Survey of 30 General Managers for the New Season: Thunder Emerge as Top Championship Favorite, Jokic Tops Multiple Voting Categories

On October 10 Beijing time, the NBA official website launched the 24th annual General Manager survey, where GMs from all teams shared their opinions on various topics. The vast majority of GMs consider the Thunder the leading contender for this season’s championship. The survey rules prohibit GMs from voting for their own team or personnel.

Championship Predictions: Thunder Dominate the Race

80% of GMs predict that the Oklahoma City Thunder will win the 2026 NBA Finals. The Cavaliers and Nuggets tie for second place, each receiving 7% of the votes. The Rockets and Knicks are the only other teams to receive votes.

If the Thunder successfully defend their title, they will become the first team to win back-to-back championships since the Warriors in 2018.

It is noteworthy that in last year’s survey, 83% of GMs believed the Celtics would achieve back-to-back titles in 2025, but the team was ultimately eliminated in the second round of the playoffs.

Jokic Tops Multiple Voting Categories

Jokic is widely favored to win his fourth MVP award in the 2025-26 season, receiving 67% of the votes. Additionally, he was named the league’s best center (with a dominant 97% vote), best international player (93%), best passer (80%), highest basketball IQ player (80%), and the player most likely to force opposing coaches to adjust their strategies (57%).

Rockets’ Amen Thompson is regarded as the league’s most physically gifted player (58%), the most versatile defender (18%), and also the player most likely to have a breakout season (30%).

Spurs’ Wembanyama was voted “the player most worth building a team around” for the second consecutive year, receiving 83% of the votes. The French center was also selected as the league’s best defender (80%) and tied with Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo as the most versatile player in the league (each earning 30%).

Flagg, the Mavericks’ top draft pick, is the overwhelming favorite for Rookie of the Year, receiving a commanding 97% of the votes. GMs also believe he will be the best player in the league five years from now (93%).

Offseason Moves and Team Outlooks

53% of surveyed GMs believe the Hawks made the best moves during the offseason, while 47% think the Magic will be the team that improves the most this season.

GMs noted that the Bucks made the two most surprising offseason moves: first, waiving and agreeing to pay Damian Lillard’s salary in phases (43%), and then signing Myles Turner as a free agent (30%).