The San Antonio Spurs have captured the imagination of NBA general managers, emerging as the clear favorite to win the 2027 championship and to field the league’s best young core. The 25th annual NBA GM Survey, which asked executives to answer 48 questions about teams, players, coaches and offseason moves, placed the Spurs at the top of multiple categories.
Spurs projected as 2027 champions
When asked which team will win the 2027 NBA Finals, exactly half of the surveyed GMs selected the Spurs. The Oklahoma City Thunder came in second with 43% of the vote. The survey explicitly prohibited managers from voting for their own team, ensuring a neutral assessment of the league’s strongest contenders.
Young core praised by league leaders
The Spurs earned an overwhelming 87% of the vote for the most promising young core, with the Washington Wizards trailing at 7%. The trio of Victor Wembanyama (22), Stephon Castle (21) and Dylan Harper (20) were highlighted as capable of delivering a title now, not just in the future.
Wembanyama dominates individual accolades
Victor Wembanyama topped every individual category in the survey. He received the most votes for MVP (77% of the vote) and was the player GMs would most like to start a franchise with, setting a record for the highest percentage of votes in survey history. He also led the poll for the player who forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments (47%) and was voted the best defensive player (97%), best interior defender (97%) and most versatile defender (30%).
Breakout player spotlight: Dylan Harper
Dylan Harper was identified as the player most likely to have a breakout season in 2026‑27, earning 27% of the vote. Other players receiving notable recognition included Cooper Flagg (7%), Collin Murray‑Boyles (7%), Amen Thompson (7%) and Cason Wallace (7%).
Underrated acquisitions and other notes
Off the court, the Spurs’ acquisition of Tobias Harris was voted the most underrated player acquisition of the offseason, receiving 20% of the vote. Boston’s Mitchell Robinson (17%) and Charlotte’s Naz Reid (10%) followed. The survey also highlighted the most promising defensive talents beyond Wembanyama, with Ausar Thompson (3%), Rudy Gobert (3%) and Amen Thompson (17%) among those mentioned.
What this means for fans
For San Antonio supporters, the survey results reinforce the belief that the Spurs are not only building for the future but are already positioned to compete for a championship now. The strong endorsement from league decision‑makers adds credibility to the organization’s recent moves and the development of its young stars.
While the NBA season continues to unfold, the GM Survey provides a snapshot of executive confidence in the Spurs’ roster and strategy. Fans can look forward to a potentially historic run as the team aims to translate this widespread approval into on‑court success.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
