2009-10 NBA GM Survey

LA9erFan · 2009-10-06T11:51:33-07:00

PredictionsWhich team will win NBA Finals 2009? 1. Los Angeles Lakers 60.7% 2. Boston Celtics 17.9% 2. Cleveland Cavaliers 17.9% 4. San Antonio Spurs 3.6% Last year: Los Angeles Lakers Which team will win the Eastern Conference? 1. Boston Celtics 50.0% 2. Cleveland Cavaliers 42.9% 3. Orlando Magic 7.1% Last year: Boston Celtics Which team will win the Western Conference? 1. Los Angeles Lakers 75.9% 2. San Antonio Spurs 24.1% Last year: Los Angeles Lakers Which team will win the Atlantic Division? 1. Boston Celtics 100% Last year: Boston Celtics Which team will win the Central Division? 1. Cleveland Cavaliers 96.6% 2. Detroit Pistons 3.4% Last year: Detroit Pistons Which team will win the Southeast Division? 1. Orlando Magic 92.6% 2. Washington Wizards 7.4% Last year: Orlando Magic Which team will win the Southwest Division? 1. San Antonio Spurs 89.7% 2. Dallas Mavericks 6.9% 3. New Orleans Hornets 3.4% Last year: New Orleans Which team will win the Northwest Division 1. Portland Trail Blazers 42.9% 2. Denver Nuggets 39.3% 3. Utah Jazz 17.9% Last year: Utah Jazz Which team will win the Pacific Division? 1. Los Angeles Lakers 96.6% 2. Phoenix Suns 3.4% Last year: Los Angeles Lakers Players Who will win the 2009-10 MVP 1. LeBron James, Cleveland 69.0% 2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers 17.2% 3. Dwight Howard, Orlando 6.9% Last year: LeBron James If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be? 1. LeBron James, Cleveland 78.6% 2. Dwight Howard, Orlando 14.3% 3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers 7.1% Last year: LeBron James Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments? 1. LeBron James, Cleveland 39.3% 2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers 23.2% 3. Dwight Howard, Orlando 14.3% 4. Chris Paul, New Orleans 12.5% Also receiving votes:Lamar Odom, L.A. Lakers; Shaquille O'Neal, Cleveland; Dwyane Wade, Miami Last year: Kobe Bryant Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2009-10? 1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City 2. Anthony Randolph, Golden State 3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City 4. Louis Williams, Philadelphia Also receiving votes:LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland; Gilbert Arenas, Washington; Aaron Brooks, Houston; Jonny Flynn, Minnesota; Rudy Gay, Memphis; Greg Oden, Portland; Brandon Roy, Portland; Ramon Sessions, Minnesota; J.R. Smith, Denver; Rodney Stuckey, Detroit; Hakim Warrick, Milwaukee; Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia Last year: Andrew Bynum Who is the best point guard in the NBA? 1. Chris Paul, New Orleans 77.8% 2. Deron Williams, Utah 14.8% 3. Steve Nash, Phoenix 7.4% Last year: Chris Paul Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA? 1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers 89.7% Also receiving votes:Ray Allen, Boston; Brandon Roy, Portland; Dwyane Wade, Miami Last year: Kobe Bryant Who is the best small forward in the NBA? 1. LeBron James, Cleveland 96.6% 2. Carmelo Anthony, Denver 3.4% Last year: LeBron James Who is the best power forward in the NBA? 1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio 58.6% 2. Kevin Garnett, Boston 20.7% 3. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas 10.3% Also receiving votes:Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers; Dwight Howard, Orlando; Amare' Stoudemire, Phoenix Last year: Tim Duncan Who is the best center in the NBA? 1. Dwight Howard, Orlando 82.1% 2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio 17.9% Last year: Dwight Howard Rookies Who will win the Rookie of the Year? 1. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers 79.3% 2. Jonny Flynn, Minnesota 10.3% 3. Tyreke Evans, Sacramento 6.9% 4. Stephen Curry, Golden State 3.4% Last year: Michael Beasley Which rookie will be the best player in five years? 1. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers 65.5% 2. Tyreke Evans, Sacramento 10.3% 2. James Harden, Oklahoma City 10.3% 4. Stephen Curry, Golden State 6.9% Also receiving votes:Jonny Flynn, Minnesota; Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Last year: Greg Oden Which rookie is the most athletic? 1. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers 42.9% 2. DeMar DeRozan, Toronto 32.1% 3. Terrence Williams, New Jersey 10.7% 4. Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee 7.1% Also receiving votes:DeMarre Carroll, Memphis; Jonny Flynn, Minnesota Last year: Derrick Rose Which rookie is most likely to be a "sleeper" success? 1. James Harden, Oklahoma City 11.1% 1. Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee 11.1% 1. Ty Lawson, Denver 11.1% 4. Rodrigue Beaubois, Dallas 7.4% 4. DeJuan Blair, San Antonio 7.4% 4. Austin Daye, Detroit 7.4% 4. Jodie Meeks, Milwaukee 7.4% 4. Terrence Williams, New Jersey 7.4% Also receiving votes:Also receiving votes: Earl Clark, Phoenix; Darren Collison, New Orleans; Stephen Curry, Golden State; Jonny Flynn, Minnesota; Tyler Hansbrough, Indiana; Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia Last year: JJ Hickson International Players Who is the best international player in the NBA? 1. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas 64.3% 2. Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers 10.7% 3. Tim Duncan, San Antonio 7.1% 3. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio 7.1% 3. Steve Nash, Phoenix 7.1% 6. Tony Parker, San Antonio 3.6% Last year: Dirk Nowitzki Which international player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2009-10? 1. Rudy Fernandez, Portland 22.2% 2. Danilo Gallinari, New York 14.8% 3. Andrea Bargnani, Toronto 11.1% 3. Marco Belinelli, Toronto 11.1% Also receiving votes:Also receiving votes: Nicolas Batum, Portland; Rodrigue Beaubois, Dallas; Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee; Jose Calderon, Toronto; Francisco Garcia, Sacramento; Marc Gasol, Memphis; Ersan Ilyasova, Milwaukee; Andrei Kirilenko, Utah; Luis Scola, Houston; Thabo Sefolosha, Oklahoma City; Anderson Varejao, Cleveland Last year: Rudy Fernandez Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA? 1. Ricky Rubio 50.0% 2. Juan Carlos Navarro 15.4% 2. Tiago Splitter 15.4% 4. Dimitrios Diamantidis 11.5% Last year: Ricky RUbio Defense Who is the best defensive player in the NBA? 1. Dwight Howard, Orlando 46.4% 2. Ron Artest, L.A. Lakers 17.9% 2. Kevin Garnett, Boston 17.9% 4. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers 7.1% Also receiving votes:Trevor Ariza, Houston; Shane Battier, Houston; Rajon Rondo, Boston Last year: Kevin Garnett Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA? 1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers 34.5% 2. Shane Battier, Houston 24.1% 3. Ron Artest, L.A. Lakers 20.7% 4. Rajon Rondo, Boston 6.9% Also receiving votes: Trevor Ariza, Houston; Dahntay Jones, Indiana; Luc Mbah a Moute, Milwaukee; John Salmons, Chicago Last year: Bruce Bowen Who is the best interior defender in the NBA? 1. Dwight Howard, Orlando 64.3% 2. Kevin Garnett, Boston 32.1% 3. Yao Ming, Houston 3.6% Last year: Kevin Garnett Who is the best on-the-ball defender in the NBA? 1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers 25.0% 1. Rajon Rondo, Boston 25.0% 3. Ron Artest, L.A. Lakers 17.9% 4. Shane Battier, Houston 10.7% 4. Chris Paul, New Orleans 10.7% 6. Raja Bell, Charlotte 7.1% 7. John Salmons, Chicago 3.6% Last year: Kobe Bryant Which player best defends the passing lanes in the NBA? 1. Chris Paul, New Orleans 25.0% 2. Trevor Ariza, Houston 21.4% 3. Dwyane Wade, Miami 14.3% 4. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers 10.7% 5. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio 7.1% 5. LeBron James, Cleveland 7.1% Also receiving votes:Mario Chalmers, Miami; Allen Iverson, Memphis; Kevin Martin, Sacramento; Rajon Rondo, Boston Last year: Allen Iverson Which is the best defensive team in the NBA? 1. Boston 60.7% 2. San Antonio 32.1% 3. L.A. Lakers 7.1% Last year: N/A Offseason Moves Which team made the best overall moves? 1. San Antonio 71.2% 2. Orlando 17.3% Also receiving votes:Cleveland, Toronto, Washington Last year: Philadelphia 51.9% Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact? 1. Vince Carter, Orlando 25.0% 2. Ron Artest, L.A. Lakers 14.3% 2. Richard Jefferson, San Antonio 14.3% 2. Shaquille O'Neal, Cleveland 14.3% 2. Rasheed Wallace, Boston 14.3% 6. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers 7.1% Also receiving votes:Randy Foye & Mike Miller, Washington; Shawn Marion, Dallas; Emeka Okafor, New Orleans Last year: Elton Brand What was the most underrated player acquisition? 1. Anthony Parker, Cleveland 14.3% 2. Antonio McDyess, San Antonio 10.7% 2. Rasheed Wallace, Boston 10.7% 4. Trevor Ariza, Houston 7.1% 4. Brandon Bass, Orlando 7.1% 4. Shawn Marion, Dallas 7.1% 4. Andre Miller, Portland 7.1% 4. Mike Miller, Washington 7.1% Also receiving votes:Ryan Anderson, Orlando; Vince Carter, Orlando; Jamal Crawford, Atlanta; Marquis Daniels, Boston; Ben Gordon, Detroit; Richard Jefferson, San Antonio; Lamar Odom, L.A. Lakers; Shaquille O'Neal, Cleveland Last year: James Posey Which team will be most improved in 2009-10? 1. Washington 48.3% 2. L.A. Clippers 17.2% 3. Oklahoma City 13.8% 4. Toronto 6.9% Also receiving votes:Boston, Memphis, Minnesota, San Antonio Last year: Miami, Portland What was the most surprising move of the offseason? 1. Ron Artest signing with the Lakers 19.2% 2. Vince Carter traded to Orlando 15.4% 2. Allen Iverson signing with Memphis 15.4% 2. Shaquille O'Neal traded to Cleveland 15.4% 5. Orlando matching Martin Gorcat offer sheet 7.7% 5. Richard Jefferson traded to San Antonio 7.7% 5. Zach Randolph traded to Memphis 7.7% Also receiving votes:Minnesota drafting both Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn; Ramon Sessions signing with Minnesota; Hedo Turkoglu sign-and-trade to Toronto Last year: Elton Brand signing w/Philadelphia Who is the best head coach in the NBA? 1. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers 37.0% 2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio 33.3% 3. Jerry Sloan, Utah 18.5% Also receiving votes:Rick Adelman, Houston; Larry Brown, Charlotte; Stan Van Gundy, Orlando Last year: Gregg Popovich Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people? 1. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers 48.1% 2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio 29.6% 3. Doc Rivers, Boston 14.8% Also receiving votes:Rick Adelman, Houston; Nate McMillan, Portland Last year: Phil Jackson Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments? 1. Larry Brown, Charlotte 34.6% 2. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers 23.1% 2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio 23.1% Also receiving votes:Don Nelson, Golden State; Doc Rivers, Boston; Jerry Sloan, Utah; Erik Spoelstra, Miami; Stan Van Gundy, Orlando Last year: Greg Popovich Which head coach is the best in the last two minutes of a close game? 1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio 37.0% 2. Larry Brown, Charlotte 22.2% 3. Stan Van Gundy, Orlando 11.1% 4. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers 7.4% 4. Scott Skiles, Milwaukee 7.4% 4. Jerry Sloan, Utah 7.4% Also receiving votes:George Karl, Denver; Doc Rivers, Boston Last year: Gregg Popovich Which head coach runs the best offense? 1. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers 26.9% 2. Mike D'Antoni, New York 23.1% 3. Stan Van Gundy, Orlando 15.4% 4. Jerry Sloan, Utah 11.5% 5. Don Nelson, Golden State 7.7% Also receiving votes:Rick Adelman, Houston; Larry Brown, Charlotte; George Karl, Denver; Flip Saunders, Washington Last year: Mike D'Antoni Which head coach has the best defensive schemes? 1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio 59.3% 2. Doc Rivers, Boston 18.5% 3. Larry Brown, Charlotte 7.4% Also receiving votes:Mike Brown, Cleveland; Scott Skiles, Milwaukee; Jerry Sloan, Utah; Stan Van Gundy, Orlando Last year: Gregg Popovich Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA? 1. Tom Thibodeau, Boston 38.0% 2. Phil Johnson, Utah 12.0% 3. Mike Budenholzer, San Antonio 8.0% Also receiving votes:Ron Adams, Oklahoma City; Dwane Casey, Dallas; Maurice Cheeks, Oklahoma City; Tyrone Corbin, Utah; Jim Eyen, Sacramento; Tim Grgurich, Denver; Frank Hamblen, L.A. Lakers; Brian Hill, Detroit; Brian Shaw, L.A. Lakers; Terry Stotts, Dallas; Randy Wittman, Washington Last year: Tom Thibodeau Which active player will make the best head coach someday? 1. Derek Fisher, L.A. Lakers 28.0% 2. Lindsey Hunter, Chicago 20.0% 3. Chauncey Billups, Denver 12.0% 4. Ray Allen, Boston 8.0% 4. Shane Battier, Houston 8.0% Also receiving votes:Grant Hill, Phoenix; Jason Kidd, Dallas; Steve Nash, Phoenix; Kevin Ollie, Oklahoma City; Chris Paul, New Orleans; Dwyane Wade, Miami Last year: Eric Snow Miscellaneous Which team is the most fun to watch? 1. L.A. Lakers 30.8% 2. Orlando 15.4% 3. Denver 11.5% 4. Cleveland 7.7% 4. Golden State 7.7% 4. New York 7.7% Also receiving votes:Atlanta, Phoenix, Portland, Utah, Washington Last year: New Orleans 26.9% Which team has the best home-court advantage? 1. Cleveland 37.9% 2. Utah 31.0% 3. L.A. Lakers 10.3% 3. Portland 10.3% Also receiving votes:Boston, Golden State, San Antonio Last year: Utah Which player is the most athletic? 1. LeBron James, Cleveland 69.6% 2. Dwight Howard, Orlando 10.7% 2. Josh Smith, Atlanta 10.7% Also receiving votes:Rudy Gay, Memphis; Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia; Tyrus Thomas, Chicago Last year: LeBron James Which player is the best pure shooter? 1. Ray Allen, Boston 57.1% 2. Jason Kapono, Philadelphia 17.9% Also receiving votes:Joe Johnson, Atlanta; Kyle Korver, Utah; Rashard Lewis, Orlando; Kevin Martin, Sacramento; Steve Nash, Phoenix; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; J.R. Smith, Denver Last year: Ray Allen Which player is the fastest with the ball? 1. Chris Paul, New Orleans 42.9% 2. Tony Parker, San Antonio 17.9% 3. Aaron Brooks, Houston 14.3% 4. Derrick Rose, Chicago 7.1% Also receiving votes:Leandro Barbosa, Phoenix; Devin Harris, New Jersey; Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee; Steve Nash, Phoenix; Rajon Rondo, Boston Last year: Chris Paul Which player is best at moving without the ball? 1. Richard Hamilton, Detroit 67.9% 2. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio 14.3% 3. Ray Allen, Boston 10.7% 4. Kevin Martin, Sacramento 7.1% Last year: Richard Hamilton Which player is the best at getting his own shot? 1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers 69.0% 2. LeBron James, Cleveland 20.7% 3. Dwyane Wade, Miami 10.3% Last year: Kobe Bryant Which player is the best offensive rebounder? 1. Dwight Howard, Orlando 74.1% Also receiving votes:Samuel Dalembert, Philadelphia; Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers; Udonis Haslem, Miami; Paul Millsap, Utah; Zaza Pachulia, Atlanta; Zach Randolph, Memphis; Amar'e Stoudemire, Phoenix Last year: Tyson Chandler Which player is the best passer? 1. Steve Nash, Phoenix 58.6% 2. Chris Paul, New Orleans 34.5% 3. Jason Kidd, Dallas 6.9% [ Edited by LA9erFan on Oct 6, 2009 at 16:49:39 ]

Oct 6, 2009 at 1:46 PM

IWASATTHECATCH
Hall of Fame
Posts: 22,003

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

1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City
2. Anthony Randolph, Golden State
3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
4. Louis Williams, Philadelphia
Also receiving votes:LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland; Gilbert Arenas, Washington; Aaron Brooks, Houston; Jonny Flynn, Minnesota; Rudy Gay, Memphis; Greg Oden, Portland; Brandon Roy, Portland; Ramon Sessions, Minnesota; J.R. Smith, Denver; Rodney Stuckey, Detroit; Hakim Warrick, Milwaukee; Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia

Love watching these two play. Hate when they carve up the Warriors, but, hey who doesn't?

Oct 6, 2009 at 1:50 PM

LA9erFan
Veteran
Posts: 66,021

Originally posted by IWASATTHECATCH:
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2009-10?

1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City
2. Anthony Randolph, Golden State
3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
4. Louis Williams, Philadelphia
Also receiving votes:LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland; Gilbert Arenas, Washington; Aaron Brooks, Houston; Jonny Flynn, Minnesota; Rudy Gay, Memphis; Greg Oden, Portland; Brandon Roy, Portland; Ramon Sessions, Minnesota; J.R. Smith, Denver; Rodney Stuckey, Detroit; Hakim Warrick, Milwaukee; Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia

Love watching these two play. Hate when they carve up the Warriors, but, hey who doesn't?

Yeah, me too, but if they haven't "broken out" already, I fear for the league. They're both legit Top 10-15 players.

Oct 6, 2009 at 1:52 PM

TheSixthRing
Beer Gut
Posts: 81,239

Looks like 3.4% of the GMs in the league have more faith than I do.

Oct 6, 2009 at 1:52 PM

IWASATTHECATCH
Hall of Fame
Posts: 22,003

Originally posted by LA9erFan:

Yeah, me too, but if they haven't "broken out" already, I fear for the league. They're both legit Top 10-15 players.

Agreed. I did laugh at the category and went

, "Really"?

Oct 6, 2009 at 2:01 PM

nipplehead
Veteran
Posts: 4,963

I agree with most of what they say. I think Pau is a better international player than Dirk; not as flashy, but I'd prefer to have Pau if I was starting a team. After seeing him decimate D12 in the Finals, I think his defense would be key.

Also, I'm surprised they didn't choose Lebron James and Chris Paul to have breakout seasons too.

Oct 6, 2009 at 2:14 PM

LA9erFan
Veteran
Posts: 66,021

Originally posted by AmpLee:
Quote:
Who is the best power forward in the NBA?
1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio 58.6%
2. Kevin Garnett, Boston 20.7%
3. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas 10.3%
Also receiving votes:Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers; Dwight Howard, Orlando; Amare' Stoudemire, Phoenix
Last year: Tim Duncan

Who is the best international player in the NBA?
1. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas 64.3%
2. Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers 10.7%
3. Tim Duncan, San Antonio 7.1%
3. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio 7.1%
3. Steve Nash, Phoenix 7.1%
6. Tony Parker, San Antonio 3.6%
Last year: Dirk Nowitzki

LOL. I'd guess that only a couple of GMs consider Duncan to be an international player since he grew up in the Virgin Islands and went to college at Wake Forest.

Oct 6, 2009 at 2:31 PM

crzy
Hall of Fame
Posts: 40,285

Originally posted by TheSixthRing:
Looks like 3.4% of the GMs in the league have more faith than I do.

I think that 3.4% was only Steve Kerr.

Oct 6, 2009 at 2:58 PM

jrg
Veteran
Posts: 166,549

Magic not listed as a top defensive team.

Oct 6, 2009 at 3:09 PM

AllForTheNiners
Veteran
Posts: 885

For those of you wondering, 1/30 is 3.33%. So those few teams with 3.4 who think they can win *cough* Detroit, Phoenix *cough*... meet Steve Kerr and Joe Dumars

Oct 6, 2009 at 3:12 PM

#10

crzy
Hall of Fame
Posts: 40,285

Originally posted by AllForTheNiners:
For those of you wondering, 1/30 is 3.33%. So those few teams with 3.4 who think they can win *cough* Detroit, Phoenix *cough*... meet Steve Kerr and Joe Dumars

Yup and the GM of the Warriors is the only one who thought Stephen Curry will win Rookie of the Year lol

Oct 6, 2009 at 3:45 PM

#11

LA9erFan
Veteran
Posts: 66,021

FYI...one of the caveats this year was that you couldn't vote for your own team/players...although I can't explain Boston getting 100% of the votes for their division.

Oct 6, 2009 at 5:13 PM

#12

YourHuckleberry
Member
Posts: 5,107

The Cleveland LeBron's are going all the way.

Oct 6, 2009 at 7:31 PM

#13

kray28
Veteran
Posts: 12,903

Originally posted by TheSixthRing:
Looks like 3.4% of the GMs in the league have more faith than I do.

That's Steve Kerr there acting all delusional.

EDIT: Beaten, because it was that obvious.

[ Edited by kray28 on Oct 6, 2009 at 19:32:01 ]

Oct 6, 2009 at 9:34 PM

#14

JustinMT
Veteran
Posts: 45,668

Why are the teams that will win the division polls from last year not this year? Utah didn't win the NW last year and Detroit didn't win the Central.