The NBA regular season is in its final stages, and with that comes the votes for all the postseason awards. Lots of people have their opinions on who should win the awards, but one of the cases that might be already decided is the Most Improved Player award. This award goes to the player that has had the greatest jump from last season to this season. Many players improved from last season, so let's break down the candidates.
Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz has made a name for himself this season as a defensive shot blocker. Nicknamed the "Stifle Tower," he has improved his block totals from 2.2 to almost 3 blocks per game.
He took this season to improve on the offensive side of his game, increasing his points per game by five points. He is averaging 14 points per game, and he is also averaging 12.8 rebounds per game. He is shooting better from the field, as well shooting 66 percent compared to 55 percent last season. He is now an even more complete player from last season, and he along with Gordon Heyward are leading the Jazz into the playoffs.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a handful to say. But he is even more of a handful on the court this season. Antetokounmpo is a seven foot wing player playing point guard, and he has made his game even more scarier to defend. He has made a increase in scoring from last season, going from 16.9 to 22.9 points per game.
He has also shot the ball much better this season, shooting 52 percent from the field compared to an even 50 percent last season. He also increased his rebound an assist total by one, but you see the improvement if you watch Antetokounmpo live. He game is more fluid and you see him in control of the Milwaukee Bucks offense.
Not to mention he can lay the wood, throwing down ferocious dunks throughout the season. Antetokounmpo's game has come full circle, and he might be the league's Most Improved Player.
Isaiah Thomas
Isaiah Thomas of the Boston Celtics is not only a name in this award race, but he is a dark horse for the MVP award as well. In his second season with Boston after being bounced in the playoffs the previous season, Thomas has been electrifying.
He has increased his PPG average by seven points, now averaging 29 points per game which is top five in the league this season. He is shooting better from the field, now shooting 46 percent from the field. He is the king of the fourth quarter, as he averages almost 10 points in the fourth quarter, easily the best in the league. The Celtics have a chance to clinch the top seed in the eastern conference, and they can thank Isaiah Thomas for his electrifying and timely scoring.
Who wins?
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the clear winner for most improved player. He has taken on a bigger role for the Bucks and has responded very well. He is shooting better, scoring better, and getting his teammates involved. His game is on another level as he is now a proven star in the NBA. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the future face of the NBA and he deserves the Most Improved Player award without question.
