Raptors Don't Receive Much Recognition in Latest Annual GM Survey
Scotiabank Arena is no longer considered the NBA’s best home-court advantage, NBA general managers say.
The annual NBA GM Survey is out courtesy of John Schuhmann, and it’s seen Scotiabank Arena fall from No. 1 last season with 21% of the votes, to No. 5, with just 7% of the votes for best home-court advantage.
The Toronto Raptors don’t appear very often in the survey this season. O.G. Anunoby is shockingly absent from any defensive award conversations. It appears as though he didn’t even receive a vote as one of the league’s top perimeter defenders, nor for defensive versatility, two skills he prides himself on.
Veteran guard Garrett Temple is considered the second most likely player to become a head coach one day, receiving 13% of the votes. Only Chris Paul received more votes.
Dennis Schröder received recognition from at least one voter as one of the most underrated acquisitions of the offseason, an honor that went to the Memphis Grizzlies for adding Marcus Smart.
Darko Rajaković is considered the fourth most likely coach to have the biggest impact on his new team. Ime Udoka received 57% of the votes. Former Raptors coach Nick Nurse did not receive any while former Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin was tied with Rajakovic with 7% of the votes.
At least one general manager reported that Toronto is the league’s toughest team to predict this season.
As for the rest of the league, Nikola Jokic is expected to earn the league’s MVP honor this year. Anthony Edwards is considered the most likely breakout candidate. Steph Curry, Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jokic received the most votes for best player at their respective positions. Denver and Boston, meanwhile, were tied for most likely to win the NBA championship this year.
