The league’s annual “NBA app” survey of all 30 clubs’ general managers has been published, and as you might expect given the Boston Celtics‘ current status as serious contenders for an NBA title, the favorite team of many of you reading this has a substantial presence among the included questions’ replies.
The results, written up by the NBA’s John Schuhmann, were created from a total of 50 questions sent to GMs around the league, with the caveat that those general managers were not allowed to answer any questions about their own team or the players on their rosters.
Let’s dive into where the Celtics stand in the results.
When it comes to what Ime Udoka did to get suspended, Celtics’ Marcus Smart says ‘we don’t know anything’ https://t.co/9jsonZDhL0
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) October 4, 2022
Which team will win the 2023 NBA Finals?
Here, the Celtics came in fourth with just 11% of the vote, behind the Milwaukee Bucks (43%), Golden State Warriors (25%) and Los Angeles Clippers (21%).
Don’t put too much stock in these things, however — last season, the Brooklyn Nets had 72% of the votes.
Eastern Conference rankings
The 29 other GMs collectively see the Celtics finishing second in the NBA’s Eastern Conference with 45% of the votes for that slot.
They are behind the Milwaukee Bucks (72% for first place), and ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers (66% of the vote for third place).
Who will win the 2022-23 Kia MVP?
This question’s answers were dominated by Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic with 48% of the vote, followed by Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo with 34%.
Notably absent? Boston’s Jayson Tatum — or any Celtics player.
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
The top answer to this question was the Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker with 45% of the vote.
Oddly, Jaylen Brown did not even make the “also getting votes” category — but Jayson Tatum did.
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
Here, the Celtics’ Tatum was given his due, second place at a position he actually plays, with 24% of the vote.
He trailed the Nets’ Kevin Durant, who nabbed 45% of the votes despite being shut down by Tatum in the 2022 NBA playoffs.
Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?
Given the attention their trade for Malcolm Brogdon and the signing of Danilo Gallinari received at the start of the summer, you would be forgiven if you expected to see Boston higher here.
But the Gallo ACL injury likely resulted in the Celtics’ demotion to “also receiving votes” here.
What was the most underrated player acquisition?
As a counterpoint to that lack of love for Boston’s offseason, the Celtics were voted the No. 1 option here with 48% of the vote for Malcolm Brogdon.
Next closest? A tie between PJ Tucker to the 76ers and John Wall to the Clippers with 14% of the vote each.
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
If Boston’s Marcus Smart needs some fuel for the coming season, his odd absence from this list ought to do it.
Those placing include Giannis (48%), the Golden State Warriors Draymond Green (24%) and Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert (10%). The Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo, Bucks’ Jrue Holiday, Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard, Nets’ Ben Simmons and the Dubs’ Andrew Wiggins also getting votes.
Yeah, that should do nicely, Marcus.
Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
Here, Smart gets his flowers with the No. 1 spot and 41% of the vote.
Below him are Jrue Holiday (31%), Kawhi Leonard (10%) and the Suns’ Mikal Bridges (7%).
Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?
Rudy Gobert received an astounding 83% of the vote.
Notably absent? Boston’s Robert Williams III.
Who is the most versatile defender in the NBA?
Another top placing for Giannis here with 41% of the vote.
More notable absences — there are precisely zero Celtics on this list despite the team having the best defense in the league for much of last season.
Which is the best defensive team in the NBA?
Despite the above, Boston checks in at No. 1 with a commanding 69% of the vote, leading the Dubs (10%), and the Heat and Bucks (tied at 7%).
Perhaps these GMs see a synergistic quality in Boston — otherwise, they might want to check their work.
Which head coach has the best defensive schemes?
Despite his suspension this season, Boston’s Ime Udoka was third for this question with 7% of the vote along with the Los Angeles Clippers’ Tyronne Lue, Phoenix Suns’ Monty Williams and New York Knicks’ Tom Thibodeau.
The category was led by Miami’s Eric Spoelstra (34%) followed closely by the Toronto Raptors’ Nick Nurse.
Which active player will make the best head coach someday?
The choice here was the Suns’ Chris Paul (32%). Garrett Temple was second choice at 14%.
Boston registered here: Malcolm Brogdon listed among “also getting votes.”
Which team is the most fun to watch?
The Warriors easily won this question with 52% of the vote, followed by the Memphis Grizzlies (28%).
The Celtics checked in among the “also getting votes” crowd, though.
Which team has the best home-court advantage?
The Raps were the top choice narrowly (21%); right behind them was a tie between the Denver Nuggets and the Celtics (17%).
