It’s not just you — or the team at NBC Sports making predictions in the MVP and championship race — who think this is the San Antonio Spurs’ year, a lot of NBA general managers do too.
NBA.com and John Schuhmann released their annual GM poll on Thursday and San Antonio — as well as Victor Wembanyama — got a lot of love. There are other interesting findings as well. Among the events.
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Who will win the NBA championship?
• San Antonio Spurs 50%
• Oklahoma City Thunder 43%
Knicks and 76ers each as one vote each.
Who will be named the 2026-27 MVP?
• Victor Wembanyama 77%
• Nikola Jokic 10%
Anthony Edwards 7%
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
• Victor Wembanyama 97%
One vote for another (Ausar Thompson) had to come from the Spurs, since they could not vote for the player themselves;
Which player forces opposing coaches to save the most?
• Victor Wembanyama 47%
• Nikola Jokic 33%
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 7%
Who will win Rookie of the Year?
• Cameron Boozer 50%
• Caleb Wilson 20%
• AJ Dybantsa 17%
• Darryn Peterson 13%
It is worth noting that when asked who will be the best player from this class five years from now, Dybantsa and Wilson are tied with 33% each.
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Who is the best coach in the NBA?
• Eric Spoelstra (Miami) 43%
• Mark Daigneault (Oklahoma City) 37%
• Mike Brown (Lug) 10%
Which player is the most athletic?
• Amen Thompson 63%
• Anthony Edwards 20%
• Dare Thompson 10%
Amen and Ausar Thompson are twins.
Which player is the best leader?
• Jalen Brunson 53%
• Stephen Curry 20%
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 7%
Which pain is better?
• Indiana Pacers 43%
• 23% Washington Wizards
• Utah Jazz 13%
Which team had the best overall offseason?
• Philadelphia 76ers 73%
• Miami Heat 10%
It’s worth noting that the two GMs picked up here in Charlotte are supporting the decision to trade LaMelo Ball.
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What flute acquisition will have the greatest impact?
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Miami), 53%
• Jaylen Brown (Philadelphia), 20%
What is the most idle player acquisition?
• Tobias Harris (San Antonio) 20%
• Mitchell Robinson (Boston) 17%
• Naz Reid (Charlotte) 10%
Which player do you want to take a shot when the game is on the line?
• Stephen Curry 50%
• Jalen Brunson 17%
• tie between Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at 10%
While these results are interesting, GMs are often quite misguided. For example, last season 80% predicted that the Thunder would repeat as champions, the MVP would be Nikola Jokic (67%), the biggest hit acquisition would be Kevin Durant (73%), and the Orlando Magic would be the most improved (47%).