Oct 20, 2015

We are exactly 1 week away from the start of the 2015-16 NBA Season. With that comes the annual GM survey. The only rule is that a GM can not vote for a player on their team.@NBAsxn
http://www.nba.com/news/features/john_schuhmann/nba-com-2015-16-gm-survey/

> Which team will win the 2016 NBA Finals?
1. Cleveland -- 53.6%
2. San Antonio -- 25.0%
3. Golden State -- 17.9%
4. Oklahoma City -- 3.6%
Last year: San Antonio -- 46.2%

> Who will win the 2015-16 MVP?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 39.3%
2. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 25.0%
3. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 10.7%
James Harden, Houston -- 10.7%
5. Stephen Curry, Golden State -- 7.1%
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City -- 7.1%
Last year: LeBron James -- 67.9%

> If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 86.2%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 6.9%
LeBron James, Cleveland -- 6.9%
Last year: LeBron James -- 50.0%

> Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 62.1%
2. Stephen Curry, Golden State -- 20.7%
3. James Harden, Houston -- 6.9%
Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 6.9%
5. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento -- 3.4%
Last year: LeBron James -- 76.9%

> Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2015-16?
1. Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota -- 17.2%
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee -- 13.8%
3. Bradley Beal, Washington -- 10.3%
Jabari Parker, Milwaukee -- 10.3%
5. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Harrison Barnes, Golden State; Mike Conley, Memphis;Andre Drummond, Detroit; Danilo Gallinari, Denver; Rudy Gobert, Utah; Tobias Harris, Orlando; Reggie Jackson, Detroit; Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio; C.J. McCollum, Portland; Shabazz Muhammed, Minnesota; Victor Oladipo, Orlando;Otto Porter, Washington; Marcus Smart, Boston
Last year: Anthony Davis -- 29.6%

> Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State -- 55.2%
2. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 24.1%
3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City -- 17.2%
4. Mike Conley, Memphis -- 3.4%
Last year: Chris Paul -- 71.4%

> Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
1. James Harden, Houston -- 79.3%
2. Klay Thompson, Golden State -- 10.3%
Also receiving votes: Jimmy Butler, Chicago; Stephen Curry, Golden State; Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City
Last year: James Harden -- 63.0%

> Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 89.3%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 8.9%
3. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio -- 1.8%
Last year: LeBron James -- 75.0%

> Who is the best power forward in the NBA?
1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 82.1%
2. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers -- 7.1%
LeBron James, Cleveland -- 7.1%
4. LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio -- 3.6%
Last year: LaMarcus Aldridge & Blake Griffin -- 25.0%

> Who is the best center in the NBA?
1. Marc Gasol, Memphis -- 65.5%
2. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento -- 13.8%
3. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 6.9%
Tim Duncan, San Antonio -- 6.9%
DeAndre Jordan, L.A. Clippers -- 6.9%
Last year: Dwight Howard -- 42.9%

> Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?
1. San Antonio -- 79.3%
2. Houston -- 6.9%
L.A. Clippers -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: L.A. Lakers, Portland
Last year: Cleveland -- 89.3%

> Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?
1. LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio -- 79.3%
2. Ty Lawson, Houston -- 10.3%
3. Greg Monroe, Milwaukee -- 6.9%
4. DeAndre Jordan, L.A. Clippers -- 3.4%
Last year: LeBron James -- 96.3%

> What was the most underrated player acquisition?
1. Ty Lawson, Houston -- 10.3%
Paul Pierce, L.A. Clippers -- 10.3%
David West, San Antonio -- 10.3%
4. Amir Johnson, Boston -- 6.9%
David Lee, Boston -- 6.9%
Greg Monroe, Milwaukee -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Al-Farouq Aminu, Portland; Nicolas Batum, Charlotte;Marco Belinelli, Sacramento; DeMarre Carroll, Toronto; Tyson Chandler, Phoenix; Roy Hibbert, L.A. Lakers; Reggie Jackson, Detroit; Brandon Knight, Phoenix; Robin Lopez, New York; Tiago Splitter, Atlanta; Amar'e Stoudemire, Miami; Jason Thompson, Golden State; Marcus Thornton, Houston; Brandan Wright, Memphis
Last year: Tyson Chandler -- 17.9%

> Which team will be most improved in 2015-16?
1. Oklahoma City -- 25.0%
2. Milwaukee -- 17.9%
3. New Orleans -- 14.3%
4. Miami -- 10.7%
5. Indiana -- 7.1%
Also receiving votes: Boston, Denver, L.A. Lakers, Minnesota, New York, Orlando, Utah
Last year: Cleveland -- 75.0%

> What was the most surprising move of the offseason?
1. DeAndre Jordan back to Clippers -- 24.1%
2. Greg Monroe to Milwaukee -- 20.7%
3. David West to San Antonio -- 17.2%
4. LaMarcus Aldridge to San Antonio -- 6.9%
Tyson Chandler to Phoenix -- 6.9%
Ty Lawson to Houston -- 6.9%
Wesley Matthews to Dallas -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: DeMarre Carroll to Toronto; Paul Pierce to the Clippers; Tom Thibodeau fired
Last year: LeBron James to Cleveland -- 42.9%

> Who will win the 2015-16 Rookie of the Year?
1. Jahlil Okafor, Philadelphia -- 44.8%
2. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota -- 34.5%
3. Emmanuel Mudiay, Denver -- 13.8%
Also receiving votes: D'Angelo Russell, L.A. Lakers; Myles Turner, Indiana
Last year: Jabari Parker -- 75.0%

> Which rookie will be the best player in five years?
1. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota -- 62.1%
2. Emmanuel Mudiay, Denver -- 10.3%
Jahlil Okafor, Philadelphia -- 10.3%
D'Angelo Russell, L.A. Lakers -- 10.3%
Also receiving votes: Kristaps Porzingis, New York; Myles Turner, Indiana
Last year: Jabari Parker -- 35.7%

> Which rookie was the biggest steal at where he was selected in the Draft?
1. Justise Winslow (10), Miami -- 31.0%
2. Bobby Portis (22), Chicago -- 24.1%
3. Emmanuel Mudiay (7), Denver -- 20.7%
4. Myles Turner (11), Indiana -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Devin Booker (13), Phoenix; Stanley Johnson (8), Detroit; Kevon Looney (30), Golden State; Jahlil Okafor (3), Philadelphia;Norman Powell (46), Toronto
Last year: Rodney Hood -- 17.9%

> Who is the best international player in the NBA?
1. Marc Gasol, Memphis -- 62.1%
2. Pau Gasol, Chicago -- 17.2%
3. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas -- 10.3%
4. Tony Parker, San Antonio -- 6.9%
5. Goran Dragic, Miami -- 3.4%
Last year: Dirk Nowitzki -- 53.6%

> Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA?
1. Dario Saric -- 28.6%
2. Milos Teodosic -- 21.4%
3. Sergio Llull -- 14.3%
4. Dragan Bender -- 10.7%
Rudy Fernandez -- 10.7%
Also receiving votes: Zoran Dragic, Sergio Rodriguez, Ben Simmons, Jan Vesely
Last year: Rudy Fernandez & Dario Saric -- 32.0%

> What country is most likely to challenge the U.S. for an Olympic or World Cup gold medal in the next 10 years?
1. Spain -- 34.5%
2. Canada -- 32.8%
3. France -- 19.0%
4. Croatia -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Lithuania, Serbia
Last year: N/A

> Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
1. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio -- 27.6%
2. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 17.2%
3. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 13.8%
4. Tony Allen, Memphis -- 10.3%
5. Draymond Green, Golden State -- 6.9%
DeAndre Jordan, L.A. Clippers -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Marc Gasol, Memphis; Rudy Gobert, Utah; Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City; Andre Iguodala, Golden State
Last year: Joakim Noah -- 35.7%

> Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
1. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio -- 44.8%
2. Tony Allen, Memphis -- 17.2%
3. Jimmy Butler, Chicago -- 10.3%
LeBron James, Cleveland -- 10.3%
Also receiving votes: DeMarre Carroll, Toronto; Andre Iguodala, Golden State; Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers; Klay Thompson, Golden State; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
Last year: LeBron James -- 25.0 %

> Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?
1. Marc Gasol, Memphis -- 27.6%
2. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 17.2%
DeAndre Jordan, L.A. Clippers -- 17.2%
4. Rudy Gobert, Utah -- 10.3%
5. Dwight Howard, Houston -- 6.9%
Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Roy Hibbert, L.A. Lakers;Timofey Mozgov, Cleveland; Joakim Noah, Chicago
Last year: Joakim Noah -- 39.3%

> Which is the best defensive team in the NBA?
1. Golden State -- 58.6%
2. Memphis -- 34.5%
Also receiving votes: Chicago, Cleveland
Last year: Chicago -- 85.7%

> Who is the best head coach in the NBA?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 93.1%
Also receiving votes: Mike Budenholzer, Atlanta; Steve Kerr, Golden State
Last year: Gregg Popovich -- 92.9%

> Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 48.3%
2. Doc Rivers, L.A. Clippers -- 31.0%
3. Steve Kerr, Golden State -- 13.8%
Also receiving votes: Brett Brown, Philadelphia; Erik Spoelstra, Miami
Last year: Gregg Popovich -- 57.1%

> Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 37.9%
2. Rick Carlisle, Dallas -- 31.0%
3. Steve Kerr, Golden State -- 10.3%
4. Jason Kidd, Milwaukee -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Steve Clifford, Charlotte; Erik Spoelstra, Miami; Brad Stevens, Boston; Stan Van Gundy, Detroit
Last year: Gregg Popovich --46.4%

> Which head coach runs the best offense?
1. Steve Kerr, Golden State -- 58.6%
2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 27.6%
3. Mike Budenholzer, Atlanta -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Rick Carlisle, Dallas; Brad Stevens, Boston
Last year: Gregg Popovich -- 77.8%

> Which head coach has the best defensive schemes?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 31.0%
2. Dave Joerger, Memphis -- 27.6%
3. Steve Kerr, Golden State -- 13.8%
4. Steve Clifford, Charlotte -- 6.9%
Jason Kidd, Milwaukee -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Brad Stevens, Boston; Tom Thibodeau; Stan Van Gundy, Detroit; Frank Vogel, Indiana
Last year: Tom Thibodeau -- 92.9%

> Which new (or relocated) coach will make the biggest impact this season?
1. Alvin Gentry, New Orleans -- 32.1%
2. Billy Donovan, Oklahoma City -- 28.6%
3. Fred Hoiberg, Chicago -- 17.9%
4. Scott Skiles, Orlando -- 10.7%
5. George Karl, Sacramento -- 7.1%
6. Mike Malone, Denver -- 3.6%
Last year: N/A

> Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?
1. Ron Adams, Golden State -- 24.1%
2. Tyronn Lue, Cleveland -- 20.4%
3. Ettore Messina, San Antonio -- 11.1%
Also receiving votes: J.B. Bickerstaff, Houston; Jim Boylen, Chicago; Dan Burke, Indiana; Lawrence Frank, L.A. Clippers; Tim Grgurich; Adrian Griffin, Orlando; Melvin Hunt, Dallas; Nate McMillan, Indiana; Micah Nori, Denver; Nick Nurse, Toronto; Monty Williams, Oklahoma City; Mike Woodson, L.A. Clippers
Last year: Alvin Gentry -- 17.9%

> Which active player will make the best head coach someday?
1. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 25.0%
2. Mike Conley, Memphis -- 14.3%
3. Steve Blake, Detroit -- 12.5%
4. Andre Miller, Minnesota -- 7.1%
5. Jarrett Jack, Brooklyn -- 5.4%
Also receiving votes: Caron Butler, Sacramento; Jared Dudley, Washington; Willie Green; Kirk Hinrich, Chicago; Jameer Nelson, Denver; Pablo Prigioni, L.A. Clippers; J.J. Redick, L.A. Clippers; Luis Scola, Toronto; Garrett Temple, Washington; David West, San Antonio
Last year: Chris Paul -- 24.0%

> Which team is the most fun to watch?
1. Golden State -- 93.1%
Also receiving votes: Cleveland, Oklahoma City
Last year: Golden State -- 57.1%

> Which team has the best home-court advantage?
1. Golden State -- 65.5%
2. Oklahoma City -- 17.2%
3. Utah -- 10.3%
Also receiving votes: Cleveland, Denver
Last year: Oklahoma City -- 42.9%

> Which player is the most athletic?
1. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City -- 34.5%
2. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 20.7%
3. Zach LaVine, Minnesota -- 17.2%
4. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 10.3%
Also receiving votes: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee; Andre Drummond, Detroit; Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers; DeAndre Jordan, L.A. Clippers; Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota
Last year: LeBron James -- 50.0%

> Which player is the best pure shooter?
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State -- 79.3%
2. Kyle Korver, Atlanta -- 10.3%
3. Klay Thompson, Golden State -- 6.9%
4. Anthony Morrow, Oklahoma City -- 3.4%
Last year: Stephen Curry -- 60.7%

> Which player is the fastest with the ball?
1. John Wall, Washington -- 53.4%
2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City -- 32.8%
Also receiving votes: Ty Lawson, Houston; Ish Smith, Washington; Jeff Teague, Atlanta; Isaiah Thomas, Boston
Last year: John Wall & Russell Westbrook -- 40.7%

> Which player is best at moving without the ball?
1. Kyle Korver, Atlanta -- 69.0%
2. Klay Thompson, Golden State -- 13.8%
3. J.J. Redick, L.A. Clippers -- 10.3%
Also receiving votes: Marco Belinelli, Sacramento; Jimmy Butler, Chicago
Last year: Kyle Korver -- 53.6%

> Which player is the best passer?
1. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 71.4%
2. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 10.7%
3. Stephen Curry, Golden State -- 7.1%
Rajon Rondo, Sacramento -- 7.1%
5. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota -- 3.6%
Last year: Chris Paul -- 64.3%

> What bench player makes the biggest impact when he enters the game?
1. Andre Iguodala, Golden State -- 37.9%
2. Isaiah Thomas, Boston -- 17.2%
3. Jamal Crawford, L.A. Clippers -- 10.3%
4. Tony Allen, Memphis -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Marco Belinelli, Sacramento; Corey Brewer, Houston;Taj Gibson, Chicago; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Draymond Green, Golden State; Nikola Mirotic, Chicago; Tristan Thompson; Lou Williams, L.A. Lakers
Last year: N/A

> Who is the toughest player in the NBA?
1. Tony Allen, Memphis -- 20.7%
2. Draymond Green, Golden State -- 17.2%
3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 6.9%
Jimmy Butler, Chicago -- 6.9%
Zach Randolph, Memphis -- 6.9%
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Andrew Bogut, Golden State; Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; LeBron James, Cleveland; Robin Lopez, New York; Wesley Matthews, Dallas; Joakim Noah, Chicago; Zaza Pachulia, Dallas; Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers; David West, San Antonio
Last year: Tony Allen -- 25.9%

> Which player is the best leader?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 44.6%
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio -- 30.4%
3. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 17.9%
Also receiving votes: Kevin Garnett, Minnesota; Paul Pierce, L.A. Clippers
Last year: Tim Duncan -- 35.7%

> Who is the league's best role player?
1. Andre Iguodala, Golden State -- 20.7%
2. Draymond Green, Golden State -- 17.2%
3. Kyle Korver, Atlanta -- 13.8%
4. Danny Green, San Antonio -- 10.3%
Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio -- 10.3%
6. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee; Marco Belinelli, Sacramento; Jamal Crawford, L.A. Clippers; Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City; Isaiah Thomas, Boston; Lou Williams, L.A. Lakers
Last year: Boris Diaw & Kenneth Faried -- 11.1%

> Which player has the best basketball IQ?
1. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 46.4%
2. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 35.7%
3. Stephen Curry, Golden State -- 10.7%
4. Tim Duncan, San Antonio -- 7.1%
Last year: Chris Paul -- 28.6%

> Which player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State -- 51.7%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 31.0%
3. James Harden, Houston -- 10.3%
4. Carmelo Anthony, New York -- 6.9%
Last year: Kevin Durant -- 76.9%

> What rule (regarding play, Draft/Lottery, playoff format, etc.) most needs to change?
1. Change Lottery odds/system -- 24.0%
2. Add rights to D-League players (longer Draft) -- 16.0%
Playoff format (Seed 1-16) -- 16.0%
4. Reduce length/number of timeouts -- 12.0%
5. Adopt FIBA goaltending/basket interference rules -- 8.0%
Also receiving votes: Adjust salary cap exceptions for teams in states with no income tax; Advance-the-ball rule; Remove coach's mic; Remove cameramen from the baseline; Adjust schedule to remove division weighting; Widen court.
Last year: N/A