The summer is a time during which players rest and recover. However, most also spend no shortage of hours honing their skills. Sometimes, the Most Improved Player earns that status more-so because of an increased role (such as C.J. McCollum this past year) than anything else, but our writers took the time to pick a player who could emerge as the award winner in 2016-17.
Gabriel Allen: Solomon Hill – Hill has spent the vast majority of his career with the Pacers in a reserve role, but his move to New Orleans this summer means he’s set to see more minutes. His 3-and-D skills at small and power forward will be warmly welcomed by the Pelicans, who have been starving for solid two-way wings over the last decade. If Hill puts up decent stats and NOLA sneaks back into the postseason, Solomon will likely find himself in the race for Most Improved Player.
Josh Cornelissen: Andrew Wiggins – Wiggins is already a well-known name among casual basketball fans, and he put up big scoring numbers last season. But under Tom Thibodeau first Luol Deng and then Jimmy Butler flourished, and neither had the same level of natural talent that Wiggins has. If he starts putting up numbers in the ballpark of 25 points, six rebounds, and four assists with a couple of steals, he will get notice. And if the Timberwolves take the expected leap up in the standings, Andrew Wiggins will get recognition for Most Improved Player. If he realizes his full defensive potential, down the road he may get recognition for an even more prestigious award.
Matt Sexton: I’m feeling Dennis Schroeder. The guy can ball. Even on not-as-good teams, as he’s shown playing internationally with Germany. Stuck behind Teague for a long time and with Horford no longer on the roster taking a lot of the offense (facilitating and scoring), I think he could be getting in the range of 15 shots a game. I think 22+ points and eight assists is a real possibility. Maybe more dimes if he gets the chemistry going with Dwight. And lets be honest, dude has got a sick haircut. Not entirely related, but has a strong effect on my vote. Dark Horse Candidate: Mario Hezonja
Ryan Weinkauf: Giannis Antetokounmpo. The whole league has had their eyes on Giannis for a while now, but Point Giannis is a different animal. After the All-Star break last year, Antetokoumnpo took over the offensive playmaking duties and flourished. He’s posted five triple-doubles and is still only 21 years old. All the Bucks offseason moves, signing Dellavedova and drafting Brogdon, point to the team going all in on Giannis as their point guard, a terrifying prospect for the rest of the league.
Ilia Shatashvili: Devin Booker. After essentially two games in summer league, Devin played with so much edge that the rest of the league had to complain he was too strong for summer league. The 19-year-old was taking control of the game on both ends, which is a welcome sight. As a rookie, he had already proved to be able to put the ball in the bucket. Watching him get chippy with R.J. Hunter after a chase down block reminiscent of LeBron’s NBA finals Game 7 stunner on Iguodala was both entertaining and eye-opening. Considering how much Booker improved upon his handles during the past season and his defense over the summer, there is reason to believe the youngster can make another giant step forward towards All-Star caliber status. Look for Booker to have a more consistent shooting season and quite possibly lead the Suns in scoring while surprising the league on defense. The future could not be any brighter for this young fella, so why not start this upcoming season. The expectation should be for him to contend for Most Improved player and avoid the notorious sophomore slump. Per NBA.com “Booker is poised to become the face of the Suns’ franchise, if he isn’t already.”
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