Predictions
Again, the Miami Heat were predicted to steamroll their way through the NBA Finals (75.9%), the Eastern Conference (86.2%) and the Southeast Division (100%).
Again, the Miami Heat were predicted to steamroll their way through the NBA Finals (75.9%), the Eastern Conference (86.2%) and the Southeast Division (100%).
NBA GMs also held LeBron James in high regard by choosing him as the 2013-14 MVP (69.9%) -- as well as the No.1 guy to start a franchise behind (89.7%) and the player who forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments (66.7%).
Another repeat from last year.
Add the No. 6 shooting guard rating (3.3%) to Dwyane Wade’s list of this season's motivation.
On the other hand, LeBron was back at the top amongst small forwards with 86.7% and third amongst power forwards with 13.8%. Chris Bosh was basically an honorable mention.
“This year, it would be great to see him [LeBron James] be acknowledged for the defensive work that he does,” coach Erik Spoelstra said at Miami Heat media day. “There’s no one else in the league that can do what he does. He’s been banging on that door, getting close. I don’t want it to be a campaign. It has to be earned. But he has that type of potential to be Defensive Player of the Year.”
While Miami ranked third amongst the best defensive teams in the league (10.0%), the GMs agreed that James is knocking on the Defensive Player of the Year door.
He came in No. 2 behind Houston’s Dwight Howard for the best overall defender in the league, and No. 2 to Memphis’ Tony Allen for his defense on the perimeter.
As far as coaching polls go, Coach Spo's head coaching and motivation skills brought home bronze while his offense was one off from medaling.
He also pulled in honorable mentions for his in-game adjustments and defensive schemes.
Shane Battier followed the No. 3 coaching theme, with his placement as the active player who would make the best head coach someday.
For all the criticism that the Miami Heat fans receive, they came in fourth for the best home-court advantage.
According to general managers LeBron James is the most athletic, best finishing, most dangerous player in the open court.
To their credit, the GMs also acknowledged James for his top three basketball IQ.
Ray Allen moved to second on the best pure shooters list -- behind Stephen Curry -- but held on to his spot as the best player moving without the ball.
Both Ray Allen and LeBron James (3rd) earned their spots as the player who GMs would want taking the final shot with the game on the line.
Get our content customized for you directly to your inbox!
