
2. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota – 13.8%
3. Nikola Pekovic, Minnesota – 13.8%
T-4. Goran Dragic, Phoenix – 6.9%
T-4. Danilo Gallinari, Denver – 6.9%
T-4. Donatas Motiejunas, Houston – 6.9%
T-4. Kevin Seraphin, Washington – 6.9%
T-4. Alexey Shved, Minnesota – 6.9%
T-4. Mirza Teletovic, Brooklyn – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Christian Eyenga, Orlando; Evan Fournier, Denver; Enes Kanter, Utah; Tiago Splitter, San Antonio; Jan Vesely, Washington
> Last year: Ricky Rubio – 37.0%
Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA?
1. Juan Carlos Navarro – 34.6%
2. Nikola Mirotic – 11.5%
T-3. 3. Dimitris Diamantidis – 7.7%
T-3. Rudy Fernandez – 7.7%
T-3. Bo McCalebb – 7.7%
T-3. Dario Saric – 7.7%
> Also receiving votes: Nenad Krstic, Milan Macvan, Vassilis Spanoulis, Milos Teodosic, Ante Tomic, Fran Vazquez
> Last year: Jonas Valanciunas – 36.0%
DEFENSE
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
1. Dwight Howard, L.A. Lakers – 60.0%
2. LeBron James, Miami – 16.7%
3. Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City – 13.3%
> Also receiving votes: Tyson Chandler, New York; Kevin Garnett, Boston; Thabo Sefolosha, Oklahoma City
> Last year: Dwight Howard – 76.9%
Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
1. Tony Allen, Memphis – 33.3%
2. LeBron James, Miami – 26.7%
T-3. Avery Bradley, Boston – 6.7%
T-3. Andre Iguodala, Denver – 6.7%
T-3. Rajon Rondo, Boston – 6.7%
T-3. Thabo Sefolosha, Oklahoma City – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Eric Gordon, New Orleans; Dahntay Jones, Dallas; Metta World Peace, L.A. Lakers
> Last year: Tony Allen – 26.9%
Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?
1. Dwight Howard, L.A. Lakers – 66.7%
2. Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City – 16.7%
3. Tyson Chandler, New York – 10.0%
> Also receiving votes: Anthony Davis, New Orleans; Kevin Garnett, Boston
> Last year: Dwight Howard – 88.9%
Which is the best defensive team in the NBA?
1. Chicago – 40.0%
2. Miami – 26.7%
3. Boston – 23.3%
4. L.A. Lakers – 6.7%
5. San Antonio – 3.3%
> Last year: Chicago – 66.7%
COACHES
Who is the best head coach in the NBA?
Gregg Popovich continued to be held in high regard by GMs around the league.
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 80.0%
2. Doc Rivers, Boston – 13.3%
> Also receiving votes: Rick Adelman, Minnesota; Erik Spoelstra, Miami
> Last year: Gregg Popovich – 42.3%
Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 60.0%
2. Doc Rivers, Boston – 40.0%
> Last year: Gregg Popovich – 42.9%
Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 40.0%
2. Rick Carlisle, Dallas – 20.0%
3. Doug Collins, Philadelphia – 13.3%
T-4. Rick Adelman, Minnesota – 6.7%
T-4. George Karl, Denver – 6.7%
T-4. Doc Rivers, Boston – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: Mike Brown, L.A. Lakers; Tom Thibodeau, Chicago
> Last year: Gregg Popovich – 35.7%
Which head coach runs the best offense?
1. George Karl, Denver – 31.0%
T-2. Rick Adelman, Minnesota – 27.6%
T-2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 27.6%
T-4. Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City – 6.9%
T-4. Alvin Gentry, Phoenix – 6.9%
> Last year: George Karl – 22.2%
Which head coach has the best defensive schemes?
1. Tom Thibodeau, Chicago – 70.0%
2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 10.0%
T-3. Mike Brown, L.A. Lakers – 6.7%
T-3. Rick Carlisle, Dallas – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: Doc Rivers, Boston; Erik Spoelstra, Miami
> Last year: Tom Thibodeau – 61.5%
Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?
1. Brian Shaw, Indiana – 23.3%
2. Mike Budenholzer, San Antonio – 20.0%
T-3. Steve Clifford, L.A. Lakers – 10.0%
T-3. Mike Malone, Golden State – 10.0%
T-5. Maurice Cheeks, Oklahoma City – 6.7%
T-5. Jay Triano, Portland – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: Ron Adams, Chicago; Kenny Atkinson, Atlanta; Brett Brown, San Antonio; Michael Curry, Philadelphia; Darren Erman, Golden State; Armond Hill, Boston; Elston Turner, Phoenix
> Last year: Mike Malone – 29.2%
Which active player will make the best head coach someday?
1. Chauncey Billups, LA Clippers – 20.7%
2. Shane Battier, Miami – 17.2%
3. Derek Fisher – 13.8%
T-4. Jason Kidd, New York – 10.3%
T-4. Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers – 10.3%
T-6. Grant Hill, LA Clippers – 6.9%
T-6. Chris Paul, LA Clippers – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Ray Allen, Miami; Luke Walton, Cleveland; Charles Jenkins, Golden State; Earl Watson, Utah
> Last year: Derek Fisher – 25.9%
Miscellaneous
Which team is the most fun to watch?
1. Oklahoma City – 30.0%
2. Miami – 26.7%
3. Denver – 16.7%
T-4. Golden State – 6.7%
T-4. LA Clippers – 6.7%
T-4. San Antonio – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: L.A. Lakers, New York
> Last year: Miami – 33.3%
Which team has the best home-court advantage?
1. Oklahoma City – 70.0%
T-2. Miami – 10.0%
T-2. Utah – 10.0%
> Also receiving votes: Denver, L.A. Lakers, Portland
> Last year: Oklahoma City – 44.4%
Which player is the most athletic?
1. LeBron James, Miami – 62.1%
2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 20.7%
3. Blake Griffin, LA Clippers – 13.8%
4. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 3.4%
> Last year: LeBron James – 46.2%
Which player is the best pure shooter?
Ray Allen was recognized by NBA GMs for his well-rounded offensive game.
1. Ray Allen, Miami – 56.7%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 20.0%
3. Steve Novak, New York – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: James Harden, Oklahoma City; Kyle Korver, Atlanta; Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; Klay Thompson, Golden State
> Last year: Ray Allen – 85.7%
Which player is the fastest with the ball?
1. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 36.7%
2. Derrick Rose, Chicago – 23.3%
3. Rajon Rondo, Boston – 13.3%
T-4. Ty Lawson, Denver – 6.7%
T-4. John Wall, Washington – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: Aaron Brooks, Sacramento; Darren Collison, Dallas; LeBron James, Miami; Tony Parker, San Antonio
> Last year: Derrick Rose – 57.7%
Which player is best at moving without the ball?
1. Ray Allen, Miami – 56.7%
2. Richard Hamilton, Chicago – 10.0%
T-3. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio – 6.7%
T-3. Kyle Korver, Atlanta – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: Luol Deng, Chicago; Marc Gasol, Memphis; James Harden, Oklahoma City; Paul Pierce, Boston; J.J. Redick, Orlando; Klay Thompson, Golden State
> Last year: Ray Allen – 67.9%
Which player is the best at getting his own shot?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 40.0%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 30.0%
3. LeBron James, Miami – 16.7%
T-4. Carmelo Anthony, New York – 6.7%
T-4. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 6.7%
> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 35.7%
Which player is the best offensive rebounder?
1. Kevin Love, Minnesota – 53.3%
2. Kenneth Faried, Denver – 16.7%
T-3. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento – 6.7%
T-3. Dwight Howard, L.A. Lakers – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: Tyson Chandler, New York; Reggie Evans, Brooklyn; Blake Griffin, LA Clippers; Kris Humphries, Brooklyn; Zach Randolph, Memphis
> Last year: Kevin Love – 64.3%
Which player is the best passer?
1. Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers – 58.6%
2. Chris Paul, LA Clippers – 27.6%
T-3. Rajon Rondo, Boston – 6.9%
T-3. Deron Williams, Brooklyn – 6.9%
> Last year: Chris Paul – 40.7%
Which player is the most dangerous in the open floor?
1. LeBron James, Miami – 60.0%
2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 23.3%
3. Derrick Rose, Chicago – 10.0%
4. Chris Paul, LA Clippers – 6.7%
> Last year: LeBron James – 53.8%
Which player is the best finisher?
1. LeBron James, Miami – 66.7%
T-2. Blake Griffin, LA Clippers – 10.0%
T-2. Dwyane Wade, Miami – 10.0%
> Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; Tyreke Evans, Sacramento; James Harden, Oklahoma City; Josh Smith, Atlanta
> Last year: LeBron James – 42.3%
Which player makes the most of limited natural ability?
1. Kevin Love, Minnesota – 34.5%
2. Shane Battier, Miami – 10.3%
3. Marc Gasol, Memphis – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Ryan Anderson, New Orleans; Matt Bonner, San Antonio; Nick Collison, Oklahoma City; Roy Hibbert, Indiana; Jared Dudley, Phoenix; Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; Danny Green, San Antonio; Chuck Hayes, Sacramento; Kris Humphries, Brooklyn; Paul Millsap, Utah; Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers; Steve Novak, New York; Luis Scola, Phoenix; Anderson Varejao, Cleveland
> Last year: Kevin Love – 26.9%
Who is the toughest player in the NBA?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 26.7%
2. Metta World Peace, L.A. Lakers – 10.0%
T-3. Reggie Evans, Brooklyn – 6.7%
T-3. Kenneth Faried, Denver – 6.7%
T-3. Kevin Garnett, Boston – 6.7%
T-3. LeBron James, Miami – 6.7%
T-3. Rajon Rondo, Boston – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: Eric Bledsoe, LA Clippers; Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Marcin Gortat, Phoenix; Zaza Pachulia, Atlanta; Chris Paul, LA Clippers; Zach Randolph, Memphis; Anderson Varejao, Cleveland; David West, Indiana
> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 32.1%
Which player is the best leader?
1. Chris Paul, LA Clippers – 27.6%
2. Kevin Garnett, Boston – 20.7%
T-3. Chauncey Billups, LA Clippers – 10.3%
T-3. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 10.3%
T-3. LeBron James, Miami – 10.3%
T-3. Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers – 10.3%
> Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Jason Kidd, New York
> Last year: Chris Paul – 25.0%
Which player has the best basketball IQ?
1. Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers – 27.6%
T-2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio – 13.8%
T-2. LeBron James, Miami – 13.8%
T-2. Chris Paul, LA Clippers – 13.8%
5. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 10.3%
6. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio – 6.9%
> Also receiving votes: Chauncey Billups, LA Clippers; Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers; Jason Kidd, New York; Rajon Rondo, Boston
> Last year: Steve Nash – 28.6%
Which player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?
1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City – 46.7%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers – 40.0%
3. Carmelo Anthony, New York – 6.7%
> Also receiving votes: Chauncey Billups, LA Clippers; LeBron James, Miami
> Last year: Kobe Bryant – 48.1%
Complete NBA GM Survey History
