The Boston Celtics are the top pick to win the Eastern Conference in the NBA’s annual GM survey.
NBA General Manager Survey Results:
In a recent survey, 97% of NBA general managers believe the Celtics will dominate the East and make it to the NBA Finals. Interestingly, Celtics GM Brad Stevens was the lone voice against this, casting his vote for the Cleveland Cavaliers instead.
Celtics’ Championship Chances:
According to 83% of these executives, Boston is also expected to clinch another championship title. This level of confidence hasn’t been seen since 87% predicted a Warriors victory in 2018-19. However, history shows that being favored doesn’t always lead to success; just ask those Warriors who lost to Toronto Raptors that year. Only ten times in 22 years have these surveys correctly guessed who would win it all.
Team Strengths and Player Highlights:
Boston shone brightly in other categories too. They were picked as having both the best defense (57%) and most efficient offense (53%). Jayson Tatum stood out as the top small forward with 47%, while Jrue Holiday was recognized as an elite perimeter defender with 43%.
Fans hope this means good things for Boston!
A Word of Caution:
While these predictions are promising for Celtics supporters, they should remember that GMs often favor last year’s champions when making their picksโthis has happened in more than half of past surveys.
To reach their goal, Boston might face off against Oklahoma City Thunder from out west; they received an impressive 80% backing for winning their conference and even snagged some votes (13%) as potential champions. Yet despite such strong favorites on paper meeting up during finals seems rare lately… Just look at recent seasons!
We think it’s exciting when underdogs surprise everyone!
