NBA

Warriors Primed to Best Cavs in NBA Finals Rematch: General Managers

A round three NBA Finals matchup will settle the score between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. At least that's what nearly every NBA general manager is predicting heading into the upcoming season.

As for who's going to win the rubber match, general managers are placing their bets on the Bay Area's team. Sixty-nine percent voted confidence in the Warriors to host the Larry O'Brien Trophy while 31 percent chose the Cavaliers, according to the association's annual survey.

The NBA Finals are a long eight months away and the season hasn't even tipped-off, but Golden State fans dreaming of another title can generate some championship belief just by taking a look back.

This time last year, 53 percent of the league's general managers correctly chose the Cavs to bring a championship back to the drought-stricken city of Cleveland. Before that, the decision makers earned a 2-2 split choosing champions.

Aside from putting their money on the Warriors, the NBA front office personnel answered more than 45 other questions ranging from player rankings, coaching strategies and loyal fan bases. Warriors stars and staff received high praise in several of those categories.

Cleveland's Lebron James may not earn his third NBA championship crown this season, but the association's 30 general managers predict that the four-time MVP will capture his fifth such award in 2017. Ten percent of general managers put faith behind two-time defending MVP Steph Curry to nab the prize while 6.7 percent give Curry's new teammate, Kevin Durant, a chance to take home the hardware.

The bosses in the association do believe that Golden State boasts one of the most complete rosters up and down the lineup. Curry, Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green were ranked among the association's finest at their respective positions.

Curry was voted as the best point guard, Thompson was named as the second best shooting guard and Durant checked in as the NBA's second leading small forward. Green, who doubles at two positions down low, came in at No. 3 in power forward rankings and No. 6 in center rankings.

Even the Oracle Arena fans and coach Steve Kerr were given a nod during the survey. Golden State's crowd presents the best home-court advantage in the NBA while Kerr was dubbed as running the best offensive scheme in the association.

General managers answered a total of 48 questions during the annual survey, but they are not allowed to vote for their own side.

For a complete list of the survey, visit NBA.com.

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