Ah the Most Improved Player award. The MIP. This award isn’t respected as much as the others. When you win Most Improved Player most people dismiss it and skewer it. Saying that the player is only doing better because he’s getting more minutes, not because he put extra work in during the offseason.
Well, many players do get more minutes one season after, but most of them don’t take advantage of it. One of the players I have put on this list might be a victim to the minutes thing but to be honest, I couldn’t give a damn. These players have improved immensely from last season and for three completely different reasons as well.
But before I get into my top 3 for the Most Improved Player award, here is an honourable mention that was considered for this list.
Will Barton – Denver Nuggets
For me he’s been a fantasy steal. He has surpassed the minutes he had last season in Portland and Denver yes but with those improved minutes come improved stats in nearly all departments. Definitely a contender for MIP look out for him
Now onto the top three. Including a beast people are still sleeping on. A guy who has found his old self and a kid from Lehigh who has emerged to become a silky offensive force.
3. Andre Drummond – Detroit Pistons
This guy. I love this guy. From Rookie year I knew that he was going to be a great player. It’s a bit awkward putting his name next to “most improved player” now, considering that were a couple of days removed from the historically tragic free throw performance against the Rockets. But that’s why he’s third on this list and not first!
Drummond. Owns. Rebounding. He leads in per game, offensive boards, defensive boards and rebounds in total. He’s rebounding on a Wilt and Russell level and is second in defensive win shares (Kawhi Leonard tops him by 0.2) and on top of all that. His Detroit Pistons are better as a team this season and part of that is definitely thanks to Andre Drummond.
2. Rajon Rondo – Sacramento Kings
Oh yes he’s back ladies and gentlemen! After injury, trade rumours and an ugly stint in Dallas, Rajon Rondo is in Sacramento and is back to his old ‘double digit assists’ self. Combining with Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins, Rondo always creates a play when there’s practically nothing there. He may be a little anti social sometimes but when he’s on the court he always shares the love.
Rondo boasts the only double digit assist average with 11.7, his offensive rating is at its highest since the 2010-11 season (104) his free throwing has improved to above 50%. Remember when he was as bad as some centers? His PER, true shooting, assist%, steal% and win shares are better than last year. Rondo is back to ‘Boston Rondo’, something we haven’t seen in three years. And I love it.
1. CJ McCollum – Portland Trail Blazers
CJ has been a shining star on a team that should be tanking right now. Don’t forget, the Portland Trail Blazers lost four of their five starters this summer. Damian Lillard was standing there like John Travolta in Pulp Fiction, wondering where did everyone go.
Enter CJ McCollum. Who has come into the frame and has teamed up with Lillard to be a great back court partnership. Name a statistic and McCollum has improved on it. CJ is 11tg in points, Lillard is 9th. CJ is 5th in field goals made. I repeat. Fifth! He’s top 10 in three pointers made. This kid is definitely taking advantage of his increased minutes. More than anyone in my opinion.
And combined with Lillard, I think they’re one of the best back courts in the NBA. Wall & Beal can take a back seat to these two. I legitimately think that. And if they make the Playoffs, you can thank CJ and his rise.
