2023-24 NBA GM Survey: Who do executives think will be this season’s champions, MVP...

We can probably all agree that the 2023-24 NBA season is going to be a wild ride. Not only have we seen a whole lot of movement on the market, but it’s also a question of who has moved. Indeed, with a number of high-profile players having joined new teams, the coming campaign is guaranteed to be exciting.

What did NBA GMs have to say this year?

The Nuggets & Celtics are favored to win it all

• Denver Nuggets: 33%
• Boston Celtics: 33%
• Milwaukee Bucks: 23%
• Phoenix Suns: 7%
• Los Angeles Clippers 3%

This is an interesting one, to be honest. Despite the fact that the Milwaukee Bucks were able to acquire the biggest name on the market in Damian Lillard, top execs still aren’t convinced that Giannis and Co. can win their second title in four years. No, they’re going with reigning champion Denver Nuggets and last year’s Eastern Conference finalists, the Boston Celtics. To be fair, the Nuggets have maintained their core around Nikola Jokić and the Celtics have been busy in the offseason, adding to an already solid roster. You can’t argue against that.

Nikola Jokić to win his third MVP

• Nikola Jokić: 43%
• Giannis Antetokounmpo: 20%
• Jayson Tatum: 13%
• Luka Dončić: 10%

What catches the eye here is that there is no mention of the 76ers’ Joel Embiid who is the reigning MVP. With that said, it’s not surprising to see that GMs placed Denver’s two-time MVP and recent NBA Finals MVP at the top of the list. Yet, we should mention that the Serbian didn’t receive a single vote in the survey last year. That was of course prior to the performance he gave in this year’s Finals. Another tidbit worth noting is the decline of the Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Dončić. Having received 48% of the vote last year, it seems the Slovenian has some work to do to regain the spotlight.

The Bucks & Celtics won the offseason

Milwaukee Bucks: 23%

Boston Celtics: 23%

Portland Trail Blazers: 17%

Los Angeles Lakers: 13%

Dallas Mavericks: 7%

Houston Rockets: 7%

Where the Bucks are concerned, it’s a no-brainer. As mentioned above, Lillard was by far the biggest name out there and Milwaukee got him. On the other hand, the Celtics made some shrewd moves. Not only did they acquire a sharpshooter with size in the former of Kristpaps Porzinġis, but they also managed to replace Marcus Smart - a former Defensive Player of the Year - with Jrue Holiday - a member of last season’s All-Defensive team. As for Portland, the Blazers were always going to get a lot of Lillard, it was just a question of how much. In the end, there were a number of players who came in but the biggest of them have got to be Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams, and Malcolm Brogdon. Regarding the Rockets, while it’s true that they’re not expected to be contenders, the acquisition of Fred VanVLeet and Dillon Brooks is worthy of notice.

Victor Wembanyama will be Rookie of the Year. Duh

• Victor Wembanyama: 50%
• Scoot Henderson: 27%
• Chet Holmgren: 20%
• Sasha Vezenkov: 3%

To be fair, this was more a formality than a question in need of an answer. With his skill set, size, and talent, the Frenchman is expected to become a major problem on both ends of the court. Yes, Henderson has got game and more importantly, a loaded roster to work with, and there is also OKC’s Holmgren, but truthfully we can’t see anyone getting the nod over the Spurs’ big man.

Cam Whitmore was the biggest steal of the 2023 NBA Draft

Cam Whitmore (20), Houston Rockets: 43%

Keyonte George (16), Utah Jazz: 10%

Scoot Henderson (3), Portland Trail Blazers: 10%

Jaime Jaquez Jr. (18), Mimai Heat: 10%

Brandon Podziemski (19), Golden State Warriors: 7%

It’s funny to think that Cam Whitmore was actually projected to be a top-five pick ahead of draft night but ended up going at No. 20 overall. Of course, what came next was MVP honors at the NBA Summer League, during which the Villanova product averaged 20.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.0 steals per game. It goes without saying that the field is fierce such that he will have a tough time solidifying himself as the ‘best steal’ but rest assured he is most definitely one to keep an eye on.

Bam Adebayo left off the list of the NBA’s best defenders

• Giannis Antetokounmpo: 40%
• Jrue Holiday: 13%
• Draymond Green: 10%
• Marcus Smart: 10%
• Jaren Jackson: 10%
• Kawhi Leonard: 7%

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This one was a mixed bag. Antetokounmpo’s inclusion for example was expected. After receiving 48% of the vote ahead of the last season, it’s not surprising to see him at the top of the list once again. What is surprising, however, is the omission of Miami’s Bam Adebayo. For the last five campaigns, the 26-year-old has been in the top five players for the Defensive Player of the Year award. This year, he didn’t get a single vote. Did GMs get this one wrong?

The 76ers are expected to go up and down this season

• Philadelphia 76ers: 30%
• Dallas Mavericks: 13%
• Oklahoma City Thunder: 13%
• New Orleans Pelicans: 10%
• Phoenix Suns: 10 percent
• Los Angeles Clippers: 10%

One has to admit that being voted the most unpredictable team ahead of the season, isn’t exactly an honor. Yet, it’s got to be said that it’s not at all surprising when it comes to the Philadelphia 76ers. Firstly, there is the gorilla in the room to address and that’s the James Harden situation. The 2018 MVP made it clear earlier in the offseason that he wants out. He also made it clear that he would not play under franchise president, Daryl Morey, but then he turned up for training camp. So, who knows? Then, we’ve got Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP. Assuming both stay in Philly, the team should be counted as a contender. Of course, that remains to be seen. As for the rest, OKC is regarded as the best young core, meaning it could be disastrous or unbelievable. Regarding the Clippers and Pelicans, it’s really down to whether they can finally overcome the massive amount of injuries that have plagued their rosters. Last but not least, we’ve got the Suns, who after signing former MVP Kevin Durant, never quite got going. They will need to build better chemistry if they’re to deliver on their major promise.