Eh... I wonder how much people are voting the GM here, rather than the team. There's no doubt IP is a great guy, and hey, if folks want to give him the lifetime achievement award, I'll pat him on the back and say that he deserves it. mgent has been a bit prickly in these debates, and I understand if people don't warm up to him the same way the do a beloved member of the mod staff and this year's commissioner.
However, there's simply no way in my mind that a team of Varejao/West/Iggy/Wade/Hinrich/Kmart/Barbosa loses to Bogut/Amare/Delfino/Harden/Lowry/Williams/Sessions. Philly has a better defense, much more experience, much more depth, more talent, and a better superstar.
IP is a better arguer than mgent, I think, and some might think he's a nicer guy. I admire him greatly, and am rooting for him, despite voting against him. However, there's simply no way his team is better.
That's completely unfair, and unfounded, and honestly, it seems to me anyways, that the only votes cast have been against my team, not for it.
"IP's a great guy and everything, but his team is really crappy and you shouldn't vote for him?"
Come on man, just say you don't think my team could win and leave it at that. I've worked too hard on this to be dismissed as a [dang] lifetime achievement award. That's a complete low-blow.
i think theres truth behind what hobbs says though IP. i know where ur coming from and agree with what u said, but i think hobbs' statement has some legitimacy behind it.
i think people voted (in general, not specifically with matchups involving ur team) in the following ways:
-voted objectively and what they thought was legit
-voted looking at potential matchups that would directly or not directly impact their team's chances
-reactionary....for example, if a team lost, they wouldnt vote for the team that beat them
-they "bought" the arguments that were presented, thus being a strong debater helped
-their feelings about the other gm's
im not saying everyone did any of these (after the first one), but im pretty confident some people did one (or more) at some point during this process. to not think this didnt happen (even if minimally), i think one would have the proverbial wool pulled over their eyes.
im not going to lie, i have been a jerk in the past, voting against people i didnt care for (and i wasnt even involved). this was the first year i was allowed to vote, and i did so honestly and objectively throughout the process for the integrity of the game and out of respect of the participants that put a lot of time and energy into this. im glad i was given the opportunity and i hope people can see my objectivity and honesty.
hell, i voted for rondo/nick a lot....who would have thunk it

(not a cheap shot at either of u, just proving my point).
i hope people can appreciate one "outsider's" opinions in this process. and dont take things personally (at least with me)