With the start of the NBA’s regular season right around the proverbial corner, GM’s around the league were recently asked to vote on a series of topics, including best teams, players, coaches, fans, and offseason moves. As it turns out, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers were near the top in quite a few categories.
According to a report from NBA.com, the Golden State Warriors, winners of last year’s Larry O’Brien trophy, are still the favorites to win it all this season. The Cavs, defenders of last season’s Eastern Conference crown, were given just a seven percent chance of reclaiming the title in 2018.
Which team will win the 2018 NBA Finals?
1. Golden State – 93%
2. Cleveland – 7%
Last year: Golden State – 69%
When it comes to the top team in the East, the Cavs took the cake by quite a wide margin, as they garnered 86 percent of the first place votes that were given.
Rank the top four teams in the Eastern Conference:
Who did the GM’s pick to win MVP this season, you ask? Look no further than LeBron James.
Who will win the 2017-18 MVP?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 50%
2. Kevin Durant, Golden State –29%
3. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio – 11%
4. James Harden, Houston – 7%
5. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 4%
James’ votes didn’t stop there, however. The King, now a three-time champion, also finished first in aggravating opposing coaches, so to speak.
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 48%
2. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 21%
3. James Harden, Houston – 14%
4. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City – 7%
Who is the best small forward in today’s NBA?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 61%
2. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 32%
3. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio – 7%
Believe it or not, James actually topped some of the league’s best point guards in the voting for best passer.
Which player is the best passer?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 36%
2. Chris Paul, Houston – 32%
3. James Harden, Houston – 7%
Ricky Rubio, Utah – 7%
John Wall, Washington – 7%
Which player is the best leader?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 43%
2. Chris Paul, Houston – 21%
3. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 14%
4. Mike Conley, Memphis – 7%
Who is the most versatile player in the NBA?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 55%
2. Kevin Durant, Golden State – 14%
Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio – 14%
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 10%
5. Draymond Green, Golden State – 7%
Which player has the best basketball IQ?
1. LeBron James, Cleveland – 64%
2. Chris Paul, Houston –14%
3. Stephen Curry, Golden State – 11%
It’s clear to see that the NBA’s GM’s still hold James’ talents in high regard — and for good reason. In his 74 games played for the Cavs last season, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 Draft posted some of the best statistical figures of his career, averaging 26.4 points on 55 percent shooting from the field, 8.7 assists (career-high), 8.6 rebounds (career-high), and 1.2 steals in 37.8 minutes per contest.
With no signs of slowing down, it seems as though James is poised to lead the Cavaliers back to the postseason.