The Battle for Most Improved
While the Rookie of the Year and MVP races might be more glamorous, the race for the Most Improved player of the year might be the most interesting race to follow. Just tonight another name surfaced in the race with Jose Juan Barea suddenly becoming a legit player in the race. It's still early for Barea (and he is coming off games against the Clippers and Suns, hardly defensive juggernauts) but he's looking like he could settle into the starting spot. Jason Terry is apparently set for the 6th Man spot, Jerry Stackhouse seems out of the loop, and Gerald Green is, well, Gerald Green.
Barea may just be a flash in the pan but there are a number of other players who could be vying for the hardly prestigious title of Most Improved.
Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets: People questioned the Jason Kidd trade when it was made. Now they look at it as a downright disaster. For the Mavs. Devin Harris should be the starting PG for the Eastern Conference and is helping carry a lackluster squad to respectability. As well as Vince Carter has been playing this season. Harris could arguably be called the team's MVP.
Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia 76ers: It's a little unfair to include Young in this discussion because he was a 19 year old rookie last year so improvement was expected. Still, Young has gotten better faster than most people imagined and is starting to make some people wonder if he isn't the best young swingman on the Sixers. The scariest thing about Young is that I wouldn't be surprised if he improved even more next year.
Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics: Rondo is still inconsistent but when he's on, he's a force. He's gone from the Celtics' supposed weak link to a viable candidate for best point guard in the Eastern Conference.
Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers: Granger was good last year but this year he's an All-Star. While most of the focus was on Andre Iguodala and Luol Deng, Granger has asserted himself as the best young SF in the East not named LeBron.
Andris Biedrins, Golden State Warriors: The growth of Biedrins last year was impressive and it's continue in 2008. He has a god awful free throw motion but he's a goddamned beast on the board. Teams are starting to respect him a bit which could hinder his numbers but the fact that he's someone teams have to game plan for is a sign of huge improvement.
Trevor Ariza, Los Angeles Lakers: Ariza is a super-sub who could, with a good playoff run, go from overlooked to overrated but he's a strong player who is finally get his shot. One reason for this might be because he's improved his own shot and is now a decent enough shooter. He's not consistent but you at least have to keep an eye on him. He's cooled down as of late but he's still a good defender and guy who can make you pay if you don't take him seriously.
Wilson Chandler, New York Knicks: If Isiah could do one thing, it was find diamonds in the rough in the draft. Ariza was drafted by the Knicks and Chandler looks like he could be even better than Trevor. He went from an interesting prospect to actual NBA starter in one season and he's only 21 years old.
Spencer Hawes, Sacramento Kings: Like with Thad Young, it's a bit unfair to include Hawes in the race but the kid is improving. He went from a kid who looked like he had a chance of being the next Robert Swift to a legit piece of the Kings core for the future.
Brandan Wright, Golden State Warriors: Honestly, the only thing keeping him from winning this award is Don Nelson. Wright isn't close to reaching his potential but he could be a legit player and possible star in this league if he's given a chance. Of course, he probably will never get that chance so it's another year of praying for a trade or for Nellie to get fired for people who want to see a good amount of Wright.
Paul Millsap, Utah Jazz: The fun might be over when Carlos Boozer gets back but while he's out, Paul will show off his skills. Averaging 16 and 10, Millsap is making a little name for himself. I still don't think he's a starting PF in the league but someone might be silly enough to pay him like he is.
