Spurs Lead NBA Title Predictions as Victor Wembanyama Sweeps Player Honors in 2026-27 GM Survey

NBA general managers answered 48 questions about the upcoming season, showing strong support for the San Antonio Spurs and their star, Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs emerged as the top pick to win the NBA title, capturing 50% of votes. They edged out the Oklahoma City Thunder (43%), while the defending champions, the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, also received some recognition.

The Spurs were also viewed as the team with the most promising young roster by 87% of GMs. They shared the title of most entertaining team to watch with the Minnesota Timberwolves, each getting 30%.

Wembanyama Dominates Individual Awards

Victor Wembanyama stood out in nearly every individual category. He was the overwhelming favorite for MVP at 77%, and an even more dominant 93% of GMs said he would be the first player they’d sign if starting a franchise. Wembanyama also earned 47% of votes as the player whose presence forces the most coaching adjustments. He was chosen as best international player (54%), best defensive player (97%), best interior defender (97%), most versatile player (57%), and most versatile defender (30%).

There were two exceptions: best power forward went to Miami Heat’s Giannis Antetokounmpo with 70% over Wembanyama’s 23%, and best center was awarded to Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokić at 63%, compared to Wembanyama’s 37%.

Other Spurs Players and Noteworthy Acquisitions

Beyond Wembanyama, the Spurs’ Dylan Harper, the No. 2 overall pick from 2025 and an All-Rookie First Teamer last season, was seen as the player most likely to break out this year, earning 27% of votes. He surpassed last year’s Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks and others like Collin Murray-Boyles, Amen Thompson, and Cason Wallace, who each had 7%.

Tobias Harris, who joined the Spurs on a two-year, $30.8 million deal from the Detroit Pistons, was voted the most underrated offseason acquisition (20%). He topped Boston Celtics’ signing of Mitchell Robinson (17%).

Best Point Guard, Small Forward, and Offseason Moves

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder was picked as the league’s best point guard with 67%, beating the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson (20%) and Lakers’ Luka Dončić (10%). Dončić was selected as best small forward over Jayson Tatum (37% to 33%).

The 76ers secured 73% of votes as the team that made the best offseason moves, boosted by additions like Jaylen Brown and LeBron James. Yet, many GMs felt the biggest impact move belonged to the Heat’s acquisition of Antetokounmpo (53%), ahead of Brown (20%) and James (13%).

Additional GM Insights

• Most Improved Team: Indiana Pacers (43%), followed by Washington Wizards (23%)
• Rookie of the Year Favorites: Cameron Boozer (Memphis Grizzlies) at 50%, Caleb Wilson (Chicago Bulls) 20%, AJ Dybantsa (Washington Wizards) 17%
• Future Best Player in Five Years: Caleb Wilson and AJ Dybantsa tied at 33%, with Boozer at 23%
• Best Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat) with 43%, over Mark Daigneault (Oklahoma City Thunder) at 37%
• Best Manager/Motivator: Tie between Erik Spoelstra, Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors), and Joe Mazzulla (Boston Celtics) at 23% each
• Top Tactician: Rick Carlisle (Indiana Pacers) 30%, over Tyronn Lue (Los Angeles Clippers)
• Coach Running Best Offense: Rick Carlisle (47%)
• Future Head Coach Candidate (Player): Mike Conley (Boston Celtics) leads with 50%, followed by T.J. McConnell (Indiana Pacers) 13%, and Jalen Brunson 10%
• Last Shot Player: Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) at 50%, with Jalen Brunson receiving 17%

General managers were not allowed to vote for their own teams, players, or coaches.

Season Opening Schedule

The 2026-27 NBA season begins Tuesday, Oct. 20, featuring a triple-header:

• Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics at 3 p.m. ET
• New York Knicks raise their championship banner before facing the Philadelphia 76ers at 7 p.m. ET
• Oklahoma City Thunder visit the San Antonio Spurs at 9:30 p.m. ET