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.
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LOS ANGELES, LA – APRIL 3: C.J. McCollum (L) of Portland Trail Blazers in action against Jabari Brown (#15) of Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA game on April 3, 2015 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mintaha Neslihan Eroglu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
