2024-25 NBA GM poll gives Celtics fans a lot to digest originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Celtics return every key player from one of the most dominant NBA championship teams in recent memory. But due to various circumstances, they have received enough disrespect since they raised Banner 18 in June.
From The Olympic humiliation of Jaylen Brown to Jayson Tatum lack of minutes in Paris to Kendrick Perkins of ESPN claiming that “no one fears” the reigning NBA champions, the Celtics have many doubters entering the 2024-25 season. But does that doubt translate to front offices around the league?
John Schuhmann of NBA.com has released the results of its annual NBA GM poll, in which it polls general managers from all 30 teams on a variety of questions related to the best teams, players, offseason moves and more. (GMs were not allowed to vote for their own team or players.)
As you might expect, the Celtics were well represented in the survey. Here is a summary of notable Celtic mentions in the survey, followed by some of our prescriptions:
Which team will win the 2025 NBA Finals?
1. Boston Celtics – 83 percent of votes
2. Oklahoma City Thunder – 13 percent
3. Dallas Mavericks – 3 percent
Who will win 2025 NBA MVP?
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City – 40 percent
2. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 30 percent
T-3. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia – 7 percent
T-3. Nikola Jokic, Denver – 7 percent
T-3. Jayson Tatum, Boston – 7 percent
Also receiving votes: Jaylen Brown, Boston
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
1. Jayson Tatum, Boston – 47 percent
T-2. Luka Doncic, Dallas – 17 percent
T-2. Kevin Durant, Phoenix – 17 percent
T-2. LeBron James, LA Lakers – 17 percent
5. Jaylen Brown, Boston – 3 percent
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio – 40 percent
T-2. Bam Adebayo, Miami – 10 percent
T-2. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota – 10 percent
T-2. Jrue Holiday, Boston – 10 percent
T-5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee – 7 percent
T-5. Anthony Davis, LA Lakers – 7 percent
T-5. Herb Jones, New Orleans – 7 percent
Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
1. Jrue Holiday, Boston – 43 percent
2. Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City – 20 percent
3. Herb Jones, New Orleans – 17 percent
4. Lou Dort, Oklahoma City – 7 percent
Also receiving votes: Derrick White, Boston
Who is the best defensive team in the NBA?
1. Boston Celtics – 57 percent
2. Minnesota Timberwolves – 23 percent
3. Oklahoma City Thunder – 20 percent
Which team will have the league’s most efficient offense this season?
1. Boston Celtics – 53 percent
2. Indiana Pacers – 20 percent
3. Oklahoma City Thunder – 13 percent
4. Dallas Mavericks – 7 percent
Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people?
1. Erik Spoelstra, Miami – 37 percent
2. Steve Kerr, Golden State – 17 percent
T-3. Joe Mazzulla, Boston – 10 percent
T-3. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio – 10 percent
T-3. Doc Rivers, Milwaukee – 10 percent
6. Jason Kidd, Dallas – 7 percent
Which head coach runs the best offense?
1. Rick Carlisle, Indiana – 47 percent
2. Joe Mazzulla, Boston – 17 percent
3. Chris Finch, Minnesota – 13 percent
4. Steve Kerr, Golden State – 10 percent
Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?
T-1. Sam Cassell, Boston – 17 percent
T-1. Micah Nori, Minnesota – 17 percent
3. Sean Sweeney, Dallas – 10 percent
T-4. Chris Quinn, Miami – 7 percent
T-4. Jeff Van Gundy, LA Clippers – 7 percent
And here are some takeaways based on those results:
NBA GMs it seems very bullish on the Celtics as a team, overwhelmingly picking them to repeat as champions anticipating that they will have the best defense in the league. and its most effective offense.
The respect for Tatum is real: the C’s star was voted the NBA’s best forward for the second straight year and was tied for third in MVP voting behind only Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic.
GMs clearly love Holiday. In addition to being voted the NBA’s best perimeter defender, Holiday also received votes for best overall defender (tied for second), most versatile player (tied for fifth) and best leader (tied for fourth).
If Celtics fans have a problem, it would be with the coaching department. Mazzulla ranked in the top five in two separate coaching polls, yet did not receive a single vote for “best head coach.” (Miami’s Erik Spoelstra received 69 percent of the vote.)
Maybe GMs feel Mazzulla was boosted by Boston’s talent last season, but it’s baffling that the coach of the NBA’s best team isn’t even in the best coach discussion.
