The NBA general managers have spoken, and concluded the following: Steph Curry is really good.
Shocking, I know.
The league just revealed its annual GM survey, which is always really fun. These things should be taken with a grain of salt - who knows if the GMs fill it out, or some assistant, and besides, many teams are dumb - but they’re still enjoyable. And perhaps more importantly, they offer a look into how teams view things.
The Golden State Warriors received votes in a lot of different categories, so let’s check them out everywhere the team was mentioned.
Which team will win the 2020 NBA Finals?
The Warriors entered this category in the “also receiving votes” segment, which is to say one NBA GM thinks that Golden State will hoist a fourth trophy in six years.
For what it’s worth, the Los Angeles Clippers were the winners in this category.
Western Conference rankings
The Warriors finished sixth in voting, with GMs only being asked to rank the top four teams in the conference.
Golden State got to sixth in a funny way. 7% of GMs - which is to say two of them - voted for the Warriors to finish first in the West. None of the other 28 GMs had the Dubs on their ballot of the four top teams.
Who will win the 2019-20 MVP?
Steph Curry - T-2nd, 10% of the vote.
Curry is a trendy preseason MVP pick, though only three GMs thought he will do enough to bring home his third MVP award.
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
Steph Curry - T-2nd, 17% of the vote.
It’s safe to say teams have to make some serious adjustments when guarding the greatest shooter ever.
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
Steph Curry - 1st, 90% of the vote.
90% is a big number, but also feels too low. That’s 27 of the league’s 30 GMs, with two of the others opting for Damian Lillard, and the third taking some creative liberties and choosing LeBron James.
It’s worth noting here that GMs cannot vote for their own players, so it’s really only two of the league’s GMs that don’t think Curry is the top point guard in the game.
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
Klay Thompson received one vote in this category, which, interestingly enough, wasn’t unanimously ruled by James Harden. Also receiving votes were Paul George and Jimmy Butler.
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
Draymond Green - 3rd, 10% of the vote.
Hopefully Green is reading this.
Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
Klay Thompson received one vote here.
Who is the most versatile defender in the NBA?
Draymond Green - 1st, 38% of the vote.
Yep, that seems about right from where I’m sitting.
Who is the best head coach in the NBA?
Steve Kerr - 4th, 7% of the vote.
With Kevin Durant and Andre Iguodala gone, and Klay Thompson sidelined, this will be the year for Kerr to make a statement as a coach, and prove how good he is, or perhaps how good he isn’t.
Which coach is the best manager/motivator?
Steve Kerr - 3rd, 17% of the vote
Seems fitting. Maybe don’t ask Kevin Durant for his opinion here.
Which head coach runs the best offense?
Steve Kerr - 1st, 38% of the vote.
Again, this year will be a chance for Kerr to prove this ranking right, or wrong.
Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?
Ron Adams received a vote here.
Which team is the most fun to watch?
Warriors - 3rd, 17% of the vote.
They’re not the star-studded team they used to be. But they’re still fun!
Which team has the best home court advantage?
Warriors - T-2nd, 24% of the vote
New arena, same advantage? We’ll see.
Which player is the best pure shooter?
Steph Curry - 1st, 86% of the vote
Klay Thompson - 2nd, 11% of the vote
Curry and Thompson swept this category, which isn’t surprising. The only vote that didn’t go to a Splash Brother was Bob Myers’, and he chose JJ Redick.
Who is the fastest player with the ball?
Steph Curry received one vote here. It’s an underrated part of his game.
Which player is best at moving without the ball?
Klay Thompson - 1st, 43% of the vote.
Steph Curry - 3rd, 21% of the vote.
Yes. This is deserved.
Who is the toughest player in the NBA?
Draymond Green - 2nd, 18% of the vote.
Klay Thompson - received a vote.
The only player voted tougher than Dray was Steven Adams.
Who is the best leader?
Steph Curry - 2nd, 37% of the vote.
Seems fitting.
What player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?
Steph Curry - 1st, 44% of the vote.
Klay Thompson - T-2nd, 11% of the vote.
It’s good to see Curry recognized here for being a good clutch performer.
Not exactly a surprise that the Warriors had so many answers in the GM survey. Turns out they’re pretty darn good.