San Antonio Spurs Lead NBA Title Predictions; Victor Wembanyama Sweeps Player Awards in 2026-27 GM Survey
Spurs Seen as Top Contenders for 2026-27 NBA Championship
NBA general managers responded to a 48-question survey about the upcoming season, showing strong enthusiasm for Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. Half of the GMs (50%) picked the Spurs to win the NBA title, edging out the Oklahoma City Thunder at 43%, with the reigning champions New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers also receiving votes.
The Spurs were overwhelmingly favored for having the best young core (87%) and tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves as the most entertaining team to watch (30%).
Wembanyama Dominates Player Categories
Victor Wembanyama was the leading pick for MVP this season with 77% support and was the player GMs would choose first when building a franchise (93%). He also led several other categories:
- Most adjustments forced on opposing coaches: 47%
- Best international player: 54%
- Best defensive player: 97%
- Best interior defender: 97%
- Most versatile player: 57%
- Most versatile defender: 30%
Despite Wembanyama’s sweep, he did not claim the best power forward or center titles. Those went to Giannis Antetokounmpo (70%) and Nikola Jokić (63%), respectively.
Other Spurs Players Gain Recognition
Dylan Harper, the Spurs’ No. 2 overall pick from 2025 and an All-Rookie First Teamer last season, was identified as the most likely player to break out this year, earning 27% of the vote. He surpassed notable rookies like Cooper Flagg of the Mavericks and others who each received 7%.
Tobias Harris, who joined the Spurs this offseason on a two-year, $30.8 million contract, was seen as the most underrated acquisition (20%), narrowly beating the Celtics’ signing of Mitchell Robinson (17%).
Point Guards and Summer Moves Highlighted
Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder earned 67% of votes as the league’s best point guard, ahead of Jalen Brunson (20%) and Luka Dončić (10%). Dončić did beat Jayson Tatum for best small forward (37% to 33%).
The Philadelphia 76ers were credited with the best offseason moves (73%), thanks to additions like Jaylen Brown and LeBron James. Yet, the biggest impact move was believed to be Giannis Antetokounmpo's switch to the Miami Heat (53%), over Brown (20%) and James (13%).
Additional Insights From the Survey
- Most improved team: Indiana Pacers (43%) over Washington Wizards (23%)
- Top Rookie of the Year candidate: Cameron Boozer of the Memphis Grizzlies (50%) ahead of Caleb Wilson (20%) and AJ Dybantsa (17%)
- Players expected to be best in five years: AJ Dybantsa and Caleb Wilson tied at 33%, Boozer with 23%
- Best head coach: Erik Spoelstra (Heat) at 43%, over Mark Daigneault (Thunder) at 37%
- Best manager/motivator: Tie between Erik Spoelstra, Steve Kerr (Golden State), and Joe Mazzulla (Boston) each with 23%
- Best tactician: Rick Carlisle (Pacers) at 30%, over Tyronn Lue (Clippers)
- Coach with best offense: Rick Carlisle with 47%
- Player likely to become best head coach: Mike Conley (Celtics) with 50%
- Preferred player for the last shot: Stephen Curry with 50%, followed by Jalen Brunson at 17%
GMs were not allowed to vote for their own teams, players, or coaches.
Season Kickoff Details
The 2026-27 NBA season begins Tuesday, October 20, featuring a triple-header. The Detroit Pistons host the Boston Celtics at 3 p.m. ET. Next, the New York Knicks will raise their championship banner before facing the Philadelphia 76ers at 7 p.m. ET. The night concludes with the Oklahoma City Thunder visiting the San Antonio Spurs at 9:30 p.m. ET.
