By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The Balkan trio of Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are still the first names used in most of the answers in the annual survey of NBA general managers.
Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama emerges as the hottest young star of the league, and Olympiacos‘ Sasha Vezencov despite leaving the NBA is considered the best international player outside the US league.
It has to be noted that a non-European player, but also an international, Canadian star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Oklahoma City is considered the favorite to win the MVP title.
Here are the questions that ended up having major European interest.
Who will win the 2024-25 Kia MVP?
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City – 40%
2. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 30%
T-3. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia – 7%
T-3. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 7%
T-3. Jayson Tatum, Boston – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee; Jaylen Brown, Boston; Anthony Edwards, Minnesota
» Last year: Nikola Jokic – 43%
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 77%
T-2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City – 10%
T-2. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 10%
4. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 3%
» Last year: Nikola Jokic – 33%
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
1. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 33%
2. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 30%
3. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 23%
T-4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 7%
T-4. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia – 7%
» Last year: Stephen Curry – 40%
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
1. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 37%
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City – 30%
3. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 23%
4. Jalen Brunson, New York – 10%
» Last year: Stephen Curry – 63%
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
1. Jayson Tatum, Boston – 47%
T-2. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 17%
T-2. Kevin Durant, Phoenix – 17%
T-2. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 17%
5. Jaylen Brown, Boston – 3%
» Last year: Jayson Tatum – 47%
Who is the best power forward in the NBA?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 77%
2. Kevin Durant, Phoenix – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Anthony Davis, L.A. Lakers; Draymond Green, Golden State; Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento; Jayson Tatum, Boston; Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio
» Last year: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 97%
Who is the best center in the NBA?
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 87%
2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia – 10%
3. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 3%
» Last year: Nikola Jokic – 93%
Highest percentage of total votes on position questions
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 17%
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 15%
3. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 12%
T-4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City – 10%
T-4. Jayson Tatum, Boston – 10%
» Last year: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 19.3%
Who is the best international player in the NBA?
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 87%
2. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 10%
3. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 3%
» Last year: Nikola Jokic – 80%
Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA?
1. Sasha Vezenkov – 30%
2. Nikola Mirotic – 23%
3. Edy Tavares – 17%
4. Nolan Traore – 10%
T-5. Dzanan Musa – 7%
T-5. Cedi Osman – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Boban Marjanovic, Armel Traore
» Last year: Nikola Mirotic – 37%
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 40%
T-2. Bam Adebayo, Miami – 10%
T-2. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota – 10%
T-2. Jrue Holiday, Boston – 10%
T-5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 7%
T-5. Anthony Davis, L.A. Lakers – 7%
T-5. Herb Jones, New Orleans – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City; Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota; Marcus Smart, Memphis
» Last year: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 40%
Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 40%
2. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota – 37%
3. Anthony Davis, L.A. Lakers – 10%
4. Bam Adebayo, Miami – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee; Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis
» Last year: Jaren Jackson Jr. – 30%
Who is the most versatile defender in the NBA?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 17%
T-2. OG Anunoby, New York – 13%
T-2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 13%
4. Bam Adebayo, Miami – 10%
T-5. Jrue Holiday, Boston – 7%
T-5. Jonathan Isaac, Orlando – 7%
T-5. Herb Jones, New Orleans – 7%
T-5. Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City; Lu Dort, Oklahoma City; Aaron Gordon, Denver; Evan Mobley, Cleveland; Marcus Smart, Memphis; Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City
» Last year: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 37%
Which player is the best passer?
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 70%
2. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 17%
3. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana – 10%
4. Josh Giddey, Chicago – 3%
» Last year: Nikola Jokic – 67%
Who is the most versatile player in the NBA?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 30%
2. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 20%
T-3. Kevin Durant, Phoenix – 10%
T-3. Jayson Tatum, Boston – 10%
T-3. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 10%
6. Mikal Bridges, New York – 7%
» Also receiving votes: Bam Adebayo, Miami; Jrue Holiday, Boston; Nikola Jokic, Denver; Amen Thompson, Houston
» Last year: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 45%
Which player has the best basketball IQ?
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 53%
2. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 30%
T-3. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 7%
T-3. Chris Paul, San Antonio – 7%
5. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana – 3%
» Last year: Nikola Jokic – 50%