The 2014-15 season has drawn to a close and now it’s time to reflect. As we all get excited and prepared for the 2015 NBA Playoffs, we also want to take the time and recognize the best of the best from this season. Although we might not have an official vote for any of these awards, we still have to put our picks in here somewhere.
So check out the 2015 NBA Awards and let us know what you think!
We already did the Coach of the Year, now it’s time for the Most Improved Player award.
Nominees:
Rudy Gobert, Center, Utah Jazz
Draymond Green, Forward, Golden State Warriors
Jimmy Butler, Guard/Forward, Chicago Bulls
Hassan Whiteside, Center, Miami Heat
Martin
Winner: Jimmy Butler
This vote goes to the simple fact that I had no idea that Jimmy Butler could do the things I saw him do this season, particularly on the offensive end. Maybe I just never paid enough attention, but I never considered Jimmy Butler to be a top shooting guard in this league until this season. He improved his game to where the Bulls could run their offense through him in ball screen and pin down sets, and he capitalized. His vast improvement on the offensive end this season now makes him one of the top two-way players in the league.
Stephen
Winner: Hassan Whiteside
Another year another great move by Heat President Pat Riley. Whiteside didn’t make The Grizzlies roster this year and Riley swooped him up to make a playoff push even without Chris Bosh to help take the scoring load off Wade’s knees. Whiteside averaged 11 points and 10 rebounds with 2 blocks. Whiteside had a great season on both sides of the ball and there’s no doubt he improved the most in the NBA.
Rob
Winner: Jimmy Butler
When Jimmy Butler first came on the scene, he was viewed as a great defensive player primarily. I never saw him as a player that was a threat to any damage to my team offensively. I used to never be scared of Jimmy Butler. No one used to say ‘oh ya, watch out for Jimmy Butler, he can really score when he gets the chance’. If someone told me that before this season started, I would think you’re crazy. Now it’s the end of the season and despite the fact he played 65 games Butler still put up some impressive numbers. He’s averaging career-highs in minutes at 38.9, 20.7 points per game, 5.8 rebounds per game, 3.3 assists per game along with 46% shooting from the field, 38% percent from the 3 point line and 83% from the free throw line. He’s improved from primarily a defensive stopper to now being that threat we all once scoffed at. Already an All-Star, the next step for Butler is superstardom.
Cameron
Winner: Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler increased his points per game from 13.1 to 20 points per game, he became an All-Star for the first time, and he became the best two way player on a team that includes Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol, and Joakim Noah. He kept the Bulls on top of the eastern conference, never having the consistent support from his All-Star teammates thanks to injury. Two things that helps solidify his case over other deserving players like Whiteside, Gobert, and Draymond Green is (1)Jimmy Butler is playing the same amount of minutes he was last year at 38 and his production is significantly better on all facets of the game. (2) is he has catapulted himself this season to the second best shooting guard spot. This means he Leap frogged DeMar Derozan, Monta Ellis, Dwyane Wade, and even everyone’s beloved Klay Thompson.
Es
Winner: Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler busted onto the scene early on in the season, and really helped the Chicago Bulls compete without Derrick Rose, who is their star player. Last year, Jimmy Butler came in as a defensive player, but with his offensive improvements, he’s become one of the best two-way guards in the NBA. He made an All-Star game, and he went from being a guy you put in for defense only to a guy you need on the court at all times. How can you not pick him?
Max
Winner: Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler last season was a solid role player. This year though, he is a totally different player. Jimmy has gone from a role player to an all-star this season. His numbers have improved greatly too. Last season, he averaged 12.2 PPG, 3.6 APG, and 5 RPG. This season though, playing about the same amount of time, he has averaged 18.6 PPG, 4.4 APG, and 5.4 RPG. He has clearly improved his game greatly from last season, and Jimmy Butler should win this award.
Kyle
Winner: Hassan Whiteside
Let’s be honest, if I said the name Hassan Whiteside to you back in November, most people’s reactions would be like “Who?” After being out of the league for two seasons, Whiteside has become one of the best centers in the Eastern Conference since signing with the Heat. He averages a double-double, scoring 11.5 points per game with 10 rebounds. He’s had 21 double-doubles in 47 games, oh did I mention HE’S BEEN OUT OF THE LEAGUE FOR TWO SEASONS! He’s played in more games this season then he did in his first two seasons combined. Is there really another option?
David
Winner: Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler has had a fantastic season. At long last, his nickname “Jimmy Buckets” makes sense. Last year he averaged 13.1 points on a woeful 39.7% from the field and 28.3% from deep. This season however, he raised his scoring to 20 points per game on 46.2% shooting and 37.2% from deep, while also upping his rebounds and assists numbers. Butler is actually playing slightly less minutes per game than he was last season. Despite that, he has been completely lighting it up this season. He absolutely deserves this award.
