Spurs Favored for 2026-27 NBA Title as Victor Wembanyama Sweeps Player Categories in GM Survey
Spurs Seen as Top Contenders for 2026-27 NBA Championship
NBA general managers answered 48 questions about the upcoming season, showing strong support for Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs led the pack as favorites to win the NBA title, capturing 50% of the votes. They edged out the Oklahoma City Thunder who received 43%, while reigning champions the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers also earned some recognition.
The Spurs were also favored for having the most promising young core (87%) and tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves as the most entertaining team to watch (30%).
Victor Wembanyama Dominates Player Awards
Victor Wembanyama was overwhelmingly picked as the season's MVP by 77% of GMs. He was also the top choice (93%) for the first player they'd sign if starting an NBA franchise. Additionally, he earned 47% of votes as the player forcing the most coaching adjustments.
Other categories where Wembanyama led include best international player (54%), best defensive player (97%), best interior defender (97%), most versatile player (57%), and most versatile defender (30%).
Yet, Wembanyama did not take home every individual honor. The best power forward went to Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Miami Heat with 70%, beating Wembanyama’s 23%. The best center award was claimed by Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets, winning 63% to 37% over Wembanyama.
Spurs’ Rising Stars and Key Acquisitions
Not only Wembanyama but other Spurs players caught attention. Dylan Harper, the No. 2 overall pick in 2025 and All-Rookie First Team member last season, is viewed as the player most likely to break out this year (27%). He outpaced contenders like Cooper Flagg from the Dallas Mavericks and others who each got 7% of the vote.
Tobias Harris, who joined the Spurs on a two-year, $30.8 million deal in July, was recognized as the most underrated offseason acquisition with 20% of votes. This surpassed the Boston Celtics' signing of Mitchell Robinson (17%).
Point Guards, Summer Moves, and Other Highlights
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder remains the league’s top point guard with 67% backing. He outpaced Jalen Brunson of the Knicks (20%) and Luka Dončić of the Lakers (10%). Dončić, meanwhile, was voted the best small forward (37%), narrowly beating Jayson Tatum (33%).
The Philadelphia 76ers gained praise for their summer acquisitions, including Jaylen Brown and LeBron James, earning 73% for best offseason moves. Still, GMs think Giannis Antetokounmpo's move to the Heat will have the biggest impact (53%) compared to Brown (20%) and James (13%).
Additional GM Predictions and Opinions
- Most Improved Team: Indiana Pacers (43%), ahead of Washington Wizards (23%)
- Rookie of the Year Favorite: Cameron Boozer (Memphis Grizzlies) with 50%, followed by Caleb Wilson (Chicago Bulls) at 20%, and AJ Dybantsa (Washington Wizards) at 17%
- Best Player in Five Years: Caleb Wilson and AJ Dybantsa tied with 33%, Boozer at 23%
- Best Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat) with 43%, beating Mark Daigneault (Oklahoma City Thunder) at 37%
- Best Manager/Motivator: Tie between Erik Spoelstra, Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors), and Joe Mazzulla (Boston Celtics) at 23% each
- Best Offensive Coach: Rick Carlisle (Indiana Pacers) with 47%, over Tyronn Lue (Los Angeles Clippers)
- Future Best Head Coach Player: Mike Conley (Boston Celtics) at 50%, followed by T.J. McConnell (Pacers) at 13% and Jalen Brunson at 10%
- Player Chosen for Last Shot: Stephen Curry (50%), with Jalen Brunson receiving 17%
GMs were not allowed to vote for their own team, players, or coaches.
Season Opening Details
The 2026-27 NBA season kicks off Tuesday, October 20, with a triple-header. The Detroit Pistons host the Boston Celtics at 3 p.m. ET, followed by the New York Knicks raising their championship banner before facing the Philadelphia 76ers at 7 p.m. ET. The night closes with the Oklahoma City Thunder visiting the San Antonio Spurs at 9:30 p.m. ET.
