NBA's Most Improved
There are many players in contention for the league's most improved. Often times, this award goes to a player who fortuitously sees his minutes increase, and subsequently his numbers. Or a fringe NBA player who makes a significant jump to becoming a serviceable contributor. However this year, the players in the discussion for most improved were already well established players in the NBA who elevated themselves into the All-NBA discussion. Here are the top three candidates for the NBA's Most Improved Player.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks ....... The Greek Freak has tapped into the potential that made him such an intriguing prospect and the Bucks are reaping the benefits. The 7-footer is the Bucks de facto point guard. He is averaging 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Each season league-wide, NBA GM's are given a survey. One of the questions is: If you could start a team with any player, who would you select? The dominating response over the past decade has unsurprisingly been LeBron. Next year I wouldn't be surprised if the 22-year-old from Milwaukee garnered several votes.
Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards ...... John Wall's backcourt mate may be the main reason the Wizards will have home-court in the first round of the playoffs. The 6'5" sharpshooter is averaging 23 points per game on over 40% from three-point range. Washington's coach Scott Brooks should receive some credit for taking the leash off of Bradley Beal and giving him the ultimate green light. It has paid off for the Wiz as they look to gain momentum heading into the postseason.
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets ...... The Nuggets could have traded the 7-foot Serbian for Demarcus Cousins last season, but nixed the trade at the last moment. I am sure they are happy they did. Jokic is averaging 17 points, 10 rebounds, and nearly 5 assists - an incredible number for a center. Although he is just a second-year player and improvement is expected, I don't think anyone could have expected Nikola's improvement to be on this trajectory.
