Every year before the NBA season kicks off, ESPN publishes its annual survey of General Managers. It includes the usual questions: who will win the next Finals? Which team made the best moves this summer?
Who is the most athletic player?
I’ve never held this type of content in high regard, but it does have one merit: it sparks debate and interaction. In recent days, small worlds have emerged where everyone defends their take on “the most versatile defensive player” or “who has the best leadership.”
Sports debates have this precious quality — enjoyable when they go your way, irritating when they don’t — and this type of survey is no exception. One question draws positive reactions, another frustrates, and it drives conversation.
Most of the topics were interesting, but there was one that really bothered me. Those who have seen the survey already know which one I’m talking about: the question about the best shooting guard in the NBA.
Here are the five players who received the most votes heading into the new season: Anthony Edwards (70%), Donovan Mitchell (13%), Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (7% each), and Stephen Curry (3%).
So yes, Devin Booker isn’t on this list. Being behind AntMan and Dono, I can accept; that ranking reflects trends more than actual on-court performance or a player’s true level. Edwards is the future American face of the league, riding a hype wave, charismatic, and with immense potential. Mitchell had a full season in Cleveland and remains a respected and recognized player in the NBA sphere.
But seeing Booker ranked below three players that the NBA itself classifies as point guards? That stings. It reinforces my view that this type of content shouldn’t be taken too seriously. It’s still entertaining content, with some polls worth paying attention to.
Even though the Suns didn’t come out of last season with memorable results for the right reasons, our shooting guard at least deserved a mention. He’s still one of the league’s top offensive talents, a lethal weapon any team would dream of having.
This ranking seems less like an objective evaluation and more like a mix of fanfiction and popularity. It tells a story, yes, but not the story of the current reality. It highlights perception, current narratives, and sometimes how hype can overshadow the facts.
And for a Suns and Booker fan, it’s hard to swallow. If this survey can give him even more motivation heading into the season, we’re not complaining.
