NBA Award Predictions: Most Improved Player

2 of 4

Apr 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) comes off the court after being poked in the eye by a Toronto Raptors player in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Milwaukee defeated Toronto 97-83. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Giannis Antetokounmpo

“I think this is always the most difficult award every year. Harrison Barnes has an unbelievable case to be made for this award, but I have to go with Giannis Antetokounmpo. If it was the most surprising, it would be Barnes, but what the Greek Freek has done this year is remarkable. He went from a rising young player to starting the all-star game alongside LeBron. 2017 is the year he became a star in the NBA.” –Isaac Harris

More from The Smoking Cuban

“The Greek Freak has completed his game enough to the point where he has become a 100 million dollar player for the Bucks. He previously had been dominating purely from a defensive and athletic perspective, but he has completely improved his shot and handle. The Bucks have themselves a budding superstar.” –Evan Siegel

“Greek. Freak. Giannis might be my favorite young player in the league. Dude is just a monster. He has made improvements in virtually every single stat there is besides fouls per game (which is down). He went from 16 points per game to 22 points per game. Four assists to five assists. 8 rebounds to 9 rebounds. Not to mention, he led the Bucks to the 6th seed in the East.” –Blake Heckel

“I found it difficult to vote against the great young talent turned All-Star starter and second-tier MVP candidate.

With a spike in usage rate (+6), Giannis Antetokounmpo has put together the best all-around season of his young career. Giannis is averaging a career-high in points (23.1), rebounds (8.7), assists (5.4), blocks (1.9), and steals (1.7). No player has made a bigger leap in their overall gameplay than the Greek Freak.” –Emmanuel Dixon

Next: Nikola Jokic