Boston Celtics make solid showing in NBA’s annual GM survey
The league’s annual “NBA app” survey of all 30 ball clubs’ general managers has been published, and as you might expect for the Boston Celtics‘ current status as serious contenders for an NBA title, the favorite team of many of you reading this has a substantial presence among the included questions’ replies.
The results, written up by the NBA’s John Schuhmann, were created from a total of 50 questions sent to GMs around the league, with the caveat included that those general managers were not allowed to answer any questions about their own team or the players on their rosters.
Let’s dive into where the Celtics stand in the results.
When it comes to what Ime Udoka did to get suspended, Celtics’ Marcus Smart says ‘we don’t know anything’ https://t.co/9jsonZDhL0
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) October 4, 2022
Which team will win the 2023 NBA Finals?
Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Here, the Celtics came in fourth overall with just 11% of the vote, behind the Milwaukee Bucks (43%), Golden State Warriors (25%), and Los Angeles Clippers (21%).
Don’t put too much stock in these things, however — last season, the Brooklyn Nets had 72% of the votes.
Eastern Conference rankings
Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
The 29 other GMs collectively see the Celtics finishing second in the NBA’s Eastern Conference with 45% of the votes for that slot.
They are behind the Milwaukee Bucks (72% for first place), and ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers (66% of the vote for third place).
Who will win the 2022-23 Kia MVP?
Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
This question’s answers were dominated by Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic with 48% of the vote, followed by Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo with 34%.
Notably absent? Boston’s Jayson Tatum — or any Celtics player.
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
This question was won by the phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker with 45% of the vote.
Oddly, Jaylen Brown did not even make the “also getting votes” category — but Jayson Tatum did.
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
(AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Here, the Celtics’ Tatum was given his due with second place overall at a position he actually plays with 24% of the vote.
He trailed the Nets’ Kevin Durant, who managed to nab 45% of the votes despite being shut down by Tatum in the 2022 NBA Playoffs.
Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?
(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Given all of the attention their trade for Malcolm Brogdon and the signing of Danilo Gallinari got at the start of the summer, you would be forgiven if you expected to see Boston higher here.
But the Gallo ACL injury likely impacted the Celtics’ demotion to “also receiving votes” here.
What was the most underrated player acquisition?
Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
As a counterpoint to that lack of love for Boston’s offseason, the Celtics were voted the No. 1 option here with 48% of the vote for Malcolm Brogdon.
Next closest? A tie between PJ Tucker to the 76ers and John Wall to the Clippers with 14% of the vote each.
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
If Boston’s Marcus Smart needs some fuel for the coming season, his odd absence from this list ought to do it.
Those placing include Giannis (48%), the Dubs’ Draymond Green (24%), Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert (10%), with the Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo, Bucks’ Jrue Holiday, Clips’ Kawhi Leonard, Nets’ Ben Simmons, and the Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins also getting votes.
Yeah, that should do nicely, Marcus.
Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Here, Smart gets his flowers with the No. 1 spot and 41% of the vote.
Below him are Jrue Holiday (31%), Kawhi Leonard (10%), and the Suns’ Mikal Bridges (7%).
Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?
Russell Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
This was won with Rudy Gobert getting an astounding 83% of the vote.
Notably absent? Boston’s Robert Williams III.
Who is the most versatile defender in the NBA?
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Another win for Giannis here with 41% of the vote.
More notable absences — there are precisely zero Celtics on this list despite the team having the best defense in the league for much of last season.
Which is the best defensive team in the NBA?
Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
Despite the above, Boston checks in at No. 1 with a commanding 69% of the vote, leading the Dubs (10%), and the Heat and Bucks (tied at 7%).
Perhaps these GMs see a synergistic quality in Boston — otherwise, they might want to check their work.
Which head coach has the best defensive schemes?
(Elsa/Getty Images)
Despite his suspension this season, last season Udoka came in third for this question with 7% of the vote along with the clips’ Tyronne Lue, Sun’ Monty Williams, and New York Knicks’ Tom Thibodeau.
The category was won by Miami’s Eric Spoelstra (34%), followed closely by the Toronto Raptors’ Nick Nurse.
Which active player will make the best head coach someday?
Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
This one was won by the Suns’ Chris Paul (32%), with Garrett Temple second at 14%.
Boston did register here with Malcolm Brogdon listed among “also getting votes”.
Which team is the most fun to watch?
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Warriors easily won this question with 52% of the vote, followed by the Memphis Grizzlies (28%).
The Celtics did check in among the “also getting votes” crowd, though.
Which team has the best home-court advantage?
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Raps came away with a narrow (21%) victory here.
Right on their heels is a tie between the Denver Nuggets and the Celtics at 17% each.
