By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The 2020-21 NBA season is only a few days away and the league GMs participated in the yearly survey, sharing the opinions and predictions for the upcoming race to the trophies.
As far as the championship goes, the LA Lakers are the clear favorites with 81% of votes and GMs consider them the team with the best offseason moves.
When it comes to the MVP, while the betting houses have Luka Doncic as the favorite to get it this year, the GMs give Giannis Antetokounmpo an advantage to threepeat. However, they are equally divided when asked who of the two they would choose to start a franchise with.
Damian Lillard’s name didn’t come up much throughout the survey but a third of the GMs would give him the ball with the game on the line.
Despite lots of doubt circling about Steven Nash and his first head coaching job at the Brooklyn Nets with two superstars in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the GMs believe he will make the most impact while Eric Spoelstra is considered the best head coach in the NBA.
Here are some Q&A of the 2020-21 NBA GM Survey:
Which team will win the 2021 NBA Finals?
1. Los Angeles Lakers – 81%
2. LA Clippers – 11%
Also receiving votes: Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat
Last year: LA Clippers – 46%
Who will win the 2020-21 Kia MVP?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 32%
2. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 21%
3. Anthony Davis, L.A. Lakers – 18%
LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 18%
5. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn – 7%
6. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 4%
> Last year: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 52%
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 43%
Luka Doncic, Dallas – 43%
3. Anthony Davis, L.A. Lakers – 7%
> Also receiving votes: LeBron James, L.A. Lakers; Zion Williamson, New Orleans
> Last year: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 86%
Who is the best international player in the NBA?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee –68%
2. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 29%
3. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 4%
> Last year: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 79%
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 46%
2. Anthony Davis, L.A. Lakers – 21%
3. Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers – 18%
4. Rudy Gobert, Utah – 7%
> Also receiving votes: Bam Adebayo, Miami; Jimmy Butler, Miami
> Last year: Kawhi Leonard – 45%
Which player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?
1. Damian Lillard, Portland – 32%
2. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 25%
3. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn – 18%
4. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 11%
5. Chris Paul, Phoenix – 7%
> Also receiving votes: Devin Booker, Phoenix; Jamal Murray, Denver
> Last year: Stephen Curry – 44%
Who is the best head coach in the NBA?
1. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 46%
2. Nick Nurse, Toronto – 18%
Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 18%
4. Brad Stevens, Boston – 11%
> Also receiving votes: Rick Carlisle, Dallas; Steve Kerr, Golden State
> Last year: Gregg Popovich – 55%
Which new or relocated head coach will make the biggest impact on his new team?
1. Steve Nash, Brooklyn – 28%
2. Doc Rivers, Philadelphia – 24%
3. Tyronn Lue, LA Clippers – 16%
Stan Van Gundy, New Orleans – 16%
5. Billy Donovan, Chicago – 8%
Tom Thibodeau, New York – 8%
> Last year: Monty Williams – 43%