In NBA GM survey, Brooklyn Nets runaway winner in "Most Improved"

The annual survey of general managers is out and the Nets are the runaway winner in the "most improved" category. An overwhelming 62.1 per cent of the league's 30 GM's (That's 18 GM's) answered "Brooklyn Nets" when asked, "Which team will be most improved in 2012-13?" The Nets also got 6.9 percent of GM votes on "Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?' The Lakers got most of the other votes. Brooklyn and New York got an equal number of votes (13.3 percent) when GM's were asked who would win the Atlantic Division.

The Nets trade for Joe Johnson was tied with Miami signing Ray Allen as the fourth most surprising off-season move. Mirza Teletovic finished fourth as well in voting for the international player most likely to have a breakout season.

Several Nets players did well in the polling. After the Lakers' acquisition of Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, the next biggest off-season pick-ups were Andrew Bynum, Joe Johnson and Deron Williams. Williams also finished third in best passer category, tied with Rajon Rondo.D-Will didn't get any votes for best point guard, however. Reggie Evans finished third among toughest players and got votes for best offensive rebounder (as did Kris Humphries, who got votes for making the most of limited natural ability.)

All 30 GMs responded to 57 different questions about the best teams, players, coaches, fans, and off-season moves. General managers were not permitted to vote for their own team or personnel. Percentages are based on the pool of respondents to each question of the survey, rather than all 30 GMs.

Meanwhile, FOX Sports listed Joe Johnson as the fourth best shooting guard, after Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant and James Harden.