NBA General Managers Release 25th Annual Survey
The league-wide poll covers expectations for the upcoming season and identifies top player and team trends.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Basketball
Live Poll
Do you trust the predictions of professional general managers regarding your local team's success?
NBA.com has released the results of its 25th annual general manager survey, which compiled responses from all 30 team executives across the league. The survey offers a wide-ranging look at expectations for the season, featuring analysis of team competitiveness and individual player standing.
Why it matters
This comprehensive survey provides key insights into how league front offices perceive current team trajectories and top-tier talent. By polling every general manager, the data reveals consensus views on championship favorites and identifies rising stars within the NBA.
The survey included 48 distinct questions fielded to 30 general managers. Executives projected the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs as top favorites to secure the NBA Finals title this season.
The players
Damian Lillard
He is an elite point guard who received executive votes for his leadership and shooting ability.
Ja Morant
He is a dynamic guard recognized by general managers as a potential breakout performer this season.
Jrue Holiday
He is a veteran defensive specialist identified by executives as a future coaching talent.
Toumani Camara
He is a versatile defender who earned recognition from NBA general managers for his impact on the court.
The details
Executives identified the Portland Trail Blazers as a seventh-place seed in the Western Conference and tied them with the Indiana Pacers for the fifth-toughest team to predict. The Philadelphia 76ers led the unpredictability metric with 27% of the total vote from the respondents.
Timeline
The 25th annual survey results were released on October 15, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This release sets the baseline expectations for the league and establishes the early narrative for the playoff race. The survey results serve as a benchmark for how the season's competitive balance will be measured throughout the coming months.
Fantasy basketball players and fans can utilize the breakout player and leader designations to adjust their rosters and season expectations. The data confirms that front office personnel consider the 76ers and Trail Blazers among the most volatile teams to evaluate in current standings.
The takeaway
These survey results reflect the collective wisdom of team executives but serve only as early-season projections. Fans should look for how actual team performance throughout the year diverges from these front-office expectations.
Further reading
For more in-depth coverage of the league, visit the United States Basketball section.
Live Poll
Do you trust the predictions of professional general managers regarding your local team's success?
