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A look at how the Warriors did in the 2016-17 GM’s poll

By Carlos Murillo

May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after scoring a three point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter in game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after scoring a three point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter in game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after scoring a three point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter in game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Team Expectations/Assessments

The Golden State Warriors, as a team, were at the top of a couple of questions. They’re the favorite to win the 2017 NBA championship, getting 69 percent of the votes. They’re the overwhelming favorite to win the tough Western Conference as well.

Just 10 percent of voters thought that the Warriors were the best defensive team in the league. They were behind San Antonio (50 percent) and Boston (13.3 percent) and tied with Cleveland and Utah. Last year, Golden State was sixth in the league in Defensive Rating with Andrew Bogut and Festus Ezeli so losing those two definitely hurt them in the eyes of GMs because they were voted the best defense in the league by 58.6 percent of voters.

In what seems like a no-brainer, the Kevin Durant signing was voted by 80 percent of voters as the one-player acquisition that will have the most impact. The only reason to vote against it is if you believe the 73-win Warriors can’t get much better. Record-wise, they probably won’t be, but the quality will surely improve. Similarly, this was also voted as the most surprising move of the free agency by 46.7 percent of GMs.

The Warriors finished first in a few of the miscellaneous categories. Oracle Arena was voted as giving the team they best home court advantage by 58.3 percent of voters. They were also named the team that was most fun to watch by a ridiculous 93.3 percent.

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