The 2023-24 edition of the NBA GM survey has been released, and the Phoenix Suns are mentioned over 20 times on it (out of 50 questions).
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Firstly, the Suns were picked as the fourth most likely team (7%) to win the NBA Finals behind the Celtics (33%), Nuggets (33%) and Bucks (23%).
They were ranked as the second-best team in the Western Conference behind the Denver Nuggets (35% of total vote), receiving 26% of the total vote. Phoenix received 23% of first-place votes, 50% of second-place votes, 3% of third-place votes and 7% of fourth-place votes.
Despite adding 13 newcomers, the Suns were only listed in the “also receiving votes” category when it came to which team made the best overall moves this offseason.
Highlighted by the team’s new Big 3, GMs ranked the Suns fourth for the most fun-to-watch team (7% of vote). They were behind the Nuggets (30%), Warriors (23%) and Kings (20%).
The Suns were tied for fifth (7%) for which team will have the league’s most efficient offense this season. The Nuggets (34%), Kings (21%), Warriors (14%) and Celtics (10%) were all in front of them. Milwaukee was the team tied with them in this question.
Because of all the new acquisitions, the Suns tied for fourth (10%) for which team’s level of success this season is toughest to predict.
Devin Booker
Devin Booker was overwhelmingly voted the best shooting guard in the NBA, receiving over 63% of the vote. Steph Curry was the next highest at 10%.
Booker also had the fourth-highest total votes out of players on position questions (12.7%).
Kevin Durant
Suns’ forward Kevin Durant received the second-most votes for best small forward in the NBA (20%), as well as the second-most for best power forward in the NBA (3%).
Durant was mentioned in the “also receiving votes” category for MVP. Booker was not mentioned here.
In terms of the most versatile player in the league, Durant received 7% of the votes, good for third place. Giannis Antetokounmpo (45%) and LeBron James (28%) were ahead of him.
Durant received the second-most votes (27%) for the player you want taking a shot with the game on the line, trailing only former teammate Stephen Curry (37%).
Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal, who was acquired from the Wizards in June, ranked as the third-highest player acquisition that will make the biggest impact (10%). He was placed behind Damian Lillard (47%) and Jrue Holiday (13%).
The trade tied for fourth (7%) on “the most surprising move this offseason.” It ranked behind the Holiday/Lillard trade (43%), Smart/Porzingis trade (20%) and Chris Paul to Golden State (17%). It tied with Bruce Brown going to Indiana.
Jusuf Nurkić
One of the newest Suns, Jusuf Nurkić, was included in the “also receiving votes” category for player acquisition that will make the biggest impact.
Nurkić tied for third place with 7% of the vote for being the most underrated player acquisition.
Frank Vogel
New Suns’ coach, Frank Vogel, was tied for fourth in the league for best defensive scheme.
Vogel placed behind Ime Udoka (57%) and former Suns’ coach Monty Williams (17%) for new or relocated head coach that will make the biggest impact on his new team. He received 13% of this vote.
Kevin Young
Suns’ assistant coach, Kevin Young, who was made the NBA’s highest-paid assistant coach this offseason, ranked tied for second for best assistant coach in the NBA. He was placed behind Denver’s Jordi Fernandez (31%) and tied with Milwaukee’s Terry Stotts (10%).
David Fizdale
In this same question regarding best assistant coach in the NBA, new Suns’ assistant David Fizdale was included in the “also receiving votes” category.
The Full List
— Brendan Mau (@brendan_mau) October 10, 2023
— Brendan Mau (@brendan_mau) October 10, 2023
Two more for Kevin Durant pic.twitter.com/3yqu9w3brH
— Brendan Mau (@brendan_mau) October 10, 2023
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
