NBA general managers expect LeBron James to win the MVP award in his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers and for the Golden State Warriors to end the season with their third consecutive NBA championship.
Via the Survey:
Who will win the 2018-19 Kia MVP?
1. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 30%
2. Kevin Durant, Golden State –27%
3. Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 17%
4. James Harden, Houston – 10%
Also receiving votes: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee; Stephen Curry, Golden State; Kyrie Irving, Boston; Kawhi Leonard, Toronto; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
Last year: LeBron James – 50%
The GMs responded to 49 different questions about the best teams, players, coaches, fans, and offseason moves.
General managers were not permitted to vote for their own team or personnel. Percentages are based on the pool of respondents to that particular question, rather than all 30 GMs.
Check out some more of the survey below:
PREDICTIONS
Which team will win the 2019 NBA Finals?
1. Golden State – 87%
2. Boston – 7%
Houston – 7%
Last year: Golden State – 93%
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 30%
2. Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 23%
3. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 20%
4. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 17%
5. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 7%
6. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia – 3%
Last year: Karl-Anthony Towns – 29%
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
1. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 60%
2. James Harden, Houston – 20%
3. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 10%
4. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 7%
5. Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 3%
Last year: LeBron James – 48%
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2018-19?
1. Jamal Murray, Denver – 20%
2. Brandon Ingram, L.A. Lakers – 10%
Jayson Tatum, Boston – 10%
4. Aaron Gordon, Orlando – 7%
Kyle Kuzma, L.A. Lakers – 7%
Kawhi Leonard, Toronto – 7%
Lauri Markkanen, Chicago – 7%
Dejounte Murray, San Antonio – 7%
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia – 7%
Also receiving votes: Markelle Fultz, Philadelphia; Donovan Mitchell, Utah; Kelly Oubre Jr., Washington; Josh Richardson, Miami; Dennis Smith Jr., Dallas; Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota
Last year: Karl-Anthony Towns – 21%
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 57%
2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 17%
3. Kyrie Irving, Boston – 10%
Chris Paul, Houston – 10%
5. James Harden, Houston – 7%
Last year: Stephen Curry – 62%
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
1. James Harden, Houston – 73%
2. Klay Thompson, Golden State – 10%
3. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 7%
Also receiving votes: Devin Booker, Phoenix; Paul George, Oklahoma City; Victor Oladipo, Indiana
Last year: James Harden – 83%
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
1. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 57%
2. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 40%
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 3%
Last year: LeBron James – 61%
Who is the best power forward in the NBA?
1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 37%
2. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 33%
3. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 17%
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 10%
5. LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio – 3%
Last year: Anthony Davis – 41%
Who is the best center in the NBA?
1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans – 40%
2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia – 33%
3. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota – 7%
Also receiving votes: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee; DeMarcus Cousins, Golden State; Andre Drummond, Detroit; Marc Gasol, Memphis; Al Horford, Boston; Nikola Jokic, Denver
Last year: Karl-Anthony Towns – 28%