GMs pick KD to start a franchise and notes from the GM survey

I always look forward to the annual general manager survey. Mainly because you know the Thunder are going to be a team mentioned often in it. Sam Presti has done a magical job building this franchise and organization not just into a winner, but something Oklahoma City can be very proud to support. Likeable players, dedicated ownership, smart front office — it’s a total package. And they win.

Here’s how the Thunder fit in to the annual survey:

• KD tied with LeBron getting 37 percent of votes for player you’d want to start a franchise with. GMs voted LeBron the best player and best small forward though with 77 percent. So why a tie in the other? Because KD is four years younger, hasn’t reached his full potential and is one swell dude.

• The Heat got 74.1 percent of the votes predicting they’d win the NBA Finals. Oklahoma City was second with 14.8 percent. The Thunder got 67.9 percent saying they’d win the West and 71.4 percent predicting they’d win the Northwest.

• KD beat out LeBron with 55.6 percent saying he’d win this season’s MVP. Remember though, he got 66.7 percent last season predicting the same thing.

• James Harden was picked as the player most likely to have a breakout season.

• Surprise here: Russell Westbrook finished third in best point guard behind Derrick Rose and Chris Paul. He only got 3.7 percent, but still.

• Somehow KD got 7.1 percent and finished fifth for best power forward. I know Scott Brooks likes to go small a lot, but geez.

• Serge Ibaka tied for fourth for international player most likely to breakout.

• Westbrook tied for third with 11.5 percent for best perimeter defender in the league. That seems way high to me, but I do think Westbrook’s defense is much improved over the past two seasons.

• Scott Brooks finished sixth with 7.1 percent for best coach making in-game adjustments. I guess GMs really like “Play harder!”

• Oklahoma City was picked as the third most fun to watch team behind the Heat and Clippers.

• The Thunder were picked to have the best homecourt advantage in the league with 44.4 percent. Next closest was the Jazz with 22.2 percent.

• Westbrook tied for second with John Wall for “fastest with the ball” behind Derrick Rose, and it wasn’t close. He also finished third behind Rose and LeBron for most dangerous in the open floor.

• KD finished behind Kobe for getting his own shot. Little surprised Dirk wasn’t mentioned since you basically can’t stop him, but KD certainly fits. Because he can make anything from anywhere, over anyone.

• KD tied for third for best leader.

• Here’s an interesting one: KD was second behind Kobe for player you’d want taking a shot with the game on the line with 30.8 percent. Kobe got 48.1. That’s a pretty big number for KD quite honestly.