NBA GM Survey: MVP, champions and best international player outside NBA / News - Basketnews.com

Nikola Jokic sweeps the 2023-24 NBA GM Survey in multiple categories, while Nikola Mirotic tops as the best international player outside the NBA.

Credit: Erikas Ovčarenko/BNS, Olimpia Milano, AP - Scanpix Credit Erikas Ovčarenko/BNS, Olimpia Milano, AP - Scanpix

In anticipation of the 2023-24 NBA season, the annual survey has unveiled intriguing insights from league general managers.

Finals MVP Nikola Jokic emerged as the centerpiece of the survey, claiming the majority of votes for MVP, franchise cornerstone, top center, premier passer, and possessing the best basketball IQ.

In a rare occurrence, Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated their positions, each amassing over 90% of the votes -- a feat not witnessed since Dwight Howard in 2013.

The spotlight also shines on Victor Wembanyama, hailed as the most promising draft prospect in two decades. Despite not yet gracing an NBA court, a staggering 90% of GMs foresee him as the standout player in five years. 23% of decision-makers singled out the 19-year-old San Antonio Spur as their preferred choice to build a franchise around.

Meanwhile, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan power forward Nikola Mirotic leads the pack as the best international player not currently in the NBA, securing a substantial 37% of the votes. Edy Tavares and Alex Sarr follow closely at 27% and 13%, while Dzanan Musa and Willy Hernangomez complete the Top 5 at 10% and 7%, respectively.

In the comprehensive survey covering 50 questions on teams, players, coaches, and offseason maneuvers, NBA GMs abstained from voting for their own team or personnel.

PREDICTIONS

Which team will win the 2024 NBA Finals?

T-1. Boston Celtics – 33%

T-1. Denver Nuggets – 33%

3. Milwaukee Bucks – 23%

4. Phoenix Suns – 7%

5. LA Clippers – 3%

*Last year: Milwaukee Bucks – 43%

PLAYERS

Who will win the 2023-24 MVP?

1. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 43%

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 20%

3. Jayson Tatum, Boston – 13%

4. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 10%

» Also receiving votes: Anthony Davis, L.A. Lakers; Kevin Durant, Phoenix; Joel Embiid, Philadelphia; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City

*Last year: Luka Doncic – 48%

If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?

1. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 33%

2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 23%

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 13%

4. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 10%

5. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota – 7%

» Also receiving votes: Stephen Curry, Golden State; Joel Embiid, Philadelphia; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City; Jayson Tatum, Boston

*Last year: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 55%

Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?

1. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 40%

2. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 33%

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 13%

4. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 10%

5. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia – 3%

*Last year: Stephen Curry – 52%

Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2023-24?

1. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota – 23%

2. Cade Cunningham, Detroit – 20%

3. Franz Wagner, Orlando – 13%

T-4. Paolo Banchero, Orlando – 7%

T-4. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia – 7%

» Also receiving votes: Desmond Bane, Memphis; Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn; Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana; Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City; Kyrie Irving, Dallas; Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota; Evan Mobley, Cleveland; Alperen Sengun, Houston; Zion Williamson, New Orleans

*Last year: Evan Mobley – 21%

Which one-player acquisition will make the biggest impact?

1. Damian Lillard, Milwaukee – 47%

2. Jrue Holiday, Boston – 13%

3. Bradley Beal, Phoenix – 10%

T-4. Kristaps Porzingis, Boston – 7%

T-4. Fred VanVleet, Houston – 7%

T-4. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 7%

» Also receiving votes: Dillon Brooks, Houston; Jusuf Nurkic, Phoenix; Marcus Smart, Memphis

*Last year: Donovan Mitchell – 59%

ROOKIES & INTERNATIONAL

Who will win the 2023-24 Rookie of the Year?

1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 50%

2. Scoot Henderson, Portland – 27%

3. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City – 20%

4. Sasha Vezenkov, Sacramento – 3%

*Last year: Paolo Banchero – 79%

Which rookie will be the best player in five years?

1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 90%

» Also receiving votes: Scoot Henderson, Portland; Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City; Amen Thompson, Houston

*Last year: Paolo Banchero – 31%

Who is the best international player in the NBA?

1. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 80%

2. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 10%

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 7%

4. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia – 3%

*Last year: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 57%

Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA?

1. Nikola Mirotic – 37%

2. Edy Tavares – 27%

3. Alex Sarr – 13%

4. Dzanan Musa – 10%

5. Willy Hernangomez – 7%

» Also receiving votes: Juancho Hernangomez, Rokas Jokubaitis

*Last year: Victor Wembanyama – 45%

COACHES

Who is the best head coach in the NBA?

1. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 73%

2. Tyronn Lue, LA Clippers – 10%

T-3. Steve Kerr, Golden State – 7%

T-3. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 7%

5. Michael Malone, Denver – 3%

*Last year: Erik Spoelstra – 52%

Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people?

1. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 37%

2. Steve Kerr, Golden State – 23%

3. Tyronn Lue, LA Clippers – 17%

4. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 13%

» Also receiving votes: Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City; Jamahl Mosley, Orlando; Monty Williams, Detroit

*Last year: Steve Kerr – 38%

Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?

1. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 43%

2. Tyronn Lue, LA Clippers – 30%

T-3. Rick Carlisle, Indiana – 7%

T-3. Nick Nurse, Philadelphia – 7%

» Also receiving votes: Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City; Steve Kerr, Golden State; Gregg Popovich, San Antonio; Quin Snyder, Atlanta

*Last year: Tyronn Lue – 55%

You can find the full survey here.

Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.