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- calendar_today October 15, 2026
NBA GM Survey Shines Spotlight on Sixers' Offseason Activity
The NBA’s annual General Manager Survey offers insight into how front offices across the league perceive key trends, future champions, and potential breakout stars. This year, the Philadelphia Sixers and their roster were frequent topics of discussion, as anonymous executives assessed the franchise’s substantial offseason moves and prospects for the 2026-27 season.
Sixers Among Favorites for Future Success
In the question of which team will claim the 2027 NBA Finals, the majority of GMs favored the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder, who together received 93 percent of the votes (28 out of 30). The Sixers and the New York Knicks were the only other teams to receive support, each earning one vote. This recognition places the Sixers among the few franchises eyed for NBA championship potential in the coming years.
Eastern Conference Outlook: Sixers Seen as Top Contenders
General managers ranked the Sixers highly for the upcoming season in the NBA Eastern Conference. The franchise earned the second-highest vote share among all Eastern teams, trailing only the defending champions. Seventy percent of GMs considered the Sixers a top-four seed, with 23% slating them first, 17% second, 20% third, and 10% fourth. The expectations cite the Sixers’ roster improvements and strategic moves throughout the offseason.
Offseason Acquisitions and Impactful Moves
The survey asked GMs to name the team that made the best overall moves during the NBA offseason. The Sixers were the clear leaders, picking up an overwhelming 73 percent of the votes. In the “player acquisition with the biggest impact” category, Jaylen Brown—now a Sixers newcomer—garnered 20 percent of votes, following Giannis Antetokounmpo, who led with 53 percent. LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard each received 13 percent. The Sixers also stood out in the “most underrated player acquisition” category: reserves Anfernee Simons and Dean Wade, along with Kelly Oubre Jr., were recognized, though newly signed Spur Tobias Harris led the votes here.
Player Recognition: Tyrese Maxey and Rising Stars
Tyrese Maxey, who previously claimed the Most Improved Player Award and earned All-NBA honors, was among those considered likely for a breakout season in 2026-27, even though Spurs guard Dylan Harper ultimately topped that category. Maxey was further singled out as the fastest player with the ball, securing 53 percent of the votes. Rookie VJ Edgecombe also received a mention as one of the league's most athletic players, and Sixers rookie Labaron Philon Jr. tied for second in the “biggest steal in the draft” category after being selected 22nd overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Evaluating Coaching and Team Entertainment Value
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse was recognized by GMs for making strong in-game adjustments, receiving votes in a category led by Indiana’s Rick Carlisle. When it came to the most entertaining team to watch, the Sixers and Denver Nuggets each received 10 percent, while the Spurs and Timberwolves led the way.
Team Efficiency and Unpredictability
The Sixers are expected to have one of the league’s most efficient offenses for the coming season, earning 10 percent of GM votes (fifth overall). Additionally, when asked which team’s success would be toughest to predict this season, the Sixers led all teams for the second consecutive year, although their share dropped from 47 percent to 27 percent.
General Recognition for League Standouts
While the survey covered numerous player attributes—such as best passer and top leader—Sixers players were not at the top in these areas, with praise going primarily to Nikola Jokić (Denver), LeBron James (Lakers), and Jalen Brunson (Knicks). Nevertheless, Sixers acquisitions and off-court moves have captured significant league-wide attention and set high expectations for the upcoming NBA season.
Source: phillyvoice.com.
