The annual survey of NBA general managers was released yesterday, and the Golden State Warriors were well represented. With a new feel to their roster, it was intriguing to see where front offices would rank the team and its players. It’s safe to say that GMs expect Golden State to be in the championship mix again.
The Golden State Warriors in the NBA General Manager Survey
The best NBA player at each position, according to the annual GM survey…
PG: Stephen Curry (age 35)
SG: Devin Booker (age 26)
SF: Jayson Tatum (age 25)
PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo (age 28)
C: Nikola Jokic (age 28)(via @NBA)
— Guru (@DrGuru_) October 10, 2023
Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry was obviously the Warriors player receiving the most votes in different categories. Some results may surprise you, so let’s start with the most obvious ones.
Curry was once again voted as the best point guard in the league, receiving 63% of the votes. After receiving 72% of the votes last year, there seems to be a consensus around the league as to who the best in the NBA is. Curry received 90% of the votes as the best pure shooter, 73% as the best at moving off the ball, and 40% as the player who forces coaches to make the most adjustments. The 35-year-old was also voted by 23% of GMs as the best leader, second only to LeBron James.
In an interesting turn of events, Curry was voted the league’s second-best shooting guard, receiving 10% of the votes behind Devin Booker. Curry was also pegged as the GM’s top choice (37%) to take the last shot in a game.
Draymond Green
While Curry received heaps of offensive praise, Draymond Green represented the Warriors on the defensive side of the floor.
Green was voted the league’s third-best defender, receiving 10% of the votes, with Giannis Antetokounmpo taking the title at 40%. Green also received 13% of the votes as the best interior defender and 23% as the most versatile.
Other Players
Chris Paul was another Warriors player getting lots of survey attention, with his shocking trade to Golden State voted as the third-most surprising move of the offseason behind the Damian Lillard/Jrue Holiday swap, as well as the Celtics acquiring Kristaps Porzingis.
10% of the votes rewarded Paul for possessing the highest basketball IQ, while 20% said he was the active player who would make the best coach someday.
7% of GMs voted rookie Brandin Podziemski as the biggest steal in the NBA draft, fifth behind Miami’s Jaime Jaquez Jr., Portland’s Scoot Henderson, Utah’s Keyonte George and Houston’s Cam Whitmore. There’s seemingly high praise across front offices for Podziemski.
Steve Kerr
Steve Kerr, entering his 10th season as the Warriors head coach, came in third in votes for best coach (7%), as Miami’s Erik Spoelstra overwhelmingly won the category at 73%. Kerr received 23% of votes as both the league’s best motivator and having the best offense. Spoelstra and Sacramento’s Mike Brown won each category, respectively.
Miscellaneous
The Warriors finished behind the Denver Nuggets in three other categories. The first was the vote as the most fun team to watch, with Golden State carrying 23% of the vote while Denver took 30%. The Nuggets were voted the league’s most efficient offense, taking 34% of the vote to the Warriors’ 14%. Finally, the Nuggets were voted to have the league’s best homecourt advantage (37%), and Golden State finished second at 17%.
