The new NBA season is still a few weeks from rhythm, but executives across the league have already weighed in. In the annual GM survey, team decision-makers were asked the usual preseason questions: who wins it all, who takes home the trophies, and which offseason bets will matter most. The results sketch a clear picture of how the people who build rosters see the year ahead.
Oklahoma City sits at the center of it. A large majority of GMs expect the Thunder to repeat as champions, citing depth, continuity, and a two-way identity that traveled last spring. Cleveland and Denver follow well behind as the next most common picks. It’s a strong consensus, though history reminds us the survey is a barometer, not a guarantee—the GMs have only nailed the eventual champ once in recent years.
On the awards front, Nikola Jokic is the name most executives circled for MVP. The reasoning is familiar: elite efficiency, steady availability, and a system that keeps the ball in his hands late. Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Victor Wembanyama form the next tier of choices, but none drew support close to Jokic’s share.
Rookie debates were brief. Cooper Flagg is the overwhelming favorite for Rookie of the Year, and many voters also said he projects as the best player from this class five years out. That combination—role, production, and long-term ceiling—rarely lines up this neatly.
Executives also singled out Wembanyama for another superlative: if you had to start a franchise today, he’s the pick. The 7-foot-4 defender was also the top answer for best defender, underscoring how quickly he has reset expectations for rim protection.
A few forward-looking questions rounded out the survey. Amen Thompson was the most common choice to break out this season, with voters pointing to his size-speed blend and a bigger role in Houston. As for the market, GMs liked the Hawks’ overall offseason work, while Kevin Durant’s move to Houston was named the single most impactful acquisition.
Not every topic was about players. Several GMs flagged roster-building rules as due for a tune-up, noting the tax-apron limits and pushing for some cap consideration for homegrown, drafted players. That kind of adjustment, they argued, could reward patient development without blowing open competitive balance.
What does it all mean? The survey doesn’t settle anything, but it does reveal the league’s baseline expectations: the Thunder begin from the pole position, Jokic is still the safest MVP bet, and Flagg’s path to early production looks real. Now the games have to prove someone wrong—as they usually do.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is the NBA GM survey, and who participates?
It’s a preseason questionnaire sent to the league’s 30 front offices. General managers (or a designated exec) submit votes on titles, awards, players, and trends.
2) How reliable are the survey’s champion picks?
They reflect expert sentiment, not certainty. In recent seasons, the survey has been right only occasionally, which is why results are best viewed as expectations, not forecasts.
3) Why are the Thunder favored to repeat?
Executives point to young stars on the rise, a deep rotation, and a defense that held up throughout last year’s run. Continuity and coaching stability also matter.
4) Why is Nikola Jokic the MVP favorite again?
He combines top-tier efficiency with high usage, elite playmaking, and consistent availability. Those traits usually translate to strong regular-season value.
5) What makes Cooper Flagg the ROY frontrunner?
A clear role, two-way impact, and a skill set that fits right away. GMs also see long-term upside, which often correlates with early production for top rookies.
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