Respect is not a problem for the Mavericks this season, at least not as far as the NBA’s general managers are concerned.

The annual preseason survey of the league’s decision-makers shined a very positive light on what may be in store for the Mavericks.

Most notably, Luka Dončić was pegged as a major factor going forward. While GMs believe Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo will win his third consecutive Kia MVP award (32 percent), Dončić was a strong second place with 21 percent of the votes. Lakers LeBron James and Anthony Davis both got 18 percent of the votes.

In addition, when GMs were asked who they would most like to start a franchise around, the vote was split with Luka and the Greek Freak each getting 43 percent.

Interestingly, Dončić also received votes as the league’s best point guard.

And best shooting guard.

And best small forward.

Dončić also was tied for third among best passers and fourth among players GMs would like to take the last shot with the game on the line.

The Mavericks, meanwhile, were picked to finish fourth in the Western Conference.

Rick Carlisle was tabbed second among coaches who make the best in-game adjustments, just behind Miami’s Erik Spoelstra.

All of these acknowledgments are nice, but they don’t carry a whole lot of weight. Last year, the LA Clippers were the GMs pick to win the title. They didn’t get out of the second round of the playoffs.

For the full GM poll, click below:

NBA.com 2020-21 GM Survey | NBA.com

 

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