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

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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Golden State Warriors
Oct 6, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) looks towards an official during a break in the action against the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter at the SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant’s decision changed the landscape of the NBA. It eliminated a contender in the West and strengthened another one. It also had individual implications for him though.

Many feel that his individual impact will lessen now that he’s surrounded by other stars. Only 6.7 percent of GMs believe that he can win the MVP this season. But 20.7 percent of them would start a franchise would him, second behind Karl-Anthony Towns. A minority feels that his impact could have a breakout season this year with Golden State.

He received votes at two different positions. He and LeBron James were the only two to receive votes for the best small forward, James staying on top with 76.8 percent of votes compared to Durant’s 23.2 percent. He received 9.6 percent of votes for best power forward, a position he’ll play a lot of this season.

He didn’t rank, but he got some votes for best at moving without the ball, most versatile, and the guy the GMs want taking the shot at the end of the game. The first two are aspects that he should improve upon in the Warriors’ system. The third one seems a little strange considering how he can pretty much get off a shot whenever he wants, but he was behind Curry and James.

Durant is going to make the Warriors better. He should also improve his individual game as well. While the GMs don’t think so, he has a legitimate shot at winning MVP.