NBA Roundtable: Who Will Be the Most Improved Player?

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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 5: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Dallas Mavericks goes to the basket against the Los Angeles Clippers on April 5, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Nerlens Noel

“The last three award winners are Giannis, Butler, and McCollum, so the bar is set high for this award. Nikola Jokic will probably be a popular pick, but I’m going with Nerlens Noel. There arguably isn’t a player in the league playing for more this season than Noel and he is ready to prove his worth to the league. I expect a huge season from Noel and if he stays healthy, should be in this conversation.” –Isaac Harris

Harrison Barnes

“Barnes is in a position to be a breakout star this coming year. Barnes shattered expectations last year for the Mavericks, but his offensive improvements were mostly coming from a jump shot that fell much more consistently than in recent years.

Barnes has another offseason under his belt and will make coaching decisions for Rick Carlisle much easier as he hopes to see Barnes grow into an all around star. Barnes will add penetration, post, and defensive move to his all around repertoire this season.” –Evan Siegel

Clint Capela

“While I don’t see Capela every leading the league in blocks or rebounds, I believe Capela is going to be become an elite big man, with the help of Chris Paul. We have all seen the efficiency numbers from the years of Paul and Jordan, and Clint Capela is just as capable of running the pick-n-roll with Paul down in Houston. I can easily see Capela averaging a high double-double on the season and becoming a big part of the Rockets game plan.” –Blake Heckel

Rodney Hood

“With Gordon Hayward departing for Boston, Hood will be the new go-to guy in Utah. Adding a pass-first point guard in Ricky Rubio will also create more looks for the former Blue Devil.” –Emmanuel Dixon

Nikola Jokic

“Jokic is probably an obvious answer but it is time for this youngster to stop being overlooked. He is one of the best centers in the league and will make the Denver Nuggets a very dangerous team this season. I expect him to be in the top 3 in triple-doubles once again this year but actually noticed across the league this time.” –Kohl Rast

Next: NBA Roundtable: Who Will be the 6th Man of the Year?

It appears that there are a lot of good candidates for this years most improved award and some of them just happen to be Dallas Mavericks. Who do you think will win the Most Improved Player award this season?