Each year, John Schuhmann of NBA.com surveys all thirty NBA General Managers about the upcoming season. Those surveyed cannot vote for their own players or teams, and questions range from championship contenders to MVP candidates to ranking in-game decision makers. This year, the Sacramento Kings garnered some rare favor in several different areas.
First off, was Keegan Murray’s performance in the survey. After his Summer League dominance, it should come as no surprise that front offices around the NBA are high on his potential, and the survey responses reflect that confidence. He ranked second in Rookie of the Year voting, garnering 17% of the vote, compared to Paolo Banchero’s overwhelming 79%, and Murray also placed fifth in the category of which rookie would be the best NBA player in five years, trailing the other top-5 selections in this year’s lottery: Paolo Banchero (31%), Chet Holmgren (28%), Jabari Smith (14%), and Jaden Ivey (14%). Murray was also only one of two top-5 picks to be voted as one of the biggest steals compared to selection place, receiving 4 of 30 votes.
Monte McNair was also complimented throughout the assessment. The Kings received at least one vote for the best overall moves in the offseason, with the star-acquiring Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves dominating those ratings, and Kevin Huerter also received some love in the most underrated player acquisition question. As a team, the Kings were also mentioned as one of the most improved teams in 2021-2022, and Mike Brown placed second among the four new coaches in who would make the biggest impact on their new team, sitting behind Darvin Ham of the Los Angeles Lakers.
And finally, the ranking that should surprise Kings fans the least is the voting for the fastest player in the NBA with the ball, as De’Aaron Fox sat in second (31% of the vote) compared to Ja Morant’s 62%.
Although these votes are often incorrect over the course of the season, and mean nothing concrete for how a team, player, or coach will succeed next season, it’s still nice to see that other General Managers around the NBA have recognized some of the improvements that the Sacramento Kings have made in one of their most successful offseason as of late.
I noticed with the Which rookie will be the best player in five years? question that Murray was fifth, which, considering his draft position was four, is more of a criticism than a compliment.
Not exactly surprised that Davion didn’t garner votes in any of the defensive categories, but I guess everyone is just going to have to learn the hard way. When they finally figure it out, it’ll sound like, “Who is this kid? Where did he come from? I’ve just discovered a new top-level defensive talent in the NBA!”
You’re late.
Yet Murray also got votes as the biggest steal. Just goes to show player evaluation is very subjective.
Getting votes for best international player not in the NBA, none other than Sasha Vezenkov
(laughs in Wembanyama)
Best player to become a future head coach, getting votes Matthew Dellavedova
My money is on Rondo.
Which matters more:
A) Annual GM Survey
B) ESPY awards
C) High School Yearbook signing from a classmate you barely know that reads “you’re pretty cool.”
D) _______________
The blessing of Sims.
You love me. You want to have all my babies.
?
Nice to see, tempered by the reality that folks such as Vlade Divac have participated in this survey in the past.
I’m not sure there are any folks quite like Vlade Divac.
What about that old Jazz GM who burned down his house lighting his farts on fire?
Badge Legend