What's Happening?
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been overwhelmingly favored by NBA general managers to win the 2025-26 NBA championship, according to the annual NBA.com GM Survey. The Thunder received 80% of the votes, positioning them as the clear favorites to defend their title. This prediction, if realized, would make them the first team since the Golden State Warriors in 2018 to achieve consecutive championships. The survey also highlighted Nikola Jokic as the favorite for the MVP award, while Victor Wembanyama was chosen as the top player to start a franchise with.
Why It's Important?
The GM Survey's prediction underscores the Thunder's strong position in the league, reflecting confidence in their roster and strategy. Winning back-to-back titles would solidify their status as a dominant force in the NBA, influencing team dynamics and competitive strategies across the league. The focus on players like Jokic and Wembanyama highlights the evolving landscape of player valuation and team-building priorities. For fans and stakeholders, these predictions generate excitement and set expectations for the upcoming season, impacting ticket sales, viewership, and sponsorship deals.
What's Next?
As the season unfolds, the Thunder will be under pressure to live up to the expectations set by the GM Survey. Their performance will be closely watched, with potential adjustments in strategy and player utilization to ensure success. Other teams, particularly those identified as contenders like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets, will be strategizing to challenge the Thunder's dominance. The survey results may also influence player trades and acquisitions as teams seek to strengthen their rosters in response to the predicted outcomes.
