NBA Award Predictions: Most Improved Player

By Kohl Rast

Apr 29, 2017

Apr 22, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) runs into Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the third quarter in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 2, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) is guarded by Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the second half the at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Nikola Jokic

“This one makes me sad because I was really pulling for Porzingis at the start of the year, but the Knicks are a raging dumpster fire and Carmelo Anthony doesn’t let his teammates be good enough to win awards.

Now, Jokic was a fun rookie, but he’s turned into a full blown monster this year. Think about this; Jusuf Nurkic is an excellent starting center, and put up very good numbers in Portland before he got hurt. On most other team’s he would’ve been their guy, but on Denver, Jokic had him playing part time minutes, and he was so good the front office traded Nurkic for a Plumlee. The only other guy I would consider giving the award to would be Giannis because have you watched him?? But Giannis was very good last year as well, much better than Jokic was, so his margin of improvement seems less high to me.” –Shawn James

“I can definitely see the case for about half a dozen other candidates when it comes to the most improved player this year, but to me, Nikola Jokic is the frontrunner. After a pretty solid rookie year, Jokic has become one of the best bigs in the league and arguably the most versatile out there. Not many centers can say they have ever gotten a triple-double in their career, while Jokic had 6 this season. A great passer, an excellent rebounder, and a near 58% field goal shooter, Jokic is my pick.” –Kohl Rast

Next: Other Improvements