As it happens every year, the NBA surveyed General Managers to inquire about several subjects, most of them related to their thoughts on rosters, moves, and potential award winners.
This year wasn’t the exception to that rule, with GMs weighing in on who they think the best players in the NBA are.
Unsurprisingly, this years’ winners were Stephen Curry, James Harden, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic:
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 57%
2. Damian Lillard, Portland – 17%
3. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 13%
4. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 7%
5. Chris Paul, Phoenix – 7%
> Last year: Stephen Curry – 30%
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
1. James Harden, Brooklyn – 63%
2. Devin Booker, Phoenix – 17%
3. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 10%
> Also receiving votes: Bradley Beal, Washington; Stephen Curry, Golden State; Kevin Durant, Brooklyn
> Last year: James Harden – 68%
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
1. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn – 67%
2. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 17%
3. Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers – 7%
> Also receiving votes: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee; Luka Doncic, Dallas; Khris Middleton, Milwaukee
> Last year: LeBron James – 57%
Who is the best power forward in the NBA?
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 63%
2. LeBron James, L.A. Lakers – 27%
3. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn – 10%
> Last year: Giannis Antetokounmpo – 46%
Who is the best center in the NBA?
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 63%
2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia – 23%
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 7%
4. Anthony Davis, L.A. Lakers – 7%
> Last year: Nikola Jokic – 50%
Clearly, GMs haven’t changed their mind the slightest regarding last year, as all the players that won the survey last season were also on top this year.
Notably, though, this year’s gap between the players they chose and those who came after seems way wider, and that will certainly motivate those snubbed to prove their doubters wrong.
