2016-2017 GM Survey….Thoughts?

PREDICTIONS    

Which team will win the 2017 NBA Finals?

1. Golden State – 69.0%

2. Cleveland – 31.0%

Last year: Cleveland – 53.6%

Rank the top four teams in the Eastern Conference.

Last year: 96.6 percent picked Cleveland to win the East. Order after the Cavs was Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Washington, Toronto and Milwaukee.

Rank the top four teams in the Western Conference.

Last year: 51.7 percent picked Golden State to win the West. Order after the Warriors was San Antonio, Oklahoma City, L.A. Clippers, Houston and Memphis.

PLAYERS

Who will win the 2016-17 MVP?

1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 46.7%

2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 23.3%

3. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 10.0%

    James Harden, Houston – 10.0%

5. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 6.7%

6. Paul George, Indiana – 3.3%

Last year: LeBron James – 39.3%

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

1. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota – 48.3%

2. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 20.7%

3. LeBron James, Cleveland – 17.2%

Also receiving votes: Stephen Curry, Golden State; Anthony Davis, New Orleans; Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City

Last year: Anthony Davis – 86.2%

Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?

1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 75.0%

2. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 21.4%

3. Draymond Green, Golden State – 3.6%

Last year: LeBron James – 62.1%

Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2016-17?

1. Devin Booker, Phoenix – 31.0%

2. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota – 13.8%

3. Myles Turner, Indiana – 10.3%

4. D’Angelo Russell, L.A. Lakers – 6.9%

    Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota – 6.9%

Also receiving votes: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee; Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Detroit; Anthony Davis, New Orleans; Kevin Durant, Golden State; C.J. McCollum, Portland; Kristaps Porzingis, New York; Terry Rozier, Boston; Dennis Schroder, Atlanta; Marcus Smart, Boston

Last year: Andrew Wiggins – 17.2%

Who is the best point guard in the NBA?

1. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 63.3%

2. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers – 20.0%

3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 10.0%

4. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland – 6.7%

Last year: Stephen Curry – 55.2%

Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?

1. James Harden, Houston – 56.7%

2. Klay Thompson, Golden State – 40.0%

3. Dwyane Wade, Chicago – 3.3%

Last year: James Harden – 79.3%

Who is the best small forward in the NBA?

1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 76.8%

2. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 23.2%

Last year: LeBron James – 89.3%

Who is the best power forward in the NBA?

1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 29.0%

2. LeBron James, Cleveland – 19.4%

3. Draymond Green, Golden State – 16.1%     

4. LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio – 12.9%

    Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers – 12.9%

6. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 9.7%

Last year: Anthony Davis – 82.1%

Who is the best center in the NBA?

1. DeAndre Jordan, L.A. Clippers – 33.3%

2. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento – 26.7%

3. Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 16.7%

4. Marc Gasol, Memphis – 13.3%

5. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota – 6.7%

6. Draymond Green, Golden State – 3.3%

Last year: Marc Gasol – 65.5%

OFFSEASON MOVES

Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?

1. Golden State – 83.3%

2. Indiana – 6.7%

    Utah – 6.7%

4. Boston – 3.3%

Last year: San Antonio – 79.3%

Which one-player acquisition will make the biggest impact?

1. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 80.0%

2. Al Horford, Boston – 13.3%

Also receiving votes: George Hill, Utah; Derrick Rose, New York

Last year: LaMarcus Aldridge – 79.3%

Who was the most underrated player acquisition?

1. George Hill, Utah – 24.1%

2. Jeff Teague, Indiana – 13.8%

3. Andrew Bogut, Dallas – 10.3%

4. Serge Ibaka, Orlando – 6.9%

    Victor Oladipo, Oklahoma City – 6.9%

Also receiving votes: Ryan Anderson, Houston; Matthew Dellavedova, Milwaukee; Boris Diaw, Utah; Mike Dunleavy, Cleveland; Pau Gasol, San Antonio; LeBron James, Cleveland; Courtney Lee, New York; Jeremy Lin, Brooklyn; Zaza Pachulia, Golden State; Dion Waiters, Miami; Thaddeus Young, Indiana

Last year: Ty Lawson, Paul Pierce & David West – 10.3%

Which team will be most improved in 2016-17?

1. Minnesota – 56.7%

2. Utah – 23.3%

3. New York – 10.0%

Also receiving votes: Boston, Houston, L.A. Lakers

Last year: Oklahoma City – 25.0%

What was the most surprising move of the offseason?

1. Kevin Durant to Golden State – 46.7%

2. Dwyane Wade to Chicago – 43.3%

Also receiving votes: Al Horford to Boston, Ibaka/Oladipo trade, Tyler Johnson offer sheet

Last year: DeAndre Jordan back to Clippers – 24.1%

ROOKIES & INTERNATIONAL

Who will win the 2016-17 Rookie of the Year?

1. Kris Dunn, Minnesota – 46.7%

2. Buddy Hield, New Orleans – 13.3%

    Ben Simmons, Philadelphia – 13.3%

4. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia – 10.0%

    Brandon Ingram, L.A. Lakers – 10.0%

Also receiving votes: Marquese Chriss, Phoenix; Jamal Murray, Denver

Last year: Jahlil Okafor – 44.8%

Which rookie will be the best player in five years?

1. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia – 70.0%

2. Kris Dunn, Minnesota – 20.0%

3. Brandon Ingram, L.A. Lakers – 6.7%

4. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia – 3.3%

Last year: Karl-Anthony Towns – 62.1%

Which rookie was the biggest steal at where he was selected in the Draft?

1. Dejounte Murray (29), San Antonio – 23.3%

2. Kris Dunn (5), Minnesota – 16.7%

3. Patrick McCaw (38), Golden State – 13.3%

4. Henry Ellenson (18), Detroit – 10.0%

5. Marquese Chris (8), Phoenix – 6.7%

    Skal Labissiere (28), Sacramento – 6.7%

    Denzel Valentine (14), Chicago – 6.7%

Also receiving votes: Malcolm Brogdon (36), Milwaukee; Cheick Diallo (33), New Orleans; Thon Maker (10), Milwaukee; Pascal Siakam (27), Toronto; Ivica Zubac (32), L.A. Lakers

Last year: Justise Winslow – 31.0%

Who is the best international player in the NBA?

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 27.6%

2. Marc Gasol, Memphis – 24.1%

3. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas – 22.4%

4. Kristaps Porzingis, New York – 12.1%

5. Pau Gasol, San Antonio – 6.9%

Also receiving votes: Rudy Gobert, Utah; Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota

Last year: Marc Gasol – 62.1%

Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA?

1. Milos Teodosic – 53.6%

2. Sergio LLull – 28.6%

3. Nando de Colo – 14.3%

4. Vassilis Spanoulis – 3.6%

Last year: Dario Saric – 28.6%

DEFENSE

Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?

1. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio – 66.7%

2. LeBron James, Cleveland – 10.0%

3. Avery Bradley, Boston – 6.7%

    Draymond Green, Golden State – 6.7%

    DeAndre Jordan, L.A. Clippers – 6.7%

6. Hassan Whiteside, Miami – 3.3%

Last year: Kawhi Leonard – 27.6%

Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?

1. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio – 66.7%

2. Avery Bradley, Boston – 16.7%

3. Tony Allen, Memphis – 6.7%

Also receiving votes: Jimmy Butler, Chicago; Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Detroit; Klay Thompson, Golden State

Last year: Kawhi Leonard – 44.8%

Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?

1. DeAndre Jordan, L.A. Clippers – 50.0%

2. Rudy Gobert, Utah – 16.7%

3. Draymond Green, Golden State – 10.0%

4. Marc Gasol, Memphis – 6.7%     

    Dwight Howard, Atlanta – 6.7%

Also receiving votes: Bismack Biyombo, Orlando; Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio; Hassan Whiteside, Miami

Last year: Marc Gasol – 27.6%

Which is the best defensive team in the NBA?

1. San Antonio – 50.0%

2. Boston – 13.3%

3. Cleveland – 10.0%

    Golden State – 10.0%

    Utah – 10.0%

6. Atlanta – 6.7%

Last year: Golden State – 58.6%

COACHES

Who is the best head coach in the NBA?

1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 83.3%

2. Rick Carlisle, Dallas – 13.3%

3. Brad Stevens, Boston – 3.3%

Last year: Gregg Popovich – 93.1%

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

1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 66.7%

2. Steve Kerr, Golden State – 16.7%

3. Brad Stevens, Boston – 6.7%

Also receiving votes: Rick Carlisle, Dallas; Steve Clifford, Charlotte; Doc Rivers, L.A. Clippers

Last year: Gregg Popovich – 48.3%

Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?

1. Rick Carlisle, Dallas – 41.4%

2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 31.0%

3. Brad Stevens, Boston – 13.8%

Also receiving votes: Mike Budenholzer, Atlanta; Doc Rivers, L.A. Clippers; Erik Spoelstra, Miami; Stan Van Gundy, Detroit

Last year: Gregg Popovich – 37.9%

Which head coach runs the best offense?

1. Steve Kerr, Golden State – 63.3%

2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 16.7%

3. Rick Carlisle, Dallas – 6.7%

    Mike D’Antoni, Houston – 6.7%

Also receiving votes: Brad Stevens, Boston; Terry Stotts, Portland

Last year: Steve Kerr – 58.6%

Which head coach has the best defensive schemes?

1. Tom Thibodeau, Minnesota – 60.0%

2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 33.3%

Also receiving votes: Brad Stevens, Boston; Stan Van Gundy, Detroit

Last year: Gregg Popovich – 31.0%

Which new (or relocated) coach will make the biggest impact this season?

1. Tom Thibodeau, Minnesota – 78.3%

2. Frank Vogel, Orlando – 10.0%

3. Mike D’Antoni, Houston – 8.3%

4. Luke Walton, L.A. Lakers – 3.3%

Last year: Alvin Gentry – 32.1%

Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?

1. Ron Adams, Golden State – 37.9%

2. Stephen Silas, Charlotte – 10.3%

3. James Borrego, San Antonio – 6.9%

    Dan Burke, Indiana – 6.9%

Also receiving votes: J.B. Bickerstaff, Memphis; Larry Drew, Cleveland; Chip Engelland, San Antonio; Darren Erman, New Orleans; Tim Grgurich; Adrian Griffin, Oklahoma City; Ettore Messina, San Antonio; Nick Nurse, Toronto; Brian Shaw, L.A. Lakers; David Vanterpool, Portland; Mike Woodson, L.A. Clippers

Last year: Ron Adams – 24.1%

Which active player will make the best head coach someday?

1. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers – 27.6%

2. Jared Dudley, Phoenix – 10.3%

    Ronnie Price, Oklahoma City – 10.3%

4. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio – 6.9%

    Jason Terry, Milwaukee – 6.9%

Also receiving votes: Steve Blake; Matt Bonner; Avery Bradley, Boston; Stephen Curry, Golden State; Mike Dunleavy, Cleveland; Draymond Green, Golden State; Shaun Livingston, Golden State; T.J. McConnell, Philadelphia; Andre Miller; Mike Miller, Denver; Jameer Nelson, Denver

Last year: Chris Paul – 25.0%

MISCELLANEOUS

Which team is the most fun to watch?

1. Golden State – 93.3%

Also receiving votes: L.A. Clippers, Portland

Last year: Golden State – 93.1%

Which team has the best home-court advantage?

1. Golden State – 58.3%

2. Denver – 16.7%

3. Oklahoma City – 10.0%

4. San Antonio – 6.7%

5. Utah – 5.0%

6. Portland – 3.3%

Last year: Golden State – 65.5%

Which player is the most athletic?

1. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 62.1%

2. LeBron James, Cleveland – 17.2%

3. Zach LaVine, Minnesota – 10.3%

4. Aaron Gordon, Orlando – 6.9%

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 3.4%

Last year: Russell Westbrook – 34.5%

Which player is the best pure shooter?

1. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 60.0%

2. Klay Thompson, Golden State – 26.7%

3. Kyle Korver, Atlanta – 10.0%

4. J.J. Redick, L.A. Clippers – 3.3%

Last year: Stephen Curry – 79.3%

Which player is the fastest with the ball?

1. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 46.7% 

2. John Wall, Washington – 40.0%

3. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 6.7%

Also receiving votes: Kyrie Irving, Cleveland; Ish Smith, Detroit

Last year: John Wall – 53.4%

Which player is best at moving without the ball?

1. Klay Thompson, Golden State – 40.0%

2. Kyle Korver, Atlanta – 30.0%

3. J.J. Redick, L.A. Clippers – 16.7%

4. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 6.7%

Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant, Golden State; Dwyane Wade, Chicago

Last year: Kyle Korver – 69.0%

Which player is the best passer?

1. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers – 62.1%

2. LeBron James, Cleveland – 20.7%

3. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota – 10.3%

Also receiving votes: Rajon Rondo, Chicago; Ben Simmons, Philadelphia

Last year: Chris Paul – 71.4%

What bench player makes the biggest impact when he enters the game?

1. Jamal Crawford, L.A. Clippers – 46.7%

2. Andre Iguodala, Golden State – 40.0%

3. Zach Randolph, Memphis – 6.7%

Also receiving votes: Mike Dunleavy, Cleveland; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio

Last year: Andre Iguodala – 37.9%

Who is the toughest player in the NBA?

1. Tony Allen, Memphis – 23.3%

2. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio – 16.7%

3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 13.3%

4. Steven Adams, Oklahoma City – 10.0%

    Draymond Green, Golden State – 10.0%

6. Matthew Dellavedova, Milwaukee – 6.7%

    LeBron James, Cleveland – 6.7%

Also receiving votes: Patrick Beverley, Houston; Jimmy Butler, Chicago; Kyle Lowry, Toronto; Isaiah Thomas, Boston

Last year: Tony Allen – 20.7%

Which player is the best leader?

1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 57.1%

2. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers – 14.3%

3. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 10.7%

    Draymond Green, Golden State – 10.7%    

Also receiving votes: Tim Duncan; Dwyane Wade, Chicago

Last year: LeBron James – 44.6%

Who is the most versatile player in the NBA?

1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 75.0%

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 10.0%

3. Draymond Green, Golden State – 8.3%

Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant, Golden State; Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio

Last year: N/A

Which player has the best basketball IQ?

1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 65.5%

2. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers –24.1%

3. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 6.9%

4. Kyle Lowry, Toronto – 3.4%

Last year: Chris Paul – 46.4%

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

1. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 75.9%

2. LeBron James, Cleveland – 10.3%

Also receiving votes: Carmelo Anthony, New York; Kevin Durant, Golden State; James Harden, Houston; Kyrie Irving, Cleveland

Last year: Stephen Curry – 51.7%

What rule (regarding play, Draft/Lottery, playoff format, etc.) most needs to change?

1. Change Draft Lottery odds/system – 30.0%

2. Reduce number of timeouts – 20.0%

3. Intentional fouling – 10.0%

4. Adopt FIBA goaltending/basket interference rules – 6.7%

    Change/stretch the schedule – 6.7%

Also receiving votes: Add a fourth official; Advance-the-ball rule; Remove inactive list; Jump-ball/possession arrow; Max contracts; Playoff seeding (1-16); Shot clock to 14 on offensive rebound.

Last year: Change Draft Lottery odds/system – 24.0%