An annual survey of NBA general managers revealed on Thursday that the league is bracing for a full takeover by Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
After winning 62 games and making a surprise trip to the NBA Finals last season, the Spurs emerged as the survey’s 2027 championship favourite. Wembanyama was projected to win MVP and be selected as the league’s best defensive player.
In addition, the 7-foot-4 French centre received 93% of the votes in response to the question: “If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?”
Spurs Seen as Favourites, But Not Overwhelmingly So
The general managers did not view the Spurs as overwhelming title favourites. San Antonio received 50% of the votes, narrowly topping the 2025 champion Oklahoma City Thunder. The defending champion New York Knicks, who were picked to win the Eastern Conference, and the new-look Philadelphia 76ers, bolstered by LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, also received votes to win the title.
Wembanyama Dominates the Individual Honours
Wembanyama, 22, was selected as the heavy favourite to win his first MVP award with 77% of the votes. Denver’s Nikola Jokic (10%) and Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards (7%) also earned nods.
Wembanyama was also named the “player who forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments,” the “best international player” and the “most versatile player.” He was not the only Spurs star to receive recognition in the extensive survey.
Dylan Harper, the 2025 No. 2 pick, was voted the player most likely to enjoy a breakthrough season, topping Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg. Tobias Harris, a veteran forward who signed with San Antonio in free agency, was named the offseason’s “most underrated player acquisition.” Finally, the Spurs’ young core, which includes Wembanyama, Harper and Stephon Castle, was named the league’s most promising.
76ers Lead the Offseason Verdicts
The general managers judged the 76ers to have made the “best overall moves this offseason” by adding James and Brown, ahead of the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets. However, Miami’s trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo was viewed as the “acquisition who will make the biggest impact.”
The league’s general managers have taken part in this survey for the past 25 seasons. This year’s edition featured 48 questions covering players, teams and recent transactions.