The NBA GM Survey came out recently and there were little to no surprises. The Making the Cut predictions provided a little more eye opening selections.
Who Will Win the 2018 NBA Finals?
GM Survey: 93% Golden State Warriors
Making The Cut: Houston Rockets
Hear me out before you snub your nose at the pick. I’m doubling down against the “NBA is predictable crowd” because I don’t think either Cleveland of Golden State makes it to the Finals. Houston will find a way to upset the Warriors and the Celtics or Wizards will take out the Cavaliers. With all eyes on CP3 and James Harden, it will be the foursome of PJ Tucker-Trevor Ariza-Ryan Anderson-Eric Gordon that will be key.
Two of the four will need to have above average seasons (career wise) for them to have a chance but that is possible. If you can find someone to be crazy enough to take the Ryan Anderson’s contract, that would be even better. Nene and Clint Capela will be enough inside to hold down the fort.
Who will win the 2017-2018 MVP?
GM Survey: 50% LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Making The Cut: Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs)
With Golden State being defended champs and Kevin Durant finally getting a ring, the voters won’t vote for anyone with a video game roster. LeBron won’t get it because like Michael Jordan, you’ll always have voters that will be fatigued voting for him. That’s where Leonard comes into play. He plays for Greg Popovich which is a plus. He also will undoubtedly lead the team in most significant categories. Voters will claim that he’s a “two way player” (overused term) and use that as an excuse to vote for a player on a team that might probably won’t have as many wins as they had the previous seasons.
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
GM Survey: 29 % Karl Anthony-Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Making The Cut: Giannis Antetokounmpo, (Milwaukee Bucks)
As much as I love Towns, I have to go with Antetokounmpo. He was basically a 23-9-5 guys last season. He controls the game in so many ways and he’s only been in the league for four years. He can control the game no matter the pace. His three point shooting will improve. Most of all, you can put anyone around him and play any style and he’ll be the best player on the floor for your team.
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
GM Survey: 48% LeBron James, (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Making The Cut: Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors)
This is a no-brainer. When you play the Warriors, Green is the biggest question? Do you force him inside the line? If he’s in the post, do you double team? Do you allow him to be a ball handler? When he’s on defense, do you attack him? What do you do with the player he’s covering? Green embodies no-position basketball you see so much around the world. You don’t gameplan for the Warriors without talking about what you do with Green.
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2017-18?
GM Survey: 21% Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Making The Cut: Kristaps Porzingis (New York Knicks)
With Carmelo Anthony out of Gotham, it’s officially Porzingis’ time. All the pressure will lie with Head Coach Jeff Hornacek, to make it look like the Knicks made the right move. Many think Porzingis is a sure fire franchise player and with Hornacek’s job insecurity, he’ll do everything possible to center everything around the big man. Expect big numbers from Porzingis in all offensive categories.
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
GM Survey: 62% Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
Making The Cut: Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
As much as I wanted to put John Wall in this position, it’s just too hard not to take Curry. He does everything (except defense) as well as or better than anyone else at the position.
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
GM Survey: 83% James Harden (Houston Rockets)
Making The Cut: Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs)
Leonard edges out Harden and Paul George because of his ability to play defense against the opponent best perimeter player. Offensively there are plenty of shooting guards who can impact their offense in different ways but Leonard impacts his team offensively and defensively.
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
GM Survey: 61 % LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Making The Cut: LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Hands down, LeBron James is still at the top of the NBA food chain. Best all around game in the league and can still take over offensively when need be.
Who is the best power forward in the NBA?
GM Survey: 41% Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans)
Making The Cut: Kevin Durant (Golden State Warriors)
Durant is eligible in the power forward category, even though, he isn’t your traditional power forward. What can you say about the MVP? He hits jumpers from every spot on the floor. He fits in perfect with Golden State’s offense. On defense, he’s an underrated defender and rim protector. It was just what the Warriors need to get past the Cavaliers.
Who is the best center in the NBA?
GM Survey: 28% Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Making The Cut: Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Towns played five minutes more per game last season but his fouls stayed the same while his points, assists, rebounds and three point shooting percentage all increased. He fit into Coach Tom Thibodeau’s system. With Jimmy Butler in town and Andrew Wiggins developing, there’s no guarantee that there will be another huge jump in stats this season but he’s essential to the success of Minnesota and is the prototypical center of the future.
Part 1 – Players | Part 2 – Offseason Moves | Part 3 – Rookies & International
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