San Antonio Spurs Lead NBA Title Predictions as Victor Wembanyama Sweeps Player Honors in 2026-27 GM Survey
NBA general managers responded to 48 questions regarding the upcoming season, with a clear enthusiasm for Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs emerged as the top pick to win the NBA title, securing 50% of the votes. They outpaced the Oklahoma City Thunder who received 43%, along with the defending champions New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers, both of whom also earned some support.
Additionally, the Spurs were acknowledged for having the most promising young roster (87%) and shared the title of the most entertaining team to watch with the Minnesota Timberwolves (30%).
Wembanyama Dominates Player Categories
Victor Wembanyama was overwhelmingly chosen as the anticipated MVP this season, garnering 77% of the votes. He was also the player that GMs would prioritize signing first when building a franchise, with an impressive 93%. The Spurs’ star earned recognition in multiple areas:
- Most disruptive player for opposing coaches: 47%
- Best international player: 54%
- Best defensive player: 97%
- Best interior defender: 97%
- Most versatile player: 57%
- Most versatile defender: 30%
Still, in the categories of best power forward and best center, Giannis Antetokounmpo (Miami Heat) and Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets) won those honors respectively.
Other Spurs Players Get Recognition
Dylan Harper, the No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft and All-Rookie First Teamer, was voted the player most likely to break out this season (27%), ahead of notable rookies like Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks), Collin Murray-Boyles (Toronto Raptors), Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets), and Cason Wallace (Thunder), each receiving 7%.
Tobias Harris, who signed a two-year, $30.8 million contract with the Spurs after moving from the Detroit Pistons, was seen as the most underrated offseason acquisition (20%), surpassing Mitchell Robinson of the Boston Celtics (17%).
Point Guard and Small Forward Honors
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder, reigning back-to-back MVP, was named the best point guard with 67% of the vote. He beat out Jalen Brunson (Knicks) and Luka Dončić (Lakers), who received 20% and 10% respectively. Dončić did secure the title of best small forward over Jayson Tatum (37% to 33%).
Offseason Moves and Team Improvements
The Philadelphia 76ers were credited with making the best summer moves (73%), bolstered by additions like Jaylen Brown and LeBron James. Yet, many GMs believe the biggest impact this offseason will come from Giannis Antetokounmpo’s move to the Heat (53%), overshadowing the acquisitions of Brown (20%) and James (13%).
The Indiana Pacers are favored as the most improved team this season (43%), followed by the Washington Wizards (23%).
Rookie of the Year and Future Stars
Cameron Boozer of the Memphis Grizzlies is the favorite to claim Rookie of the Year honors with 50% support, ahead of Caleb Wilson (Chicago Bulls) at 20% and No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa (Washington Wizards) at 17%. When it comes to future potential, Dybantsa and Wilson lead with 33% each, while Boozer holds 23%.
Coaching Accolades
Erik Spoelstra of the Heat was voted best head coach with 43%, narrowly beating Mark Daigneault of the Thunder (37%). Spoelstra also shares the top spot as best motivator/manager of people (23%) alongside Steve Kerr (Golden State) and Joe Mazzulla (Boston).
Rick Carlisle (Pacers) is recognized as the best tactician (30%) and runs the best offense (47%), edging out Tyronn Lue of the Clippers.
For players expected to become great coaches, Celtics guard Mike Conley leads with 50%, ahead of Pacers’ T.J. McConnell (13%) and Jalen Brunson (10%).
Clutch Player Preference
When asked who they’d want taking the final shot, half of the GMs selected Stephen Curry. Brunson attracted 17% of the votes.
2026-27 NBA Season Opener
The new NBA season starts on Tuesday, October 20, featuring a triple-header. The Detroit Pistons will host the Boston Celtics at 3 p.m. ET. The New York Knicks will raise their championship banner before facing the Philadelphia 76ers at 7 p.m. ET. The night concludes with the Oklahoma City Thunder visiting the San Antonio Spurs at 9:30 p.m. ET.
