The San Antonio Spurs are both the team of the future and the team of the present.
In the 25th annual NBA GM Survey, the Spurs are the most popular pick to win the championship and the top pick (by a wider margin) for best young core. Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper are just 22, 21 and 20 years old, respectively, and they’re capable of winning a title right now.
Wembanyama received the most votes for MVP and the player GMs would most like to start a franchise with, and he set records for both categories with the highest percentage of votes in GM Survey history. Overall, Wembanyama earned the top spot for eight different questions.
The GMs responded to 48 questions about the best teams, players, coaches and offseason moves. General managers were not permitted to vote for their own team or personnel.
> Predictions
Which team will win the 2027 NBA Finals?
1. San Antonio Spurs – 50%
2. Oklahoma City Thunder – 43%
» Also receiving votes: New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers
» Last year: Oklahoma City Thunder – 80%
Eastern Conference rankings
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | %Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Knicks | 60% | 27% | 3% | 32% | |
| 2. | 76ers | 23% | 17% | 20% | 10% | 19% |
| 3. | Cavaliers | 7% | 17% | 33% | 10% | 15% |
| 4. | Celtics | 7% | 20% | 17% | 27% | 15% |
| 5. | Pistons | 3% | 20% | 13% | 17% | 12% |
| 6. | Raptors | 3% | 20% | 3% | ||
| 7. | Pacers | 10% | 2% | |||
| Heat | 3% | 13% | 2% |
%Total = Percentage of total points (4 for 1st place vote, 3 for 2nd, 2 for 3rd, 1 for 4th)
» Last year: 63% picked Cleveland to win the East. Order after the Cavs was New York, Orlando, Atlanta, Detroit, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Boston.
Western Conference rankings
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | %Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Spurs | 53% | 43% | 34% | ||
| 2. | Thunder | 47% | 50% | 34% | ||
| 3. | Timberwolves | 53% | 13% | 12% | ||
| 4. | Nuggets | 7% | 17% | 50% | 10% | |
| 5. | Rockets | 30% | 23% | 8% | ||
| 6. | Lakers | 10% | 1% | |||
| 7. | Trail Blazers | 3% | 0% |
%Total = Percentage of total points (4 for 1st place vote, 3 for 2nd, 2 for 3rd, 1 for 4th)
» Last year: 87% picked Oklahoma City to win the West. Order after the Thunder was Denver, Houston, Minnesota, Golden State, LA Clippers, L.A. Lakers, Dallas and San Antonio.
> Players
Who will win the 2026-27 Kia MVP?
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 77%
2. Nikola Jokić, Denver – 10%
3. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City; Jayson Tatum, Boston
» Last year: Nikola Jokić – 67%
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 93%
» Also receiving votes: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City; Cooper Flagg, Dallas
» Last year: Victor Wembanyama – 83%
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 47%
2. Nikola Jokić, Denver – 33%
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City – 10%
4. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 7%
5. Luka Dončić, L.A. Lakers – 3%
» Last year: Nikola Jokić – 57%
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2026-27?
1. Dylan Harper, San Antonio – 27%
T-2. Cooper Flagg, Dallas – 7%
T-2. Collin Murray-Boyles, Toronto – 7%
T-2. Amen Thompson, Houston – 7%
T-2. Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Scottie Barnes, Toronto; Matas Buzelis, Chicago; Stephon Castle, San Antonio; Cedric Coward, Memphis; Tyler Herro, Milwaukee; Walker Kessler, L.A. Lakers; Kon Knueppel, Charlotte; Jonathan Kuminga, Minnesota; Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia; Brandon Miller, Charlotte; Ajay Mitchell, Oklahoma City; Ja Morant, Portland; Payton Pritchard, Boston; Alex Sarr, Washington
» Last year: Amen Thompson – 30%
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City – 67%
2. Jalen Brunson, New York – 20%
3. Luka Dončić, L.A. Lakers – 10%
4. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 3%
» Last year: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 73%
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
1. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota – 73%
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City – 13%
3. Luka Dončić, L.A. Lakers – 10%
4. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland – 3%
» Last year: Anthony Edwards – 70%
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
1. Luka Dončić, L.A. Lakers – 37%
2. Jayson Tatum, Boston – 33%
3. Kawhi Leonard, Toronto – 17%
» Also receiving votes: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami; Scottie Barnes, Toronto; Jaylen Brown, Philadelphia; Kevin Durant, Houston
» Last year: Luka Dončić – 40%
Who is the best power forward in the NBA?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami – 70%
2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 23%
» Also receiving votes: Anthony Davis, Washington; Jayson Tatum, Boston
» Last year: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 93%
Who is the best center in the NBA?
1. Nikola Jokić, Denver – 63%
2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 37%
» Last year: Nikola Jokić – 97%
Highest percentage of total votes on position questions
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City – 16%
T-2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami – 15%
T-2. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota – 15%
4. Nikola Jokić, Denver – 13%
5. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 12%
» Last year: Nikola Jokić – 19%
> Offseason Moves
Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?
1. Philadelphia 76ers – 73%
2. Miami Heat – 10%
3. Charlotte Hornets – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors
» Last year: Atlanta Hawks – 53%
Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami – 53%
2. Jaylen Brown, Philadelphia – 20%
T-3. LeBron James, Philadelphia – 13%
T-3. Kawhi Leonard, Toronto – 13%
» Last year: Kevin Durant – 73%
What was the most underrated player acquisition?
1. Tobias Harris, San Antonio – 20%
2. Mitchell Robinson, Boston – 17%
3. Naz Reid, Charlotte – 10%
T-4. LaMelo Ball, Minnesota – 7%
T-4. Lu Dort, Atlanta – 7%
T-4. Jonathan Kuminga, Minnesota – 7%
T-4. Peyton Watson, Cleveland – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Isaiah Joe, Detroit; Kawhi Leonard, Toronto; Sandro Mamukelashvili, L.A. Lakers; Kelly Oubre Jr., Indiana; Zaccharie Risacher, Dallas; Anfernee Simons, Philadelphia; Dean Wade, Philadelphia; Aaron Wiggins, Atlanta
» Last year: Desmond Bane – 17%
Which team will be most improved in 2026-27?
1. Indiana Pacers – 43%
2. Washington Wizards – 23%
3. Utah Jazz – 13%
4. Toronto Raptors – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat
» Last year: Orlando Magic – 47%
> Rookies & International
Who will win the 2026-27 Rookie of the Year?
1. Cameron Boozer, Memphis – 50%
2. Caleb Wilson, Chicago – 20%
3. AJ Dybantsa, Washington – 17%
4. Darryn Peterson, Utah – 13%
» Last year: Cooper Flagg – 97%
Which rookie will be the best player in five years?
T-1. AJ Dybantsa, Washington – 33%
T-1. Caleb Wilson, Chicago – 33%
3. Cameron Boozer, Memphis – 23%
4. Darryn Peterson, Utah – 10%
» Last year: Cooper Flagg – 93%
» Five years ago: Evan Mobley – 33%
Which rookie was the biggest steal at where he was selected in the Draft?
1. Brayden Burries (10), Milwaukee – 30%
T-2. Allen Graves (19), Toronto – 10%
T-2. Labaron Philon (22), Philadelphia – 10%
T-2. Meleek Thomas (34), Cleveland – 10%
T-5. Cameron Boozer (3), Memphis – 7%
T-5. Cameron Carr (24), L.A. Lakers – 7%
T-5. Chris Cenac (27), Boston – 7%
T-5. Yaxel Lendeborg (11), Golden State – 7%
T-5. Caleb Wilson (4), Chicago – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Nate Ament (13), Milwaukee; Mikel Brown Jr. (6), Brooklyn
» Last year: Kasparas Jakučionis – 17%
Who is the best international player in the NBA?
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 53%
2. Nikola Jokić, Denver – 47%
» Last year: Nikola Jokić – 93%
Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA?
1. Sasha Vezenkov – 77%
2. Jonas Valančiūnas – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje, Nikola Mirotić, Jean Montero, Kendrick Nunn, Edy Tavares
» Last year: Sasha Vezenkov – 44%
> Defense
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 97%
2. Ausar Thompson, Detroit – 3%
» Last year: Victor Wembanyama – 80%
Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
1. Amen Thompson, Houston – 30%
T-2. Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City – 17%
T-2. Ausar Thompson, Detroit – 17%
4. Dyson Daniels, Atlanta – 10%
T-5. Stephon Castle, San Antonio – 7%
T-5. Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta; OG Anunoby, New York; Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City; Derrick White, Boston
» Last year: Dyson Daniels – 31%
Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 97%
2. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota – 3%
» Last year: Victor Wembanyama – 80%
Who is the most versatile defender in the NBA?
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 30%
2. Amen Thompson, Houston – 17%
3. Scottie Barnes, Toronto – 13%
T-4. Bam Adebayo, Miami – 10%
T-4. OG Anunoby, New York – 10%
6. Ausar Thompson, Detroit – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami; Toumani Camara, Portland; Draymond Green, Golden State; Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City
» Last year: Amen Thompson – 18%
Which is the best defensive team in the NBA?
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – 77%
2. San Antonio Spurs – 20%
3. Toronto Raptors – 3%
» Last year: Oklahoma City Thunder – 83%
> Coaches
Who is the best head coach in the NBA?
1. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 43%
2. Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City – 37%
3. Mike Brown, New York – 10%
» Also receiving votes: Rick Carlisle, Indiana; Chris Finch, Minnesota; Steve Kerr, Golden State
» Last year: Erik Spoelstra – 52%
Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people?
T-1. Steve Kerr, Golden State – 23%
T-1. Joe Mazzulla, Boston – 23%
T-1. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 23%
4. Mike Brown, New York – 10%
5. J.B. Bickerstaff, Detroit – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Rick Carlisle, Indiana; Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City; Mitch Johnson, San Antonio; Tyronn Lue, LA Clippers
» Last year: Erik Spoelstra – 28%
Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?
1. Rick Carlisle, Indiana – 30%
2. Tyronn Lue, LA Clippers – 23%
3. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 20%
4. Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City – 10%
5. Joe Mazzulla, Boston – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Mike Brown, New York; Chris Finch, Minnesota; Nick Nurse, Philadelphia
» Last year: Tyronn Lue – 40%
Which head coach runs the best offense?
1. Rick Carlisle, Indiana – 47%
T-2. Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City – 10%
T-2. Steve Kerr, Golden State – 10%
4. Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland – 7%
» Also receiving votes: David Adelman, Denver; Mike Brown, New York; Will Hardy, Utah; Joe Mazzulla, Boston; Jordan Ott, Phoenix; JJ Redick, L.A. Lakers; Quin Snyder, Atlanta; Erik Spoelstra, Miami
» Last year: Rick Carlisle – 53%
Which head coach has the best defensive schemes?
1. Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City – 67%
T-2. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 10%
T-2. Ime Udoka, Houston – 10%
» Also receiving votes: J.B. Bickerstaff, Detroit; Mitch Johnson, San Antonio; Joe Mazzulla, Boston; Jordan Ott, Phoenix
» Last year: Mark Daigneault – 37%
Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?
1. Jeff Van Gundy, LA Clippers – 17%
2. Billy Donovan, San Antonio – 13%
T-3. Royal Ivey, Houston – 10%
T-3. Chris Quinn, Miami – 10%
T-5. Dave Bliss, Oklahoma City – 7%
T-5. Sam Cassell, Boston – 7%
T-5. Frank Vogel, Golden State – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Johnnie Bryant, Cleveland; Darren Erman, New York; Trevor Hendry, Cleveland; Juwan Howard, Brooklyn; Chris Jent, New York; Scott King, San Antonio; Josh Longstaff, Charlotte; Lloyd Pierce, Indiana; Corliss Williamson, San Antonio
» Last year: Micah Nori – 25%
Which active player will make the best head coach someday?
1. Mike Conley, Boston – 50%
2. T.J. McConnell, Indiana – 13%
3. Jalen Brunson, New York – 10%
4. Draymond Green, Golden State – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Jrue Holiday, Portland; Tyus Jones, Denver; CJ McCollum, Atlanta; Andrew Nembhard, Indiana; Fred VanVleet, Houston; Derrick White, Boston
» Last year: Chris Paul – 27%
> Miscellaneous
Which team is the most fun to watch?
T-1. Minnesota Timberwolves – 30%
T-1. San Antonio Spurs – 30%
T-3. Denver Nuggets – 10%
T-3. Philadelphia 76ers – 10%
» Also receiving votes: Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder
» Last year: Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder – 27%
Which team has the best home-court advantage?
T-1. Denver Nuggets – 37%
T-1. Oklahoma City Thunder – 37%
3. New York Knicks – 20%
» Also receiving votes: Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs
» Last year: Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder – 43%
Which team will have the league’s most efficient offense this season?
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – 27%
2. Denver Nuggets – 20%
3. New York Knicks – 17%
4. Boston Celtics – 13%
5. Philadelphia 76ers – 10%
6. Los Angeles Lakers – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves
» Last year: Cleveland Cavaliers – 40%
Which team’s level of success this season is toughest to predict?
1. Philadelphia 76ers – 27%
2. Minnesota Timberwolves – 17%
T-3. Los Angeles Lakers – 13%
T-3. Utah Jazz – 13%
T-5. Golden State Warriors – 7%
T-5. Indiana Pacers – 7%
T-5. Portland Trail Blazers – 7%
» Also receiving votes: LA Clippers, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors
» Last year: Philadelphia 76ers – 47%
Which team has the most promising young core?
1. San Antonio Spurs – 87%
2. Washington Wizards – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder
» Last year: Oklahoma City Thunder – 50%
Which player is the most athletic?
1. Amen Thompson, Houston – 63%
2. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota – 20%
3. Ausar Thompson, Detroit – 10%
» Also receiving votes: VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia; Dylan Harper, San Antonio
» Last year: Amen Thompson – 58%
Which player is the best pure shooter?
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 97%
2. Kon Knueppel, Charlotte – 3%
» Last year: Stephen Curry – 93%
Which player is the fastest with the ball?
1. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia – 53%
2. De’Aaron Fox, San Antonio – 17%
3. Ja Morant, Portland – 13%
T-4. Jeremiah Fears, New Orleans – 7%
T-4. Amen Thompson, Houston – 7%
6. VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia – 3%
» Last year: De’Aaron Fox – 53%
Which player is the best at moving without the ball?
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 80%
2. Duncan Robinson, Detroit – 10%
3. Kon Knueppel, Charlotte – 7%
4. Lauri Markkanen, Utah – 3%
» Last year: Stephen Curry – 90%
Which player is the best passer?
1. Nikola Jokić, Denver – 87%
2. Luka Dončić, L.A. Lakers – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana; LeBron James, Philadelphia
» Last year: Nikola Jokić – 80%
Which player is the best leader?
1. Jalen Brunson, New York – 53%
2. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 20%
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Cade Cunningham, Detroit; LeBron James, Philadelphia; Nikola Jokić, Denver; Damian Lillard, Portland; Jayson Tatum, Boston; Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio
» Last year: Stephen Curry – 43%
Who is the most versatile player in the NBA?
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 57%
2. Scottie Barnes, Toronto – 17%
3. Nikola Jokić, Denver – 10%
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami – 7%
» Also receiving votes: OG Anunoby, New York; Cooper Flagg, Dallas; LeBron James, Philadelphia
» Last year: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama – 30%
Which player has the best basketball IQ?
1. Nikola Jokić, Denver – 67%
2. LeBron James, Philadelphia – 33%
» Last year: Nikola Jokić – 80%
Which player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 50%
2. Jalen Brunson, New York – 17%
T-3. Luka Dončić, L.A. Lakers – 10%
T-3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City – 10%
5. Kevin Durant, Houston – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Nikola Jokić, Denver; Damian Lillard, Portland
» Last year: Stephen Curry – 47%
* * *
John Schuhmann has covered the NBA for more than 20 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Bluesky.
