Top 5 Contenders For NBA’s Most Improved Player
After breaking down the contenders for NBA Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, it’s time to see who will be taking home the trophy for Most Improved Player this upcoming season. While we definitely know some teams that will be improving from last year, what players are going to make that jump?
1. Trevor Ariza, Rockets – With a big contract comes big expectations, and after only averaging 8.9 points in 24.4 minutes a night for the Lakers last year, Ariza will have more than enough opportunity to be the man in Houston. While the Rockets definitely like him for what he brings to the table defensively, replacing Ron Artest, he’ll have to pickup some of the scoring burden too.
2. Yi Jianlian, Nets – The numbers that Yi put up in his first two seasons were almost identical at 8.6 points and 5.3 rebounds playing about 24 minutes a night. But now that he went into beast mode this summer, the Nets have no choice to play him – and he better produce. If Yi can increase those averages (is 20 and 10 out of the question?), he’ll be a lock for MIP this year.
3. Lou Williams, Sixers – As the starting point guard in Philly, it’s time for Sweet Lou to step up. Last year he averaged a respectable 12.8 points, 3.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds in only 23.7 minutes a night. With increased playing time, those numbers should increase as well. If he can become the player we all saw in high school, the League better watch out.
4. Anthony Randolph, Warriors – Of everyone on this list, Randolph has shown the most star potential. From absolutely destroying teams in Summer League to having the occasional breakout game with the Warriors last season, all Randolph needs is a chance to play. Putting up 7.9 points and 5.8 rebounds in only 17.9 minutes a game should give Nellie a reason to give this kid some burn.
5. Courtney Lee, Nets – Since he was traded to the Nets, Lee has been moaning as if he was a franchise player. Now he’ll have the chance to show what he’s talking about as he slides in at the two-guard spot left by the void of Vince Carter. Playing alongside Devin Harris, he’ll have a great playmaker to play off of as Lee guns to become one of the NBA’s elite after averaging only 8.4 points per game last year.
What do you think? Is there anyone else in consideration? Who is going to win?
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September 17th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
mumadone says:
Aaron Brooks
September 17th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Ashlov says:
Based on early reports, Mario Chalmers has vastly improved. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him blow up this season.
September 17th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
flavur says:
Mario Chalmers, Aaron Brooks, Rajon Rondo, Charlie Villanueva all those guys have a shot at it to me
September 17th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Mac22 says:
Anybody here heard of Lebron making a new movie?
September 17th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Kobeef says:
I vote for players who are going to go from bench players to full-time starters. All of these guys are going to get lots of PT and lots of time to show what they have.
1. Michael Beasley
2. JR Smith
3. Ben Gordon
4. Andrea Bargnani
5. Charlie Villanueva
September 17th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
control says:
If Yi goes from the nothing he is in the league to ANYTHING at all, even averaging 14/6, he will be in the All Star game…even though it’s bullshit, I guess it helps to have a billion asians on your jock.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bargnani get some talk, he might become a legit 20/10 player maybe.
September 17th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
chebs says:
jordan farmar
September 17th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
nowwhatyo says:
russell westbrook and kevin love should be part of the discussion too
September 17th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
mess says:
Remember this name – CJ Miles…
September 17th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Jake says:
I can definately see Ariza as a candidate, and mario chalmers as well. But I think the guy that has the best chance has to be Anthony Randolph. Yes, it was the Summer League and he wasnt playing against real starters but if he plays the way he did he’ll be a lock. Nellie doesnt like playing rookies and that played a large part in him not getting much play time last season. If he plays the way he’s shown glimpses of he’s a lock.
September 17th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Lets Go Hawks says:
Yes it is out of the question for Yi to average 20 and 10
September 17th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
MSkittle says:
20 and 10 from Yi?? No way! This award will go to Anthony Randolph.
September 17th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
shake&bake says:
As a Bulls fan, I hope Ty Thomas is in the discussion.
September 17th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Steve A says:
Ariza is a classic case of a role player whose getting overpaid on a team that isn’t close to contending. He’s a 4th option.
September 17th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Taj says:
I can see Randolp and Lee blowing up.. Yi will be good for 15 and 7 and Ariza will have too much pressure and wont live up to it!
September 17th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Boombaby says:
Yi should practice his cheerleading this year. He’s a bust..
September 17th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Octopus Jonny says:
CV31 and Ramon Sessions are definitely candidates…are you watching John Hammond?
September 17th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Mellmeister says:
Trevor Ariza would be a great candidate, from the exposure he’ll get from houston plus he’ll fill up the void left by artest. so more shots to go around… and games to be had by the young fellow.
Yi? he needs to be more aggressive if he wants to come in the 20/10 category… which i’m not sure if he’ll work with.
Anthony Randolph? this year’s version of marco bellineli.. hyped because of the summer league. he’ll contribute… but not that much to earn him the right to be MIP… watch don nelson at work.
MIP? T-Mac… hehehehe! The Gingerbread man drives… scores… and turns into crumbs…
September 17th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
mavs all the way says:
1.) Russel Westbrook – it’s his award to lose.
2.) Anthony Randolph – assuming it’s not all hype.
3.) Mario Chalmers – assuming he’s sober.
September 17th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
isotope says:
Yeah I think theres too much hype about Randolph. Kelvin Cato once had an amazing summer league and training camp for the Rockets. So they signed him to a huge contract. sigh. Ariza has potential but I don’t see him doing it. Except he does something totally amazing, he’ll be the 3rd offensive option behind Scola and Brooks.
Courtney Lee has to fight off Devin Harris and Rafer on the nets. I dont see that happening.
Never have been impressed with Lou so if he breaks out, he deserves it.
CJ Miles sounds like a good option if DN gives him PT. Aaron Brooks and Chalmers have nowhere but up to go and are below the radar a little bit.
Then again this is all guess work. Who knows?
September 17th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
doc says:
My mizan Thaddeus Young.I witnessed his game firsthand in summerleague and he gonna be unleashed this year.
September 17th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
scotsman says:
I like Westbrook, Randolph, Lee, Chalmers and Love for this award.
If Yi puts up anything near 20/10 then i will honestly be totally blown away. Ive been baggin on him all summer, urging the nets to pick up any1 who can start in front of him
September 17th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
ProphetGK says:
I’m thinking Ariza will win, since not only is he going to vastly improve, like the other candidates, but he is going 2 be the man on the Rockets.. look forward to future Lakers – Rockets matchups…
September 17th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Amar says:
MIP will be CJ miles . . .
September 17th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Flip says:
Scola, anyone??
September 17th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
BCap says:
well both lee and yi won’t have breakout seasons
September 17th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
The REAL Tyrone says:
Ain’t no doubt y’all that Trevor be winnin it this year. Cat’ a real athlete who be hooppin it up real good and got them mad skillz. Cat’s a glass eatin’ monsta who be contributin to them Rockets real good yo.
True thugs NEVER lie.
The Real Tyrone
September 17th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Diego says:
^ but does he dish dope dimes?
September 17th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
fan says:
Ramon Sessions definitely. I’ve been studying Ronnie Brewer for a while he reminds me of Gerald Wallace transition. Baron Davis healthy watch out. Okafor playing with Chris Paul. Beasley if the Heat get a PG. Gilbert Arenas goes bananas and has the Wizards as this year Heat. R.Foye is a problem. Mike Miller will regain his touch. McGee is a future problem.
September 17th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
fast says:
Thad Young should’ve won last year
September 17th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
A-Lid says:
Michael Beasley, Mario Chalmers, JJ Barea or Chris Douglas-Roberts
September 17th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
LakeShow84 says:
I got nothing but props for Ariza and how he helped us get that ring but on the Rockets he wont have a true post presence and another superstar to take the focus off him.. maybe AFTER next year but Tmac will be rusty and Yao gone.. Scola and Hayes is undersized as well and dont warrant double teams..
Once you get paid, defenders treat you like you got paid.. They WANT to show you aint worth the money.. The dunks and 3’s all were open shots so its going to be hard for the man to get off with someone in his jersey..
I think if Michael Beasley gets the burn the kid will produce damn near close to 20/10..
September 17th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
LakeShow84 says:
Oh wait its the NBA!
Lebron will be MIP.. Along with DPOY and MVP..
September 17th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
sh!tfaced says:
Grandpa Greg Oden!!!
…Even if he don’t dish dope dimes.
September 17th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
killa kal says:
Anthony Randolph babieeee!!!!
http://onlydopemusic.com
September 17th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
spindlest says:
Am I the only one who sees Ariza being this season’s James Posey?
September 17th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
nobs6669 says:
courtney lee – nets still has no identity and after the 09 playoff for sure the confidence is up
tyrus thomas – if he could be consistent like the 09 playoff he is a lock for this award
mcgee and blatche – one of them will surely breakout this year
roy hibbert – starting center for indiana.
corey brewer – john salmons in the making. plus he play defense and we know rambis love it.
kevin love – a perfect compliment with al jefferson
September 17th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
sh!tfaced says:
^^^Kevin LOVE’s perfect compliment is Rudy GAY…
September 18th, 2009 at 2:13 am
nobs6669 says:
@shitfaced
nice one for the compliment. lol
September 18th, 2009 at 5:55 am
rw says:
you get paid for this? 20 and 10. no chance
September 18th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Chicagorilla says:
Beasley, Westbrook, Love, and Ty Thomas
Anthony Randolph = Nikolus Skitishvilli or however you spell that shit. Skeeta used to dominate the summer Leagues, then avg 4ppg in the real league.
September 18th, 2009 at 9:18 am
doc says:
Ariza is about to be on milk cartons.
September 18th, 2009 at 10:38 am
M Intellect says:
The only 20 and 10 Yi will average is 20 minutes and 10 points.
September 18th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
osmosis says:
Darko milicic is going to break out
September 19th, 2009 at 3:35 am
Joseph Stevens says:
CHARLIE VILLANUEVA IS ON THE TOP OF THE LIST. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? CV WAS A CANDIDATE FOR MOST IMPROVE PLAYER AWARD THIS YEAR, AND NOW PLAYING MORE THAN 30min+, HE WILL DOMINATE IN DETROIT. WITNESS OR DIE TRYING. TOP 5 WITHOUT A DOUBT.
September 19th, 2009 at 10:57 am
redwoods says:
Randolph had shown plenty before summer ball, was averaging around 16/12 late season when he got to actually PLAY full starter minutes. Over the summer…grew to 7-0 and added 15+ lb while working hard on his game.
Ike Diogu someday will actually get more minutes and less injuries. His per min numbers actually reflect the impact he CAN make.
Ariza has made some progress yet still is a defensive specialist who can’t score much. He had something of a breakout last year.
I’d agree McGee or Blatche can breakout with the Wiz..but Blatche seemed ready to step up for the last 3 yr….
Beasley is a safe pick. A bit of an airhead but has the talent to put up big numbers.
If S Jackson gets swapped, Anthony Morrow will have a big year….rare shooter talent and a good overall player.
Yi? I expect more scoring but don’t hold your breath that he becomes a defense+ reb guy.
Speights can be a breakout if he plays some D.
Tyrus Thomas? Too Clueless but Noah will become a more complete player.
September 20th, 2009 at 1:04 am
alan9449 says:
Anthony Randolph was abig deal before summer league. I watched every excrutiating game last year, and this guy is gonna be a star. Think kevin Garnett before he hit the Celtics. If you think I’m crazy, watch some Warriors games.