The Boston Celtics have solidified their status as the team to beat in the NBA, emerging from the previous season as dominant champions. They ranked among the top two teams in both offensive and defensive efficiency during the regular season and only lost three games in the playoffs, securing their 18th title. With the next season on the horizon, it’s no surprise that the Celtics are heavy favorites to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy again, as 83% of General Managers (GMs) expect them to repeat, marking one of the highest percentages in the survey’s history.
NBA GM Survey 2024-25 Overview
In the survey, Jayson Tatum continues to impress, being named the best small forward for the second consecutive year, while Jrue Holiday earned recognition as the top perimeter defender. Notably, Victor Wembanyama, a rookie for the San Antonio Spurs, was recognized not only as the best overall defender but also as the player GMs would most like to start a franchise with, receiving a remarkable 77% of votes.
MVP Predictions and Breakout Candidates
When it comes to MVP predictions, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is favored with 40% of the votes, followed closely by Luka Doncic at 30%. Among potential breakout players, Jalen Williams (Thunder) garnered 13% of the votes, showcasing the rising talent within the league. Last year Jokic was the most voted with 43% and ended up being the MVP for the third time in four years.
Player Rankings by Position
The survey also provided insights into the best players by position:
- Best Point Guard: Luka Doncic (37%), followed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (30%).
- Best Shooting Guard: Anthony Edwards (33%) led over Devin Booker (23%).
- Best Small Forward: Jayson Tatum (47%), maintaining his standing from last year, with LeBron James and Kevin Durant trailing at 17% each.
- Best Power Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo (77%), although this is a drop from last year’s percentage.
- Best Center: Nikola Jokic continues to hold the top spot.
Breakout Players and Key Acquisitions
As for impactful player acquisitions, Paul George, recently traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, received 60% of votes, showing GMs’ optimism about his potential impact. The Memphis Grizzlies were identified as the team most likely to improve in the 2024-25 season, with 67% of GMs believing in the return of Ja Morant and the addition of Zach Edey.
Other interesting survey insights include:
- Best Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra from the Miami Heat (69%).
- Most Fun Team to Watch: Indiana Pacers (37%).
- Best Leader: Stephen Curry (33%).
- Player You’d Want Taking a Shot with the Game on the Line: Stephen Curry (40%).
For more detailed information, you can explore the full survey results on the oficial page of the NBA.
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