Spurs Seen as Top NBA Title Contenders; Wembanyama Dominates in 2026-27 GM Survey

San Antonio Spurs Favored to Win NBA Championship

NBA general managers responded to 48 questions about the upcoming 2026-27 season, revealing strong enthusiasm for Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs emerged as the top choice to claim the NBA title, receiving 50% of votes, ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder at 43%, with the defending champions New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers also receiving some support.

The Spurs were also recognized for having the most promising young roster, gathering 87% of the votes, and tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves as the most entertaining team to watch, both securing 30%.

Wembanyama Sweeps Key Player Categories

Victor Wembanyama dominated player-related categories. He was the clear favorite for MVP with 77% backing, and 93% of GMs said he would be their first signing if starting a franchise. He also led votes for players who force coaches to adjust (47%), best international player (54%), best defensive player (97%), best interior defender (97%), most versatile player (57%), and most versatile defender (30%).

Two categories where Wembanyama did not top the list were best power forward, which went to Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Miami Heat (70% vs. 23%), and best center, awarded to Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets (63% vs. 37%).

Other Spurs Players Gain Recognition

Dylan Harper, the No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft and an All-Rookie First Team member last season, was chosen as the most likely to have a breakout year with 27% of the vote. He edged out last season’s Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg from the Dallas Mavericks, as well as Collin Murray-Boyles of the Toronto Raptors, Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets, and Cason Wallace of the Thunder, all of whom earned 7% each.

Tobias Harris, who joined the Spurs on a two-year, $30.8 million contract from the Detroit Pistons this July, was viewed as the most underrated offseason acquisition with 20%, narrowly beating Mitchell Robinson of the Boston Celtics who received 17%.

Point Guards and Offseason Moves Highlighted

Back-to-back MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder was voted the league's top point guard by 67%, surpassing Jalen Brunson of the Knicks (20%) and Luka Dončić of the Lakers (10%). Dončić did take the crown for best small forward with 37%, edging out Jayson Tatum (33%).

The Philadelphia 76ers earned 73% of votes for making the best offseason moves, bolstered by additions like Jaylen Brown and LeBron James. Still, the biggest impact move was seen as Antetokounmpo’s switch to the Heat, gaining 53% compared to Brown's 20% and James' 13%.

Additional Survey Insights

• Most improved team: Indiana Pacers (43%) over Washington Wizards (23%)
• Rookie of the Year favorite: Cameron Boozer (Memphis Grizzlies) with 50%, followed by Caleb Wilson (Chicago Bulls) at 20%, and No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa (Washington Wizards) at 17%
• Best future players in five years: Dybantsa and Wilson tied at 33%, Boozer at 23%
• Top head coach: Erik Spoelstra (Heat) 43%, Mark Daigneault (Thunder) 37%
• Best motivators/managers: Spoelstra, Steve Kerr (Golden State), Joe Mazzulla (Boston) all tied at 23%
• Best tactician: Rick Carlisle (Pacers) 30%, over Tyronn Lue (Clippers)
• Coach running best offense: Rick Carlisle with 47%
• Player most likely to become a head coach: Mike Conley (Celtics) with 50%, followed by T.J. McConnell (Pacers) 13%, and Jalen Brunson 10%
• Player to take last shot in clutch: Stephen Curry (50%), Brunson with 17%

General managers were prohibited from voting for their own teams, players, or coaches.

2026-27 NBA Season Opener

The new season starts Tuesday, October 20, with a triple-header. The Detroit Pistons will host the Boston Celtics at 3 p.m. ET. The New York Knicks will then unveil their championship banner before facing the Philadelphia 76ers at 7 p.m. ET. The night concludes with the Oklahoma City Thunder visiting the San Antonio Spurs at 9:30 p.m. ET.