NBA GMs survey: Pistons among most improved teams; Cunningham set for breakout season

Now that Cade Cunningham is fully healthy, the expectations are starting to take shape, as he enters his third season in the NBA.

The league released its annual survey of general managers Tuesday afternoon, and there are a handful of NBA decision-makers who believe the former No. 1 overall pick is heading into one of the best seasons of his career.

The GMs responded to 50 questions on various topics, such as the best teams, players, coaches and offseason moves. They were not permitted to vote for their own team or personnel, and percentages were based on the pool of respondents to that particular subject, rather than all 30 GMs.

Cunningham came in second place after receiving 20% of the projected votes for the player most likely to have a breakout season in 2023-24. He isn't the overall favorite, but he's not far behind Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, who landed at No. 1, with 23% of the GM votes.

Orlando Magic forwards Franz Wagner (13%) and Paolo Banchero (7%) were also listed among the top five in that category, along with Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (7%).

Cunningham, who missed 70 games last season due to season-ending surgery, will try to dig the Pistons out of the depths of the NBA's standings, after finishing with a league-low 17 wins in 2022-23. He also landed at No. 74 on ESPN's annual NBArank, a popular list of the best players in the league.

Overall, Detroit is tied for third with the Magic and Dallas Mavericks as teams who will be most improved this season. All three teams received 10% of the votes, while the majority of the league's GMs think the Oklahoma City Thunder will be the most improved team. The Thunder, which received 30% of votes, will face Detroit in Montreal on Thursday for the first of two preseason games. The Houston Rockets were second with 23% of the votes.

Detroit also received some votes but didn't land in the top three for the team with the most promising young core. Oklahoma City overwhelmingly won that category with 73%. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Magic were second and third, respectively. The Pistons have drafted and traded for a total of six lottery picks since the 2020 NBA Draft: Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, James Wiseman and Killian Hayes.

Williams' impact on Pistons

The Pistons reset the coaching market this offseason when they signed Monty Williams to the richest coaching contract in NBA history. Williams, who signed a six-year deal worth $78.5 million, was second with 17% of votes for the new or relocated head coach who will make the biggest impact on his new team.

First-year Rockets coach Ime Udoka led the group of five with 57% of the GM's votes. Williams also received votes for the head coach who is considered the best manager/motivator of people. GMs voted for Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who garnered 37% of the votes.

The Pistons have sung Williams' praises since his arrival. He spent the previous four seasons transforming the Phoenix Suns from a lottery team into a championship contender.

Others receiving votes

Thompson, who was selected with the fifth-overall pick in this year's draft, and No. 25 overall pick Marcus Sasser received votes for the biggest steal in terms of draft position. Rockets wing Cam Whitmore led that category with 43%.

Ivey, who's known for his quickness, received votes for the player who is fastest with the ball. Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox finished first in that category with 57% of votes.

Flint native Monte Morris, who was acquired by Detroit in a trade this offseason with the Washington Wizards, received votes for the active player who will make the best head coach one day. New Golden State Warriors point guard Chris Paul was the top vote-getter with 20%.

mcurtis@detroitnews.com

Twitter/X: @MikeACurtis2

Pistons vs. Thunder

Tipoff: 7 Thursday, Bell Centre, Montreal

TV/radio: NBA TV/950