NBA General Managers Predict Spurs’ Championship Chances in 2026-27 Survey

Wembanyama was a standout in the survey, receiving the highest number of votes for both Most Valuable Player and the player general managers would most like to start a franchise with, achieving record percentages in both categories.

The survey comprised 48 questions addressing various aspects of the league, including team strengths, player evaluations, coaching effectiveness, and offseason moves, with GMs prohibited from voting for their own teams or players.

**Predictions for 2027 NBA Finals**:

1. San Antonio Spurs – 50%

2. Oklahoma City Thunder – 43%

*Other mentions: New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers. Last year, the Oklahoma City Thunder were favored by 80%.

**Eastern Conference Rankings**:

- New York Knicks: 60% (1st), 27% (2nd), 3% (3rd) – Total: 32%

- Philadelphia 76ers: 23%, 17%, 20%, 10% – Total: 19%

- Cleveland Cavaliers: 7%, 17%, 33%, 10% – Total: 15%

- Boston Celtics: 7%, 20%, 17%, 27% – Total: 15%

- Detroit Pistons: 3%, 20%, 13%, 17% – Total: 12%

- Toronto Raptors: 3%, 20% – Total: 3%

- Indiana Pacers: 10% – Total: 2%

- Miami Heat: 3%, 13%, 2% – Total: %

*Last year, the Cavaliers were favored by 63%.

**Western Conference Rankings**:

- Spurs: 53% (1st), 43% (2nd) – Total: 34%

- Thunder: 47% (1st), 50% (2nd) – Total: 34%

- Timberwolves: 53% – Total: 12%

- Nuggets: 7%, 17%, 50% – Total: 10%

- Rockets: 30%, 23%, 8% – Total: %

- Lakers: 10%, 1% – Total: %

- Trail Blazers: 3% – Total: %

*Last year, 87% picked the Thunder.

**Top Players Predictions**:

- **Kia MVP**:

1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 77%

2. Nikola Jokić, Denver – 10%

3. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota – 7%

*Last year: Jokić – 67%.

- **Start a Franchise**:

1. Victor Wembanyama – 93%

*Last year: Wembanyama – 83%.

- **Most Adjustments Required**:

1. Wembanyama – 47%

*Last year: Jokić – 57%.

- **Breakout Season**:

1. Dylan Harper, San Antonio – 27%. T-2 Cooper Flagg, Dallas – 7%. Others.

- **Best Point Guard**:

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City – 67%.

*Last year: Gilgeous-Alexander – 73%.

- **Best Shooting Guard**:

1. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota – 73%.

*Last year: Edwards – 70%.

**Offseason Evaluations**:

- Best Overall Moves: 1. Philadelphia 76ers – 73%, 2. Miami Heat – 10%.

- Most Impactful Acquisition: 1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami – 53%.

- Most Underrated Acquisition: 1. Tobias Harris, San Antonio – 20%.

- Most Improved Team: 1. Indiana Pacers – 43%.

**Rookie Predictions**:

- Rookie of the Year: 1. Cameron Boozer, Memphis – 50%.

- Best Rookie in Five Years: T-1. AJ Dybantsa, Washington – 33%.

- Biggest Steal: 1. Brayden Burries (10), Milwaukee – 30%.

**Defensive and Coaching Insights**:

- Best Defensive Player: 1. Victor Wembanyama – 97%.

- Best Defensive Team: 1. Oklahoma City Thunder – 77%.

- Best Coach: 1. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 43%.

**Miscellaneous**:

- Most Fun Team to Watch: T-1. Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs – 30% each.

- Best Home-Court Advantage: T-1. Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder – 37% each.

The survey reflects a strong belief in the Spurs' future and current capabilities as they prepare for the upcoming season.