Rick Carlisle gets high marks from NBA general managers, but he's no Victor Wembanyama

The NBA's annual preseason survey of general managers has revealed that Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle received high marks for his in-game adjustments and offense, but the team is not expected to become championship contenders anytime soon. The Pacers led with 43% of the vote for the most improved team in the league, despite finishing last in the Eastern Conference last season due to a season of injuries. They were voted as the third best team in the East, ending in the seventh position.

The survey also highlighted that the New York Knicks (60%) and the reconstructed Philadelphia 76ers (23%) are favored to win the championship. Rick Carlisle's coaching skills received the highest ratings, with 30% for in-game adjustments and 47% for running the best offense. The players with the most potential to become great NBA coaches are Mike Conley and T.J. McConnell, with 50% and 13% of the vote respectively.

One key observation in the survey was the dominance of Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs' star player, in the GM's categories. Wembanyama was the favorite for the MVP position, with 77% of the vote, followed by being the player to start a franchise with (93%), the player who forces the most adjustments by opponents (47%), the best international player (53%), the best defensive player (97%), the best interior defender (97%), the most versatile defender (30%), and the most versatile player (57%). The Spurs also received half the votes as league champions.