NBA GM Survey: Marcus Smart Breakout and More for Celtics
Every general manager was polled in the recent 2015-2016 NBA GM survey that was released on Tuesday. The survey and results were put together by John Schuhmann of NBA.com, and is a fun piece to look at for all NBA fans. Highlights of the piece according to Schuhmann:
- 53.6 percent of GMs pick Cavs to win title
- 86.2 percent would start a franchise today with Anthony Davis
- Jahlil Okafor edges Karl-Anthony Towns as predicted Kia Rookie of the Year
- Gregg Poppovich named top NBA coach by 93.1 percent of GMs
- Stephen Curry named top player to take shot with game on the line
Here at Chowder and Champions, we are going to take a look at how the Boston Celtics fared in this GM survey. For an up and coming team that is loaded with depth, it is fun to take a look at how the roster fares compared to the rest of the league according to the guys who make the decisions.
All in all, it is about what you would expect for the Celtics, with some players getting some nice mentions, and head coach Brad Stevens being the star of the organization according to outside opinion.
"Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2015-16?1. Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota — 17.2%2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee — 13.8%3. Bradley Beal, Washington — 10.3%Jabari Parker, Milwaukee — 10.3%5. Anthony Davis, New Orleans — 6.9%Also receiving votes: Harrison Barnes, Golden State; Mike Conley, Memphis; Andre Drummond, Detroit; Danilo Gallinari, Denver; Rudy Gobert, Utah; Tobias Harris, Orlando; Reggie Jackson, Detroit; Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio; C.J. McCollum, Portland; Shabazz Muhammed, Minnesota; Victor Oladipo, Orlando; Otto Porter, Washington; Marcus Smart, BostonLast year: Anthony Davis — 29.6%"
"What was the most underrated player acquisition?1. Ty Lawson, Houston — 10.3%Paul Pierce, L.A. Clippers — 10.3%David West, San Antonio — 10.3%4. Amir Johnson, Boston — 6.9% David Lee, Boston — 6.9%Greg Monroe, Milwaukee — 6.9%Also receiving votes: Al-Farouq Aminu, Portland; Nicolas Batum, Charlotte; Marco Belinelli, Sacramento; DeMarre Carroll, Toronto; Tyson Chandler, Phoenix; Roy Hibbert, L.A. Lakers; Reggie Jackson, Detroit; Brandon Knight, Phoenix; Robin Lopez, New York; Tiago Splitter, Atlanta; Amar’e Stoudemire, Miami; Jason Thompson, Golden State; Marcus Thornton, Houston; Brandan Wright, MemphisLast year: Tyson Chandler — 17.9%"
"Which team will be most improved in 2015-16?1. Oklahoma City — 25.0%2. Milwaukee — 17.9%3. New Orleans — 14.3%4. Miami — 10.7%5. Indiana — 7.1%Also receiving votes: Boston, Denver, L.A. Lakers, Minnesota, New York, Orlando, UtahLast year: Cleveland — 75.0%"
"Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio — 37.9%2. Rick Carlisle, Dallas — 31.0%3. Steve Kerr, Golden State — 10.3%4. Jason Kidd, Milwaukee — 6.9%Also receiving votes: Steve Clifford, Charlotte; Erik Spoelstra, Miami; Brad Stevens, Boston; Stan Van Gundy, DetroitLast year: Gregg Popovich –46.4%"
"Which head coach runs the best offense?1. Steve Kerr, Golden State — 58.6%2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio — 27.6%3. Mike Budenholzer, Atlanta — 6.9%Also receiving votes: Rick Carlisle, Dallas; Brad Stevens, BostonLast year: Gregg Popovich — 77.8%"
"Which head coach has the best defensive schemes?1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio — 31.0%2. Dave Joerger, Memphis — 27.6%3. Steve Kerr, Golden State — 13.8%4. Steve Clifford, Charlotte — 6.9%Jason Kidd, Milwaukee — 6.9%Also receiving votes: Brad Stevens, Boston; Tom Thibodeau; Stan Van Gundy, Detroit; Frank Vogel, IndianaLast year: Tom Thibodeau — 92.9%"
"Which player is the fastest with the ball?1. John Wall, Washington — 53.4%2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City — 32.8%Also receiving votes: Ty Lawson, Houston; Ish Smith, Washington; Jeff Teague, Atlanta; Isaiah Thomas, BostonLast year: John Wall & Russell Westbrook — 40.7%"
"What bench player makes the biggest impact when he enters the game?1. Andre Iguodala, Golden State — 37.9%2. Isaiah Thomas, Boston — 17.2%3. Jamal Crawford, L.A. Clippers — 10.3%4. Tony Allen, Memphis — 6.9%Also receiving votes: Marco Belinelli, Sacramento; Corey Brewer, Houston; Taj Gibson, Chicago; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Draymond Green, Golden State; Nikola Mirotic, Chicago; Tristan Thompson; Lou Williams, L.A. Lakers"
"Who is the league’s best role player?1. Andre Iguodala, Golden State — 20.7%2. Draymond Green, Golden State — 17.2%3. Kyle Korver, Atlanta — 13.8%4. Danny Green, San Antonio — 10.3%Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio — 10.3%6. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio — 6.9%Also receiving votes: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee; Marco Belinelli, Sacramento; Jamal Crawford, L.A. Clippers; Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City; Isaiah Thomas, Boston; Lou Williams, L.A. LakersLast year: Boris Diaw & Kenneth Faried — 11.1%"
Next: Predicting Celtics' Starting Five and Rotation in 15-16