Full Breakdown
NBA General Managers Survey: Thunder and Jokic Dominate Predictions for 2025-26 Season
10/9/2025, 9:49:14 PM
Oklahoma City Thunder: Favorites to Repeat as Champions
In the annual NBA General Managers survey, the Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as overwhelming favorites to win the 2025-26 NBA Championship, receiving 80% of the votes from the league's executives. If successful, this would mark the first back-to-back championship since the Golden State Warriors achieved this feat in 2018. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets each garnered 7% of the votes, while the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks received 3% each. The Thunder's dominance is underscored by their impressive performance last season, finishing with a league-best record of 68-14 and winning the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers.
Key Players and Awards
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder's star guard, was voted the best point guard in the league, receiving 73% of the votes. He is also a strong contender for the MVP award, with Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets leading that category at 67%. Jokic's consistent performance has earned him the MVP title in three of the last five seasons, and he remains a pivotal player for the Nuggets. Other notable players recognized in the survey include Victor Wembanyama, who was overwhelmingly chosen as the player GMs would want to start a franchise with, receiving 83% of the votes.
Team Rankings and Predictions
The Thunder were also favored to win the Western Conference, with 87% of GMs predicting their success. The Nuggets followed with 10%, while the Rockets received 3%. In the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers were projected to finish first, followed by the Knicks and the Orlando Magic. The survey indicated a shift in expectations for teams like the Boston Celtics, who received little confidence from GMs, finishing eighth in the East rankings.
Breakout Players and Offseason Moves
Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets was highlighted as the player most likely to have a breakout season, receiving 30% of the votes. The Atlanta Hawks were recognized for having the best offseason, while the Orlando Magic were deemed the most improved team, earning 47% of the votes in that category. The Magic's acquisition of Desmond Bane was noted as a significant move, with Bane also recognized as one of the most underrated acquisitions of the offseason.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the Thunder's strong positioning, some teams, like the New York Knicks, received limited support in the survey. GMs expressed skepticism about the Knicks' chances, with only 30% believing they would secure the top seed in the Eastern Conference. This contrasts with the optimism surrounding the Thunder, highlighting the varying expectations across the league.
Conclusion: A Season of High Expectations
As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the survey results reflect a clear consensus among GMs regarding the Thunder's potential and Jokic's continued dominance. The insights from this survey will likely shape discussions among analysts, fans, and players as they anticipate a season filled with competitive matchups and the emergence of new stars. The Thunder's trajectory and the MVP race promise to be focal points as the season unfolds.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Thunder have put together a young core that is not only skilled but also shows immense potential for growth.” — NBA Executive
- “When he’s on the court, he changes the way the game is played.” — Coach on Nikola Jokic
Official Statements & Responses
The NBA General Managers survey serves as a valuable tool for understanding the strategic landscape of the league, highlighting trends and expectations that will shape the NBA in the upcoming season. The recognition of the Thunder as a team with a bright future may influence how other franchises approach their rebuilds, encouraging a focus on developing young talent.
