Blazers Notes From The NBA GM Survey

The 2018-19 regular season is nearly here, and with its arrival comes the annual NBA GM survey. From how good GMs think Portland is to where Damian Lillard ranks, we have all the results that involved the Trail Blazers.

Portland’s place in the Western Conference

The survey ranked the Blazers as the sixth-best team (in a tie with the Spurs) in the crowded Western Conference. Portland nabbed the No. 3 seed last year with a record of 49-33. The Thunder, Jazz and Lakers were all placed above the Blazers after the votes were recorded.

Damian Lillard & Company

Perhaps the biggest shock of the survey was Lillard’s omission from the list of best point guards in the NBA. Steph Curry, Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, Chris Paul and James Harden all finished above Lillard.

Lillard did receive some credit for his leadership ability. He tied with Al Horford for fourth place on the list of best leaders.

CJ McCollum wasn’t mentioned in the traditional player-based categories, but he was part of a four-way tie for second place on a list of players that will make good head coaches someday.

Gary Trent Jr. was recognized as a potential steal based on where he was drafted. The former Duke standout finished tied for third alongside Wendell Carter Jr and Michael Porter Jr.

The man on the sidelines

Coach Terry Stotts didn’t top any of the lists, but he was recognized in a two key areas: best coach and best offense. Outside of Stotts, David Vanterpool received votes for his work as an assistant coach.

You can read the entire GM Survey at NBA.com.