[high floorParticipant]

My favorite piece of NBA hardware presented at the end of the season each year is the Most Improved Player award. It’s great to see young players earn minutes, take advantage of their opportunity and as fans witness their star on the rise. A few of the recent winners include Goran Dragic, Paul George, Ryan Anderson, and Kevin Love.

My question to everybody is who are your 7 candidates for Most Improved this year? 7 picks seem right as five feels too short and ten is to dang long. Ha!

1.) Jonas Valanciunas: 16pts, 10reb, 1.4blk with 54% from the field and 78% ft’s
2.) Derrick Favors: 17pts, 9reb, 1.7blk with 52% from the field and 68% ft’s
3.) Klay Thompson: 21pts, 4reb, 3assist with 45% from the field and 85% ft’s
4.) Reggie Jackson: 16pts, 4reb, 4assist with 47% from the field and 88% ft’s
5.) Markief Morris: 16pts, 7reb, 2assist with 48% from the field and 78% ft’s
6.) Victor Oladipo: 16pts, 5reb, 3.5asst with 44% from the field and 80% ft’s
7.) Kenneth Faried: 15pts, 9.5reb, 1.1blk with 55% from the field and 65% ft’s

Jonas Valanciunas is my pick this year, as PG Kyle Lowry has preached all of training camp that they are going to initiate the offense through the low post. That should lead to a breakout year for the big fella.

*It was hard leaving the Greek Freak off this list, but similar to Paul George I think he’ll have his breakout in year 3 and will be the frontrunner for MIP in 2015-16

[Bob BallParticipant]

 I feel like Tim Hardaway Jr should be get mentioned. he plays in a big market  and that’s an advantage i cpould see him getting 17points 4boards and 2assists

[Bob BallParticipant]

 I feel like Tim Hardaway Jr should be get mentioned. he plays in a big market  and that’s an advantage i cpould see him getting 17points 4boards and 2assists

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 Tony Wroten

15 ppg, 5 rpg, 5 apg, 1 spg

 

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 Tony Wroten

15 ppg, 5 rpg, 5 apg, 1 spg

 

[JoeWolf1]

People forget, because he was the Finals MVP, that Kawhi Leonard was only about a 12 ppg scorer last season. I feel with SA’s aging core playing more limited minutes, and the desire to pass the torch to Kawhi, that he plays a larger role in the offense, makes the NBA All-Defensive 1st team, and wins MIP….everyone else is in no order, just guys I think will make significant improvements.

1. Kawhi Leonard – 18.1 ppg 6.7 rpg 2 apg 2spg – All-Defensive 1st Team

2. Steven Adams – 10.1 ppg 8.9 rpg 1.5 bpg

3. Jimmer Fredette – 11.3 ppg 1.9 rpg 2.1 apg 

4. Mason Plumlee – 11.6 ppg 8.1 rpg 1.4 bpg

5. Terrance Jones – 15.9 ppg 8.3 rpg 1.7 bpg

6. Thad Young – 20.1 ppg 6.3 rpg 2.5 apg

7. Mike Conley – 19.9 ppg 7.3 apg 1.9 spg 

 

[JoeWolf1]

People forget, because he was the Finals MVP, that Kawhi Leonard was only about a 12 ppg scorer last season. I feel with SA’s aging core playing more limited minutes, and the desire to pass the torch to Kawhi, that he plays a larger role in the offense, makes the NBA All-Defensive 1st team, and wins MIP….everyone else is in no order, just guys I think will make significant improvements.

1. Kawhi Leonard – 18.1 ppg 6.7 rpg 2 apg 2spg – All-Defensive 1st Team

2. Steven Adams – 10.1 ppg 8.9 rpg 1.5 bpg

3. Jimmer Fredette – 11.3 ppg 1.9 rpg 2.1 apg 

4. Mason Plumlee – 11.6 ppg 8.1 rpg 1.4 bpg

5. Terrance Jones – 15.9 ppg 8.3 rpg 1.7 bpg

6. Thad Young – 20.1 ppg 6.3 rpg 2.5 apg

7. Mike Conley – 19.9 ppg 7.3 apg 1.9 spg 

 

[prophetmeirParticipant]

jimmer is not getting that for the pelicans at all. Hes lucky to average 6ppg

[JoeWolf1]

 Jimmer has been about an 18.5 ppg per 36 minute player for the last two seasons. It’d take Jimmer about 21 mpg for him to score 11.3 ppg, by that pace, and I think it’s very feasable for this Pelicans team.

Judging by the first few pre-season games, Jimmer seems to be ahead of Russ Smith and pretty even with Austin Rivers on the depth chart.

With Brian Roberts ( 23.2 mpg ) in Charlotte, there’s going to be minutes to split up at both guard spots. A healthy Holiday will most likely cut that down, as Roberts started many games in his absense, but Rivers earned 19.4 mpg last season, and I think they’ll probably be at least 17 or 18 more up for grabs, especially since both guys can play next to each other with Jimmer as the point, and Rivers as the two guard. 

It’s just my opinion, and it could be a little high, but although I don’t think Jimmer will be the type of player that warrants the #10 pick, I think a change of scenery will do him well, and I think he’ll get too many minutes to score only 6 ppg. The guy has always been able to score…his 2nd year he put up 7.2 ppg in only 14 mpg. 

[prophetmeirParticipant]

Jru and Eric are back along with tyreke who handles some guard duties as well.

[Pistol Pete. The PelicanParticipant]

 Anthony Morrow played 18.8 minutes last year and was used as strictly a shooter, that’s the role Jimmer will fill. Being able to play with Tyreke and Austin Rivers, catching open threes all day. That’s what happened for Morrow at the end of last year.

[prophetmeirParticipant]

Morrow is 6-7 dude

[prophetmeirParticipant]

Morrow is 6-7 dude

[Pistol Pete. The PelicanParticipant]

 Anthony Morrow played 18.8 minutes last year and was used as strictly a shooter, that’s the role Jimmer will fill. Being able to play with Tyreke and Austin Rivers, catching open threes all day. That’s what happened for Morrow at the end of last year.

[JoeWolf1]

 Eric played 64 games, last season at 32.1 minutes per contest. He wasn’t exactly gone, nor do I think it’s a lock for him to play more than 64 games this season, considering that is the most he’s played in a season since 2008-2009.

Tyreke also played 55% of NO’s minutes at the SF position, and less than 1% at the point guard spot in 2013-14. Since NO is still a team that is a little weak at the 3 spot, I doubt Evans really is a major player to take minutes away from Fredette.

[JoeWolf1]

 Eric played 64 games, last season at 32.1 minutes per contest. He wasn’t exactly gone, nor do I think it’s a lock for him to play more than 64 games this season, considering that is the most he’s played in a season since 2008-2009.

Tyreke also played 55% of NO’s minutes at the SF position, and less than 1% at the point guard spot in 2013-14. Since NO is still a team that is a little weak at the 3 spot, I doubt Evans really is a major player to take minutes away from Fredette.

[prophetmeirParticipant]

Jru and Eric are back along with tyreke who handles some guard duties as well.

[JoeWolf1]

 Jimmer has been about an 18.5 ppg per 36 minute player for the last two seasons. It’d take Jimmer about 21 mpg for him to score 11.3 ppg, by that pace, and I think it’s very feasable for this Pelicans team.

Judging by the first few pre-season games, Jimmer seems to be ahead of Russ Smith and pretty even with Austin Rivers on the depth chart.

With Brian Roberts ( 23.2 mpg ) in Charlotte, there’s going to be minutes to split up at both guard spots. A healthy Holiday will most likely cut that down, as Roberts started many games in his absense, but Rivers earned 19.4 mpg last season, and I think they’ll probably be at least 17 or 18 more up for grabs, especially since both guys can play next to each other with Jimmer as the point, and Rivers as the two guard. 

It’s just my opinion, and it could be a little high, but although I don’t think Jimmer will be the type of player that warrants the #10 pick, I think a change of scenery will do him well, and I think he’ll get too many minutes to score only 6 ppg. The guy has always been able to score…his 2nd year he put up 7.2 ppg in only 14 mpg. 

[prophetmeirParticipant]

jimmer is not getting that for the pelicans at all. Hes lucky to average 6ppg

[prophetmeirParticipant]

Cant see reggie getting that much, If so thunder a lock for finals.

[prophetmeirParticipant]

Cant see reggie getting that much, If so thunder a lock for finals.

[Andrew1984Participant]

1. Andre Drummond, 21.1 ppg, 14.1 rpg, 1.8 bpg, 64 percent FG, 55 percent FT

2. Kenneth Faried, 18.5 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 58 percent FG, 67 percent FT

3. Victor Oladipo, 20.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 5.3 apg, 48 percent FG, 80 percent FT

4. Jared Sullinger, 18.4 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 46 percent FG, 81 percent FT

5. Kawhi Leonard, 16.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.0 spg, 49 percent FG, 82 percent FT

6. Norris Cole, 14.4 ppg, 6.6 apg, 1.8 spg, 44 percent FG, 84 percent FT

7. Cody Zeller, 13.6 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 4.1 apg, 51 percent FG, 78 percent FT

[Andrew1984Participant]

1. Andre Drummond, 21.1 ppg, 14.1 rpg, 1.8 bpg, 64 percent FG, 55 percent FT

2. Kenneth Faried, 18.5 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 58 percent FG, 67 percent FT

3. Victor Oladipo, 20.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 5.3 apg, 48 percent FG, 80 percent FT

4. Jared Sullinger, 18.4 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 46 percent FG, 81 percent FT

5. Kawhi Leonard, 16.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.0 spg, 49 percent FG, 82 percent FT

6. Norris Cole, 14.4 ppg, 6.6 apg, 1.8 spg, 44 percent FG, 84 percent FT

7. Cody Zeller, 13.6 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 4.1 apg, 51 percent FG, 78 percent FT

[rich.homie.mitchParticipant]

 1.) I agree with your JV pick, will only keep getting better. Don’t have much for back ups except chuck hayes and tyler hansbrough. 52% Fg, 75% ft, 14.3 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 1.5 bpg.

2.) Kawhi Leonard, Finals MVP was averaging 32 mpg in the playoffs, will prob average about 30-32 in regular season if contiunes his play. 48% fg will decrease since more playing time more shots, 41 % 3pm, 81% ft, 6.2 rpg, 2.4 apg, 16.9 ppg, 1 tpg.

3.) Markieff Morris, Says he has been watching some Rodman game to improve his rebounding I expect him to make another jump in his scoring becoming more comfortable with 15.2 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 75% ft, 43% fg, 

4.) Reggie Jackson, averaged 13.1 points last season and is going to continue to get better with more minutes and the absence of thabo. Reggie is a lot better defender than morrow, I believe reggie jackson could start this season. 15.2 ppg, 3.9 apg, 4.8 rpg, 39% 3p, 87 % ft, 2 tpg,

5.) Oj Mayo, Believe won’t get much recognition for playing with the bucks. Will be the main scorer for the bucks, only played 52 games last year. 18.4 ppg, 2.9 apg, 2 rpg, 88% ft, 38% fg, 37% 3p,

6.) Ersan Ilyasova, underrated player, his stats have been dropping through out the years, but I feel this year he will be back and have a break out year with 14.1 points, 7.6 rpg, 41% 3p, 48 % fg, 81% ft. Will be healthy this year.

7.) Thad young? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[rich.homie.mitchParticipant]

 1.) I agree with your JV pick, will only keep getting better. Don’t have much for back ups except chuck hayes and tyler hansbrough. 52% Fg, 75% ft, 14.3 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 1.5 bpg.

2.) Kawhi Leonard, Finals MVP was averaging 32 mpg in the playoffs, will prob average about 30-32 in regular season if contiunes his play. 48% fg will decrease since more playing time more shots, 41 % 3pm, 81% ft, 6.2 rpg, 2.4 apg, 16.9 ppg, 1 tpg.

3.) Markieff Morris, Says he has been watching some Rodman game to improve his rebounding I expect him to make another jump in his scoring becoming more comfortable with 15.2 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 75% ft, 43% fg, 

4.) Reggie Jackson, averaged 13.1 points last season and is going to continue to get better with more minutes and the absence of thabo. Reggie is a lot better defender than morrow, I believe reggie jackson could start this season. 15.2 ppg, 3.9 apg, 4.8 rpg, 39% 3p, 87 % ft, 2 tpg,

5.) Oj Mayo, Believe won’t get much recognition for playing with the bucks. Will be the main scorer for the bucks, only played 52 games last year. 18.4 ppg, 2.9 apg, 2 rpg, 88% ft, 38% fg, 37% 3p,

6.) Ersan Ilyasova, underrated player, his stats have been dropping through out the years, but I feel this year he will be back and have a break out year with 14.1 points, 7.6 rpg, 41% 3p, 48 % fg, 81% ft. Will be healthy this year.

7.) Thad young? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[juves4783Participant]

in no particular order…

michael kidd-gilcrest – 15 ppg 7 rpg – improved jump shot and stephenson is really an unselfish player that sees the court and passes well.

jared sullinger – 18 ppg 11 rpg – he’s been solid so far in the preseason and should start rising after a couple years in the league. 

kelly olynyk – 14 ppg 8 rpg – skilled player that is going to get a lot of minutes this year.

andre drummond – 18 ppg 14 rpg – just a beast.  looks like he’ll be starting alongside josh smith which should give him plenty of room to work the paint.

jrue holiday – 17 ppg 5 rpg 10 apg – a true talent that was hampered by injuries.  will find a way to get the pelicans and their talented team going.

ben mcclemore – 15 ppg 4 rpg 4 apg – he’s a wildcard but i think he’ll get minutes and should be improved.  he’s practically their 3rd option behind cousins and gay.

kawhi leonard – 19 ppg 7 rpg 3.5 apg (mip) – he’s going to the next level.  big year for kawhi imo.

 

 

 

 

[juves4783Participant]

in no particular order…

michael kidd-gilcrest – 15 ppg 7 rpg – improved jump shot and stephenson is really an unselfish player that sees the court and passes well.

jared sullinger – 18 ppg 11 rpg – he’s been solid so far in the preseason and should start rising after a couple years in the league. 

kelly olynyk – 14 ppg 8 rpg – skilled player that is going to get a lot of minutes this year.

andre drummond – 18 ppg 14 rpg – just a beast.  looks like he’ll be starting alongside josh smith which should give him plenty of room to work the paint.

jrue holiday – 17 ppg 5 rpg 10 apg – a true talent that was hampered by injuries.  will find a way to get the pelicans and their talented team going.

ben mcclemore – 15 ppg 4 rpg 4 apg – he’s a wildcard but i think he’ll get minutes and should be improved.  he’s practically their 3rd option behind cousins and gay.

kawhi leonard – 19 ppg 7 rpg 3.5 apg (mip) – he’s going to the next level.  big year for kawhi imo.

 

 

 

 

[Jean_31Participant]

nobody mentionned Caldwell-Pope from the pistons, but he was one of the best player in the summer league and have really looked good so far in the preseason. With Rodney Stuckey gone in Indiana, i could see him take a big step this season and score maybe 15 PPG

[Jean_31Participant]

nobody mentionned Caldwell-Pope from the pistons, but he was one of the best player in the summer league and have really looked good so far in the preseason. With Rodney Stuckey gone in Indiana, i could see him take a big step this season and score maybe 15 PPG

[Prime TimeParticipant]

1. Jonas Valanciunas – 15ppg/11rpg/1.5bpg – JV has a lot of potential. He’s been getting better every year. Toronto has become a better team, and he played well over the summer. He should receive more minutes this year, and it’s time for him to take that next step.

2. Otto Porter – 10ppg/5rpg/2apg – I don’t predict monster numbers, but it would be hard for Porter not to improve on his rookie season. He has the skills to be a good player in this league. He played well in Summer League, and with the injury to Martell Webster and Paul Pierce getting up there in age, he should see decent minutes off of the bench. Pierce is the perfect mentor for him, and should help his developement a lot. 

3. Glen Rice Jr. – 9ppg/3rpg/2apg – Another Wizards player in a similar situation to Otto Porter. I don’t predict huge numbers, but definitely an improvement over his rookie season. He’s a solid player, he just needs an opportunity. With the injury to Martell Webster, he should see minutes backing up Beal.

4. Anthony Bennett – 12ppg/6rpg/1spg – I hate to keep picking sophomores who underachieved their rookie seasons, but Bennett can play, and now he has his shot. He came into his rookie season injured and out of shape. He was on a Cleveland team that didn’t know how to utilize his talents. Now, he’s on a young T-Wolves team who know they need to develop their players. He should receive plenty of minutes backing up Thad Young. He’s a strong athlete with a unique set of skills, and I expect him to start looking like a solid player.

5. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute – 12ppg/7rpg/1.5spg –  Luc is only on my list out of pure circumstance. He found himself on a 76ers team that is made up of a couple solid lottery picks and D-Leaguers. They are going to lose games, a lot of them, but there are plenty of minutes for Mbah a Moute to have his best statistical season in the NBA. He is a solid defender, but everyone knows his biggest contribution to the 76ers is being there for Joell Embiid.

6. Mirza Teletovic – 15ppg/6rpg/2apg – Teletovic is capable of playing both forward positions, which is perfect because outside of an aging KG and an injury-prone Andrei Kirilenko, the Nets have nobody proven at the forward positions. They expect good things from Bogdanovic, but the minutes are there for Teletovic. Expect a good season.

7. Roy Hibbert – 14ppg/10rpg/2.5bpg – I’ve been a fan of Hibbert since his G’Town days. With that being said, I have no idea how he made the All-Star team last year. He’s one of the biggest players in the league, and it’s time that he starts playing like it. Sometimes, you’ll see Roy pull of some amazing moves in the post, and then other times, he’ll look like he has no clue what to do with the ball. With that being said, Indiana needs him to step up this year. With Paul George injured and Lance Stephenson wearing a Hornets jersey, somebody is going to have to. I expect him to have his best season in the NBA and erase his thoughts of that terrible post-season that he failed to show up to.

 Honorable Mentions – Gorgui Dieng, Enes Kanter, Derrick Favors, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, John Jenkins, Terrence Jones, Tim Hardaway Jr., Steven Adams

 

 

[Prime TimeParticipant]

1. Jonas Valanciunas – 15ppg/11rpg/1.5bpg – JV has a lot of potential. He’s been getting better every year. Toronto has become a better team, and he played well over the summer. He should receive more minutes this year, and it’s time for him to take that next step.

2. Otto Porter – 10ppg/5rpg/2apg – I don’t predict monster numbers, but it would be hard for Porter not to improve on his rookie season. He has the skills to be a good player in this league. He played well in Summer League, and with the injury to Martell Webster and Paul Pierce getting up there in age, he should see decent minutes off of the bench. Pierce is the perfect mentor for him, and should help his developement a lot. 

3. Glen Rice Jr. – 9ppg/3rpg/2apg – Another Wizards player in a similar situation to Otto Porter. I don’t predict huge numbers, but definitely an improvement over his rookie season. He’s a solid player, he just needs an opportunity. With the injury to Martell Webster, he should see minutes backing up Beal.

4. Anthony Bennett – 12ppg/6rpg/1spg – I hate to keep picking sophomores who underachieved their rookie seasons, but Bennett can play, and now he has his shot. He came into his rookie season injured and out of shape. He was on a Cleveland team that didn’t know how to utilize his talents. Now, he’s on a young T-Wolves team who know they need to develop their players. He should receive plenty of minutes backing up Thad Young. He’s a strong athlete with a unique set of skills, and I expect him to start looking like a solid player.

5. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute – 12ppg/7rpg/1.5spg –  Luc is only on my list out of pure circumstance. He found himself on a 76ers team that is made up of a couple solid lottery picks and D-Leaguers. They are going to lose games, a lot of them, but there are plenty of minutes for Mbah a Moute to have his best statistical season in the NBA. He is a solid defender, but everyone knows his biggest contribution to the 76ers is being there for Joell Embiid.

6. Mirza Teletovic – 15ppg/6rpg/2apg – Teletovic is capable of playing both forward positions, which is perfect because outside of an aging KG and an injury-prone Andrei Kirilenko, the Nets have nobody proven at the forward positions. They expect good things from Bogdanovic, but the minutes are there for Teletovic. Expect a good season.

7. Roy Hibbert – 14ppg/10rpg/2.5bpg – I’ve been a fan of Hibbert since his G’Town days. With that being said, I have no idea how he made the All-Star team last year. He’s one of the biggest players in the league, and it’s time that he starts playing like it. Sometimes, you’ll see Roy pull of some amazing moves in the post, and then other times, he’ll look like he has no clue what to do with the ball. With that being said, Indiana needs him to step up this year. With Paul George injured and Lance Stephenson wearing a Hornets jersey, somebody is going to have to. I expect him to have his best season in the NBA and erase his thoughts of that terrible post-season that he failed to show up to.

 Honorable Mentions – Gorgui Dieng, Enes Kanter, Derrick Favors, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, John Jenkins, Terrence Jones, Tim Hardaway Jr., Steven Adams

 

 

[nill650Participant]

 1 Giannis Antetokounmpo EST: gp 73/mpg 35/pts 17/ reb 8;dreb5,oreb3/fg% 46/ft% 74/ast 4.6/blk 2.5/stl 1.6.(key stat: 4 tridbls).

 

 2 Nikola Vucevic EST: gp 75/ mpg 32/ pts 21/reb 11;dreb 6,oreb 5/  fg% 60/ ft% 78/ast 3/blk/1.5 stl 1.8. (key stat: 55 dbldbls.)

 

3 Drummond EST:gp 81/mpg 33/pts 18/reb 16;dreb7,oreb9 /fg% 73/ft% 55/ast 2.4/blk 3.8/stl 2.1 (key stat: leads league w 16 rpg)

others:

 

4 Terrence Ross

5 Jeremy Lamb

6 Sullinger

7 Mclemore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[nill650Participant]

 1 Giannis Antetokounmpo EST: gp 73/mpg 35/pts 17/ reb 8;dreb5,oreb3/fg% 46/ft% 74/ast 4.6/blk 2.5/stl 1.6.(key stat: 4 tridbls).

 

 2 Nikola Vucevic EST: gp 75/ mpg 32/ pts 21/reb 11;dreb 6,oreb 5/  fg% 60/ ft% 78/ast 3/blk/1.5 stl 1.8. (key stat: 55 dbldbls.)

 

3 Drummond EST:gp 81/mpg 33/pts 18/reb 16;dreb7,oreb9 /fg% 73/ft% 55/ast 2.4/blk 3.8/stl 2.1 (key stat: leads league w 16 rpg)

others:

 

4 Terrence Ross

5 Jeremy Lamb

6 Sullinger

7 Mclemore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Author]

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