The NBA landscape underwent significant changes in the lead-up to the 2023-24 season, primarily due to two blockbuster trades involving former Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard and former Milwaukee Bucks, floor general Jrue Holiday. The Portland Trail Blazers traded Lillard to the Bucks, while Holiday found himself with the Boston Celtics.
These moves had a profound impact on the 22nd annual NBA GM Survey, with Boston making strong showings in a number of polled categories answered by executives around the league. Per the NBA’s John Schuhmann, the Association polled general managers a total of 50 questions about the season soon to arrive, with individual executives not being permitted to vote on their own teams, players, and personnel.
Buy Celtics TicketsLet’s take a look at where Boston made an appearance in the 2023-24 NBA GM Survey.
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Which team will win the 2024 NBA Finals?
The Celtics and the Denver Nuggets emerged as the top favorites to win the 2023-24 NBA championship, each receiving 33% of the vote.
Who will win the 2023-24 Kia MVP?
Here, Jayson Tatum came in third with 13% of the vote, behind Nikola Jokic (43%) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (20%).
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
Tatum made an appearance in the “Also receiving votes” category, with Jokic the top vote-getter.
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
Here, Tatum again made the “Also receiving votes” category in a position he rarely plays — and it was won by Devin Booker.
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
Here, in a position he usually plays, the St. Louis native dominated the vote with 47% — ahead of Kevin Durant (20%) and Luka Doncic (17%).
Highest percentage of total votes on position questions
This saw Tatum come in tied for fifth overall with Doncic with 10% of the vote, with Giannis winning the count (19.3%).
Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?
Unsurprisingly, the Bucks and Celtics are tied at the top with 23% of the vote each, with the Blazers third at 17%.
Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?
Here, Jrue Holiday came in a distant second with 13% of the vote, behind Lillard (47%).
What was the most underrated player acquisition?
Holiday made the “Also receiving votes” category in a question won by former Boston guard Marcus Smart for the Memphis Grizzlies (17%).
What was the most surprising move of the offseason?
Grant Williams to the Dallas Mavericks made “Also receiving votes” while the Holiday-Lillard deal won (43%).
Which rookie was the biggest steal at where he was selected in the draft?
Jordan Walsh snuck in the “Also receiving votes” category.
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
This saw Holiday at No. 2 (13%) behind Giannis (40%)
Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
Holiday was the clear winner here at 50% of the vote.
Which is the best defensive team in the NBA?
The Celtics crushed their peers here with 47% of the vote.
Which head coach has the best defensive schemes?
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla made an “Also receiving votes” category here.
Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?
Two Celtics assistants made the cut, with Charles Lee and Sam Cassell tied for fourth place (7%).
Which active player will make the best head coach someday?
Here, Holiday tied for fifth with Fred Van Vleet (7%).
Which team is the most fun to watch?
Oddly, Boston only made it to “Also receiving votes”.
Which team has the best home-court advantage?
Boston is tied for fifth here with the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors (7%).
Which team will have the league’s most efficient offense this season?
Surprisingly, the Celtics are ranked just fourth here with 10% of the vote.
Who is the most versatile player in the NBA?
Tatum makes the “Also receiving votes” category here in what feels a bit low.
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