http://www.nba.com/news/features/john_schuhmann/nba-com-2014-15-gm-survey/index.html

NBA.com 2014-15 GM Survey
San Antonio (again), LeBron and watch the Warriors
POSTED: OCT 22, 2014 10:38 AM ET
BY JOHN SCHUHMANN

LeBron James' return to Cleveland has shaken up the NBA landscape, a fact that is strongly reflected in NBA.com's 13th annual GM Survey. The additions of James and Kevin Love have turned the Cavs, who won 33 games last season, into the favorites in the Eastern Conference.

The league's general managers believe that we're going to see James vs. the San Antonio Spurs in The Finals for the third straight June and the fourth time in eight years. But the championship picture is also relatively wide open, as six different teams were picked to win The Finals and a seventh was picked to get there.

James was picked to take back the MVP award from Kevin Durant and is still the guy that with whom half of the GMs would most like to start a franchise. But it's becoming clear that Anthony Davis is the next big thing.

The GMs responded to 56 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 each question of the survey, rather than all 30 GMs.

PREDICTIONS

Which team will win the 2015 NBA Finals?
1. San Antonio -- 46.2%
2. Cleveland -- 15.4%
3. Chicago -- 11.5%
L.A. Clippers -- 11.5%
Oklahoma City -- 11.5%
6. Golden State -- 3.8%
Last year: Miami -- 75.9%

Which team will win the Eastern Conference finals?
1. Cleveland -- 70.4%
2. Chicago -- 25.9%
3. Washington -- 3.7%
Last year: Miami -- 86.2%

Which team will win the Western Conference finals?
1. San Antonio -- 55.6%
2. Oklahoma City -- 29.6%
3. L.A. Clippers -- 11.1%
4. Golden State -- 3.7%
Last year: San Antonio -- 40.0%

Which team will win the Atlantic Division?
1. Toronto -- 76.9%
2. Brooklyn -- 19.2%
3. New York -- 3.8%
Last year: Brooklyn -- 75.9%

Which team will win the Central Division?
1. Cleveland -- 60.7%
2. Chicago -- 39.3%
Last year: Indiana -- 51.7%

Which team will win the Southeast Division?
1. Washington -- 59.3%
2. Miami -- 29.6%
3. Atlanta -- 7.4%
4. Charlotte -- 3.7%
Last year: Miami -- 100%

Which team will win the Northwest Division?
1. Oklahoma City -- 92.9%
2. Portland -- 7.1%
Last year: Oklahoma City -- 96.6%

Which team will win the Pacific Division?
1. L.A. Clippers -- 81.5%
2. Golden State -- 18.5%
Last year: L.A. Clippers -- 89.7%

Which team will win the Southwest Division?
1. San Antonio -- 96.4%
2. Houston -- 3.6%
Last year: San Antonio -- 70.0%

PLAYERS

Who will win the 2014-15 MVP?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 67.9%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 21.4%
Also receiving votes: Carmelo Anthony, New York; Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers; Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers
Last year: LeBron James -- 69.0%

If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 50.0%
2. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 25.0%
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 25.0%
Last year: LeBron James -- 89.7%

Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 76.9%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 11.5%
3. Carmelo Anthony, New York -- 7.7%
4. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas -- 3.8%
Last year: LeBron James -- 66.7%

Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2014-15?
1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 29.6%
2. Bradley Beal, Washington -- 14.8%
3. Andre Drummond, Detroit -- 11.1%
Klay Thompson, Golden State -- 11.1%
5. Kenneth Faried, Denver -- 7.4%
Also receiving votes: Rudy Gobert, Utah; Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers; Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio; Brook Lopez, Brooklyn; Markieff Morris, Phoenix; Otto Porter, Washington; Austin Rivers, New Orleans
Last year: Anthony Davis -- 27.6%

Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
1. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 71.4%
2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City -- 10.7%
3. Tony Parker, San Antonio -- 7.1%
Also receiving votes: Stephen Curry, Golden State; Damian Lillard, Portland; Derrick Rose, Chicago
Last year: Chris Paul -- 70.0%

Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
1. James Harden, Houston -- 63.0%
2. Klay Thompson, Golden State -- 18.5%
3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 7.4%
Stephen Curry, Golden State -- 7.4%
5. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 3.7%
Last year: James Harden -- 56.7%

Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 75.0%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 25.0%
Last year: LeBron James -- 86.7%

Who is the best power forward in the NBA?
1. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland -- 25.0%
Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers -- 25.0%
3. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 21.4%
4. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 10.7%
5. Kevin Love, Cleveland -- 7.1%
Also receiving votes: Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas
Last year: Tim Duncan -- 31.0%

Who is the best center in the NBA?
1. Dwight Howard, Houston -- 42.9%
2. Marc Gasol, Memphis -- 25.0%
3. Joakim Noah, Chicago -- 17.9%
4. Tim Duncan, San Antonio -- 10.7%
5. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 3.6%
Last year: Dwight Howard -- 65.5%

OFFSEASON MOVES

Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?
1. Cleveland -- 89.3%
2. Chicago -- 10.7%
Last year: Houston -- 55.2%

Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 96.3%
2. Pau Gasol, Chicago -- 3.7%
Last year: Dwight Howard -- 86.2%

What was the most underrated player acquisition?
1. Tyson Chandler, Dallas -- 17.9%
2. Omer Asik, New Orleans -- 14.3%
Spencer Hawes, L.A. Clippers -- 14.3%
4. Pau Gasol, Chicago -- 7.1%
Paul Pierce, Washington -- 7.1%
Also receiving votes: Arron Afflalo, Denver; Bojan Bogdanovic, Brooklyn; Channing Frye, Orlando; James Johnson, Toronto; Shawn Marion, Cleveland; Nikola Mirotic, Chicago; Jameer Nelson, Dallas; Lance Stephenson, Charlotte; Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota; Marvin Williams, Charlotte; Thaddeus Young, Minnesota
Last year: Jrue Holiday, Andrei Kirilenko, Luis Scola -- 10.0%

Which team will be most improved in 2014-15?
1. Cleveland -- 75.0%
2. New Orleans -- 14.3%
3. Chicago -- 7.1%
4. Charlotte -- 3.6%
Last year: Detroit -- 16.7%

What was the most surprising move of the offseason?
1. LeBron James to Cleveland -- 42.9%
2. Chandler Parsons to Dallas -- 21.4%
3. Afflalo-Fournier trade -- 7.1%
Pau Gasol to Chicago -- 7.1%
Love-Wiggins trade -- 7.1%
Lance Stephenson to Charlotte -- 7.1%
Also receiving votes: Carmelo Anthony staying in New York; Isaiah Thomas to Phoenix
Last year: Nets-Celtics trade, Iguodala to Golden State -- 21.4%

ROOKIES & INTERNATIONAL

Who will win the 2014-15 Rookie of the Year?
1. Jabari Parker, Milwaukee -- 75.0%
2. Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota -- 17.9%
Also receiving votes: Nerlens Noel, Philadelphia; Marcus Smart, Boston
Last year: Victor Oladipo -- 80.0%

Which rookie will be the best player in five years?
1. Jabari Parker, Milwaukee -- 35.7%
2. Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota -- 32.1%
3. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia -- 21.4%
Also receiving votes: Dante Exum, Utah; Doug McDermott, Chicago; Julius Randle, L.A. Lakers
Last year: Victor Oladipo -- 40.0%

Which rookie was the biggest steal at where he was selected in the Draft?
1. Rodney Hood (23), Utah -- 17.9%
2. Doug McDermott (11), Chicago -- 14.3%
3. Kyle Anderson (30), San Antonio -- 10.7%
Zach LaVine (13), Minnesota -- 10.7%
5. Spencer Dinwiddie (38), Detroit -- 7.1%
Cleanthony Early (34), New York -- 7.1%
Gary Harris (19), Denver -- 7.1%
Nikola Mirotic (23 -- 2011), Chicago -- 7.1%
Also receiving votes: Bogdan Bogdanovic (27), Phoenix; K.J. McDaniels (32), Philadelphia; Julius Randle (7), L.A. Lakers; Dario Saric (12), Philadelphia; T.J. Warren (14), Phoenix
Last year: Kelly Olynyk -- 27.6%

Who is the best international player in the NBA?
1. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas -- 53.6%
2. Tony Parker, San Antonio -- 28.6%
3. Marc Gasol, Memphis -- 14.3%
4. Goran Dragic, Phoenix -- 3.6%
Last year: Tony Parker -- 53.3%

Which international player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2014-15?
1. Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto -- 33.3%
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee -- 18.5%
3. Rudy Gobert, Utah -- 11.1%
3. Evan Fournier, Orlando -- 7.4%
Nikola Mirotic, Chicago -- 7.4%
Ricky Rubio, Minnesota -- 7.4%
Also receiving votes: Steven Adams, Oklahoma City; Bojan Bogdanovic, Brooklyn; Danilo Gallinari, Denver; Timofey Mozgov, Denver
Last year: Jonas Valanciunas -- 39.3%

Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA?
1. Rudy Fernandez -- 32.0%
Dario Saric -- 32.0%
3. Sergio Rodriguez -- 12.0%
Milos Teodosic -- 12.0%
Also receiving votes: Mario Hezonja, Nenad Krstic, Vassilis Spanoulis
Last year: Nikola Mirotic -- 25.0%

DEFENSE

Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
1. Joakim Noah, Chicago -- 35.7%
2. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 21.4%
3. Dwight Howard, Houston -- 14.3%
Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City -- 14.3%
Also receiving votes: Tony Allen, Memphis; Tyson Chandler, Dallas; Anthony Davis, New Orleans; Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio
Last year: Dwight Howard -- 34.5%

Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 25.0%
2. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio -- 21.4%
3. Tony Allen, Memphis -- 17.9%
4. Jimmy Butler, Chicago -- 7.1%
Andre Iguodala, Golden State -- 7.1%
Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 7.1%
Klay Thompson, Golden State -- 7.1%
Also receiving votes: Avery Bradley, Boston; Paul George, Indiana
Last year: Tony Allen -- 36.7%

Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?
1. Joakim Noah, Chicago -- 39.3%
2. Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City -- 25.0%
3. Dwight Howard, Houston -- 14.3%
4. Marc Gasol, Memphis -- 10.7%
Also receiving votes: Tyson Chandler, Dallas; Anthony Davis, New Orleans; Roy Hibbert, Indiana
Last year: Dwight Howard -- 46.7%

Which is the best defensive team in the NBA?
1. Chicago -- 85.7%
2. Indiana -- 7.1%
Also receiving votes: Memphis, San Antonio
Last year: Chicago -- 43.3%

COACHES

Who is the best head coach in the NBA?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 92.9%
Also receiving votes: Lionel Hollins, Brooklyn; Tom Thibodeau, Chicago
Last year: Gregg Popovich -- 75.9%

Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 57.1%
2. Doc Rivers, L.A. Clippers -- 35.7%
Also receiving votes: Steve Clifford, Charlotte; Tom Thibodeau, Chicago
Last year: Gregg Popovich -- 51.7%

Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 46.4%
2. Rick Carlisle, Dallas -- 42.9%
Also receiving votes: Mike Budenholzer, Atlanta; Doc Rivers, L.A. Clippers; Tom Thibodeau, Chicago
Last year: Gregg Popovich -- 27.6%

Which head coach runs the best offense?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 77.8%
2. Rick Carlisle, Dallas -- 11.1%
Also receiving votes: Doc Rivers, L.A. Clippers; Flip Saunders, Minnesota; Erik Spoelstra, Miami
Last year: Gregg Popovich -- 37.9%

Which head coach has the best defensive schemes?
1. Tom Thibodeau, Chicago -- 92.9%
2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 7.1%
Last year: Tom Thibodeau -- 58.6%

Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?
1. Alvin Gentry, Golden State -- 17.9%
2. Adrian Griffin, Chicago -- 7.1%
Tyronn Lue, Cleveland -- 7.1%
Ettore Messina, San Antonio -- 7.1%
Mike Woodson, L.A. Clippers -- 7.1%
Also receiving votes: Ron Adams, Golden State; Kenny Atkinson, Atlanta; Jim Boylan, Cleveland; Jim Boylen, San Antonio; David Fizdale, Miami; Lawrence Frank, L.A. Clippers; Tim Grgurich; Melvin Hunt, Denver; Chris Jent, Sacramento; Brian Keefe, New York; Mike Longabardi, Phoenix; Nate McMillan, Indiana; Don Newman, Washington; Nick Nurse, Toronto; Joe Prunty, Milwaukee
Last year: Lawrence Frank -- 21.4%

Which active player will make the best head coach someday?
1. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 24.0%
2. Steve Blake, Portland -- 12.0%
3. Kirk Hinrich, Chicago -- 8.0%
Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers -- 8.0%
4. Mike Conley, Memphis -- 6.0%
Jarrett Jack, Brooklyn -- 6.0%
Also receiving votes: Caron Butler, Detroit; Jared Dudley, Milwaukee; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Willie Green, Orlando; Andre Miller, Washington; Nazr Mohammed, Chicago; Jameer Nelson, Dallas; J.J. Redick, L.A. Clippers; Rajon Rondo, Boston
Last year: Chauncey Billups -- 32.1%

MISCELLANEOUS

Which team is the most fun to watch?
1. Golden State -- 57.1%
2. L.A. Clippers -- 21.4%
3. San Antonio -- 17.9%
4. Oklahoma City -- 3.6%
Last year: Golden State -- 41.4%

Which team has the best home-court advantage?
1. Oklahoma City -- 42.9%
2. Denver -- 28.6%
3. Golden State -- 17.9%
Also receiving votes: Portland, San Antonio, Utah
Last year: Oklahoma City -- 36.7%

Which player is the most athletic?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 50.0%
2. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers -- 10.7%
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City -- 10.7%
4. Gerald Green, Phoenix -- 7.1%
Also receiving votes: Anthony Davis, New Orleans; Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; Jeremy Evans, Utah; DeAndre Jordan, L.A. Clippers; Zach LaVine, Minnesota; Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota
Last year: LeBron James -- 56.7%

Which player is the best pure shooter?
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State -- 60.7%
2. Kyle Korver, Atlanta -- 28.6%
Also receiving votes: Ray Allen; Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; Klay Thompson, Golden State
Last year: Stephen Curry -- 44.8%

Which player is the fastest with the ball?
1. John Wall, Washington -- 40.7%
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City -- 40.7%
3. Derrick Rose, Chicago -- 11.1%
Also receiving votes: Ty Lawson, Denver; Rajon Rondo, Boston
Last year: Russell Westbrook -- 26.7%

Which player is best at moving without the ball?
1. Kyle Korver, Atlanta -- 53.6%
2. J.J. Redick, L.A. Clippers -- 10.7%
3. Stephen Curry, Golden State -- 7.1%
Shawn Marion, Cleveland -- 7.1%
Also receiving votes: Bradley Beal, Washington; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Gordon Hayward, Utah; Chandler Parsons, Dallas; Klay Thompson, Golden State; Dwyane Wade, Miami
Last year: Ray Allen -- 36.7%

Which player is the best at getting his own shot?
1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 42.9%
2. Carmelo Anthony, New York -- 25.0%
3. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 10.7%
4. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 7.1%
Also receiving votes: Jamal Crawford, L.A. Clippers; Stephen Curry, Golden State; James Harden, Houston; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
Last year: Kevin Durant -- 33.3%

Which player is the best offensive rebounder?
1. Andre Drummond, Detroit -- 42.9%
2. Kevin Love, Cleveland -- 21.4%
3. Reggie Evans, Sacramento -- 7.1%
Kenneth Faried, Denver -- 7.1%
DeAndre Jordan, L.A. Clippers -- 7.1%
Zach Randolph, Memphis -- 7.1%
Also receiving votes: Dwight Howard, Houston; Joakim Noah, Chicago
Last year: Kevin Love -- 41.4%

Which player is the best passer?
1. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 64.3%
2. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 10.7%
Rajon Rondo, Boston -- 10.7%
Ricky Rubio, Minnesota -- 10.7%
5. Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers -- 3.6%
Last year: Chris Paul -- 46.7%

Which player is the most dangerous in the open floor?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 74.1%
Also receiving votes: Jamal Crawford, L.A. Clippers; Stephen Curry, Golden State; James Harden, Houston; Tony Parker, San Antonio; Derrick Rose, Chicago; John Wall, Washington; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
Last year: LeBron James -- 73.3%

Which player is the best finisher at the rim?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 67.9%
2. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers -- 10.7%
Also receiving votes: Andre Drummond, Detroit; Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; James Harden, Houston; Dwight Howard, Houston; Tony Parker, San Antonio; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
Last year: LeBron James -- 70.0%

Who is the toughest player in the NBA?
1. Tony Allen, Memphis -- 25.9%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 11.1%
David West, Indiana -- 11.1%
4. Reggie Evans, Sacramento -- 7.4%
Kenneth Faried, Denver -- 7.4%
Also receiving votes: Andrew Bogut, Golden State; Caron Butler, Detroit; Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Kevin Garnett, Brooklyn; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City; LeBron James, Cleveland; Joakim Noah, Chicago; Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers; Nikola Pekovic, Minnesota
Last year: Kobe Bryant -- 31.0%

Which player is the best leader?
1. Tim Duncan, San Antonio -- 35.7%
2. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 28.6%
3. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 14.3%
4. Kevin Garnett, Brooklyn -- 10.7%
Also receiving votes: Stephen Curry, Golden State; Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers
Last year: Tim Duncan -- 30.0%

Who is the league's best role player?
1. Boris Diaw, San Antonio -- 11.1%
Kenneth Faried, Denver -- 11.1%
3. Jimmy Butler, Chicago -- 7.4%
Taj Gibson, Chicago -- 7.4%
Manu Ginobili, San Antonio -- 7.4%
Kyle Korver, Atlanta -- 7.4%
Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio -- 7.4%
Wes Matthews, Portland -- 7.4%
Joakim Noah, Chicago -- 7.4%
Also receiving votes: Tony Allen, Memphis; Nick Collison, Oklahoma City; Danny Green, San Antonio; Draymond Green, Golden State; Dwight Howard, Houston; Andre Iguodala, Golden State; J.J. Redick, L.A. Clippers
Last year: N/A

Which player has the best basketball IQ?
1. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 28.6%
2. LeBron James, Cleveland -- 21.4%
3. Tim Duncan, San Antonio -- 14.3%
4. Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers -- 10.7%
Also receiving votes: Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Stephen Curry, Golden State; Boris Diaw, San Antonio; Kevin Garnett, Brooklyn; Marc Gasol, Memphis; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Kevin Love, Cleveland
Last year: Chris Paul -- 33.3%

Which player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?
1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 76.9%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 7.7%
LeBron James, Cleveland -- 7.7%
Also receiving votes: Carmelo Anthony, New York; Stephen Curry, Golden State
Last year: Kevin Durant -- 39.3%