The countdown to the 2025–26 NBA season has begun, and the anticipation is electric. The league’s 24th annual GM Survey has dropped, offering 49 thought-provoking questions that pull back the curtain on what basketball decision-makers truly expect this year — and some of the answers will raise eyebrows.
A youth movement is taking over. The reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, are led by a core of rising stars barely out of their early 20s: two starters aged just 23 and 24, plus another turning 22 before Thanksgiving. Add in 27-year-old Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — last season’s Kia MVP — and it’s no shock that 80% of GMs pick OKC to repeat in 2026. But here’s where it gets interesting: their biggest competition may not be traditional powerhouses, but Cleveland and Denver, each earning only 7% of the vote.
On the defensive front, the league’s top stopper is a name you’ve probably guessed — 21-year-old Victor Wembanyama — while Atlanta’s 22-year-old Dyson Daniels is regarded as the best perimeter protector. Anthony Edwards, fresh off turning 24, is now the consensus best shooting guard. And all eyes are on Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg, overwhelmingly predicted to win Rookie of the Year and remain the league’s top young player five years from now.
Don’t count out the veterans. Nikola Jokić, who already owns three MVP trophies, is favored for a fourth. Giannis Antetokounmpo still commands the title of best power forward, and Kevin Durant’s move to Houston is viewed as the most impactful offseason acquisition.
The survey also shows how dramatically fortunes can change. Last year, 97% of GMs thought Boston would win the East — now it’s Cleveland with a commanding 63% first-place vote share. In the West, the Thunder’s lead has widened from 80% to 87%, and teams like Houston and Minnesota are quietly climbing.
Player polls spark debate:
- Jokić dominates categories like best center (97%), best passer (80%), and highest basketball IQ (80%).
- Wembanyama’s defense earns him top honors for best overall, best interior, and most versatile defensive player.
- Stephen Curry still rules as best pure shooter (93%) and the player most trusted with the final shot.
- Amen Thompson is cited both as the most athletic player and among the most versatile defenders.
Rookies and hidden gems: Cooper Flagg’s hype train is at full speed, sweeping predictions for Rookie of the Year and best in five years. Miami’s Kasparas Jakučionis is considered this draft’s biggest steal, while international star Nikola Jokić retains his crown as best foreign-born player.
Coaching respect: Miami’s Erik Spoelstra remains the gold standard for best head coach, while Tyronn Lue leads in-game adjustments. Mark Daigneault of Oklahoma City takes top spot for defensive scheming. Interestingly, Chris Paul is most likely to succeed as a future head coach.
Offseason surprises: The biggest curveball? Milwaukee waiving Damian Lillard, shocking 43% of respondents. Myles Turner’s move to Milwaukee follows closely.
Fun and unpredictability: Denver and OKC are tied as the most entertaining teams to watch and share the top mark for home-court advantage. But Philadelphia, described as the hardest team to predict, could swing in either direction.
Rule changes GMs want most: The restrictive apron rules frustrate many, with calls for cap relief for homegrown players and standardized minimum contracts. Others want the draft streamlined, game flow sped up, and playoff formats reimagined.
The full survey is both a snapshot of current league power dynamics and a speculative look into its future. While some picks feel obvious, others could spark fierce debate. Are the young guns ready to completely take over? Or will the veterans remind us why they’ve dominated for so long? Let’s hear it — do you agree with the GMs’ predictions or do you see the season unfolding very differently?
