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As is tradition each season, the General Managers from all NBA franchises have wrapped up their annual 50-question survey just ahead of the new NBA campaign.
The findings are now available, and while the subjects covered are quite varied, one fact stands out: European players are asserting their supremacy in the top basketball league globally.
Nikola Jokic is the clear frontrunner for the 2025-26 Kia MVP award, earning an impressive 67% of the votes. Other international stars, including Luka Dončić (10%), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (8%), and Victor Wembanyama (7%), all received votes, highlighting that none of the top contenders are from the USA. The center for the Denver Nuggets excelled in multiple survey categories, being identified as the player that compels opposing coaches to make the most adaptations (57%), as well as being hailed as the best center in the NBA (97%), the finest international player (93%), and the top playmaker (80%), sharing the honor of having the highest basketball IQ (80%).
Luka Doncic, a close friend of Jokic, was named the leading small forward in the league, capturing 40% of the votes. He also ranked in several other categories, including fourth in terms of players who make opposing coaches adjust (10%), second among point guards (17%), and similarly, second for being the top passer in the league.
Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to be recognized as the premier power forward, securing a remarkable 93% of votes, and is tied with Victor Wembanyama for the most adaptable player in the NBA. The Greek star also ranked third for being the most versatile defender in the league.
The future of the NBA is bright, with Victor Wembanyama already making an impact. Beyond being celebrated as the most versatile player, Wembanyama is the preferred choice among GMs to launch a franchise (83%), recognized as the best defensive player in the league (80%), and labeled the top interior defender (80%).
