2025-2026 NBA Season Predictions: GMs Back OKC for a Repeat, Nikola Jokic for MVP, and Erik Spoelstra as the League's Top Bench Boss on the Sports Channel
The annual preseason survey of the NBA's general managers has dropped, offering a fascinating peek into the minds of the league's leading decision-makers ahead of the new season. This is more than just water-cooler talk; it's a genuine gauge of respect and expectation across the NBA landscape. The results point to a familiar powerhouse in the West and some major international star power dominating the individual awards.
The Reigning Champs are Overwhelming Favorites
The Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off their championship run, are heavily favored to go back-to-back. No team has won consecutive titles since the Golden State Warriors did it nearly a decade ago, but GMs clearly see the Thunder as the team to break that streak. A massive 80% of the vote went to OKC to lift the trophy this season, dwarfing the 7% each received by Cleveland and Denver. This vote is a huge endorsement of their young core and the structure put in place by their front office. In a league designed for parity, the level of confidence in the Thunder's repeat bid is truly astounding.
When it comes to the Western Conference playoff picture, GMs predict an OKC-led top four, with Denver, Houston, and Minnesota following in order. The East is expected to be led by Cleveland, then New York, Orlando, and Atlanta.
The MVP Race: A Rocky Mountain of International Talent
The MVP trophy is expected to stay in the hands of an international star. In what would be his fourth MVP in six seasons, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is the overwhelming choice, snagging 67% of the votes. This prediction highlights the sustained, unprecedented dominance of the Serbian superstar.
Trailing Jokic are Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers (10%) and last season's MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder (8%). It seems GMs believe the reigning MVP will have to settle for another incredible season while Jokic reclaims the top individual honor. Also receiving significant buzz is San Antonio’s phenom Victor Wembanyama, who received 7% of the MVP votes, an impressive figure for a player so early in his career.
Coach Spoelstra: Consistency is King
Once again, the respect for Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is near-unanimous. Spoelstra was voted the best coach in the league, capturing 52% of the vote. The only other coach to receive a substantial portion was Oklahoma City's Mark Daigneault, who finished second with 34%. Spoelstra’s perennial excellence, regardless of the roster changes, makes him a benchmark for coaching brilliance across the league, a theme often discussed on the Sports Channel during the offseason.
Position-by-Position Excellence and Defensive Dominance
The GMs also ranked the top players at each position, showcasing a blend of established veterans and rising stars. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (73%) was the clear-cut choice for best point guard, while Anthony Edwards (70%) topped the shooting guard list. Giannis Antetokounmpo (93%) and Nikola Jokic (97%) were virtually unanimous picks at power forward and center, respectively.
When it comes to defense, there's a new king. Despite his early shutdown last season, Victor Wembanyama was voted the overwhelming favorite for Best Defensive Player, commanding 80% of the vote. This massive vote of confidence confirms the hype around his generational defensive potential, a key storyline for every Sports Channel analyst. The GMs also see Cooper Flagg of Dallas as the clear Rookie of the Year winner, receiving a near-perfect 97% of the votes.
Stephen Curry and the Most Improved Teams
Golden State's Stephen Curry may have been supplanted in some position rankings, but he remains the league's undisputed best pure shooter (93%). He was also the top choice for best leader and the player GMs would want taking the critical shot with the game on the line.
Finally, the GMs expect to see significant strides from a few clubs. Orlando (47%) and Atlanta (20%), tied with San Antonio (20%), are tipped to be the most improved teams this season. The dramatic changes and player development on display will make these teams essential viewing on any Sports Channel broadcast.
The NBA is poised for another electrifying season, and the general managers have laid out their forecast. Will the Thunder fulfill the prophecy, and can Jokic ascend to MVP status once more? Only time will tell, but the excitement is already building!
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