With less than 80 days until the start of the NBA season, now seems like the perfect time to make some early awards predictions. Today we are focusing on some of the up-and-comers in the association. The young guns that look set for stardom. We will look at the favorites for the NBA Most Improved Player award. But first, a quick recap of the award’s history.
The NBA Most Improved Player award was first handed out after the 1985-86 season. Guard Alvin Robertson was the first ever recipient of the award. After winning the award, Robertson went on to make four NBA all-star appearances. Robertson also picked up the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 1986. Last season guard C.J. McCollum won the award after having a career year with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Here are the favorites for the NBA Most Improved Player award.
Early Favorites For NBA Most Improved Player
1. Jabari Parker – Forward – Milwaukee Bucks
After having his rookie year stolen from him through injury, Jabari Parker returned last season with a bang. Parker played just 25 games his rookie year, but managed 76 last season. A great improvement for the healthy Parker.
Last season Parker averaged 14.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game for the Bucks. These numbers should rise this coming season. With Parker having almost a full season under his belt, the Bucks should be able to get more from the promising forward.
Parker has now been in the league for two years, and this year is when we should see his breakout. Parker will need to find his niche and decide to play either small or power forward. Parker’s height suggests he should play small forward; although his play on the court leads to him producing more at the four spot.
Parker has a very strong chance to win NBA Most Improved Player. His role in the Bucks team plus his health will play a big role in whether or not he does.
2. Stanley Johnson – Small Forward – Detroit Pistons
Stanley Johnson only started six games last season, but he managed to prove he belonged in the NBA. After being selected 8th overall in the 2015 draft, Johnson proved he can impact games at both ends. Johnson looks set to play a much bigger role in Detroit this coming season.
Last season Johnson averaged 8.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists last season. Johnson put up good numbers for a rookie coming off the bench. Johnson is still only 20 years old and has plenty of room to grow. Head coach Stan Van Gundy knows he can rely on Johnson to either start or come off the bench. This is mainly down to Johnson’s ability to defend well and also drive to basket and score, two of Johnson’s best attributes on the court.
Johnson is expected to take a big leap this coming NBA season. This is why Johnson has a very realistic chance of winning NBA Most Improved Player.
3. Jonas Valanciunas – Center – Toronto Raptors
Jonas Valanciunas is your typical European big man, 7-foot-tall and very skilled. Valanciunas is heading into his fifth season, and he looks set to make the leap to stardom. Valanciunas had a few injury problems last season, but he’s the regular starting center in Toronto. This season the big Lithuanian should have a career year and fight for a place in the Eastern Conference All-Star team.
Valanciunas averaged 12.8 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 60 games last season with the Raptors. The Raptors are trying their best to build a big three. All-Stars Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan are already established. Valanciunas will look to be the third member of the star trio.
With Valanciunas having more experience than anyone else on this list, he could be the favourite to win NBA Most Improved Player. Expect Toronto to have a another good season, but Valanciunas could surpass all expectations and have a great season.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Small Forward – Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo is known by many as “The Greek Freak” and for good reason. Antetokounmpo stands at 6’11”, has point guard vision, and is a freak athlete. Alongside Jabari Parker, Antetokounmpo looks like the future of the Bucks franchise. Not only is Antetokounmpo a future star, he also looks set to change positions this coming season.
If you believe the rumours coming from the Bucks organisation, Antetokounmpo could start at point guard next season. This is would be a huge role change for the lanky forward.
Last season Antetokounmpo averaged 16.9 points, 4.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds in 80 games. Heading into his fourth season, Antetokounmpo is still just 21 years old. Antetokounmpo has limitless potential and has a real chance at making an all-star appearance.
Antetokounmpo’s position change could play a huge role in whether he can be the NBA’s Most Improved Player.
5. Andrew Wiggins – Shooting Guard – Minnesota Timberwolves
Andrew Wiggins is one of the most promising NBA players we have seen in a while. Wiggins is the biggest Canadian star in the league and is a part of a young core in Minnesota. With Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach LaVine, Minnesota looks set for future success. Wiggins was the first piece of the new look Timberwolves puzzle, acquired in the Kevin Love trade.
Last season Wiggins averaged 20.7 points, 2 assists and 3.6 rebounds in 81 games. In fact Wiggins has only missed 1 game in his first two seasons. Athletic, scorer, defender are just some of the key words to describe Wiggins as a player. Wiggins can dunk over you, shoot from anywhere on the court and lock up his man. The Canadian guard is slowly becoming a star in the NBA.
Wiggins strikes many as a player who is getting better everyday. Now Wiggins isn’t perfect, but he is certainly getting up there with the best in the association. Wiggins can be the NBA’s Most Improved Player, and it’s purely talent based. Wiggins will be one of many players, with a very good chance of making their first All-Star Game. He’s that good.
Main Photo
GREENBURGH, NY – AUGUST 06: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks poses for a portrait during the 2013 NBA rookie photo shoot at the MSG Training Center on August 6, 2013 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
