NBA: Move Aside MVP...Let's Look at the Most Improved

Yes, I had two ties for fourth in my list of candidates. But, Devin Harris is one that should not be overlooked. Harris' play has evolved exponentially ever year that he has been in the league and this year is no different. A player who jumped five points above his last year's average is something that should not be overlooked. But, Devin Harris' ability does not just come from his scoring but of his unsung defensive skills at the point position. Reaching six assists is hardly a typical amount for a point guard but his uncanning defensive skills are to be feared at that position. What made Dallas so successful at defense was Harris guarding the perimeter and his athleticism to guard point guards that wish to drive in the paint as well. He consistently guarded point guards like Tony Parker and Steve Nash to some success. While some of his other totals are barely better then they were a season ago, He is still a growing point guard who can eventually make himself a perennial point guard in the NBA.

3. Mike Dunleavy, Jr.

2006-2007 Statistics: 12.7 PPG, 5.2 RBG, 2.8 APG, .314 3P%, .452 FG%.

2007-2008 Statistics: 18.7 PPG, 5.2 RBG, 3.5 APG, .415 3P%, .481 FG%.

Mike Dunleavy is probably one of the sole reasons why the Pacers have even a slim chance to reach the playoffs this year. Going from the Warriors to the Pacers has upped his game even more due to the fact that he is probably the only player on that team that can prevent himself from being injured. His shooting is incredibly consistent and jumping from 13 to 19 points is not easy. Especially the fact that he can keep his field goal percentage and 3 point percentage high is another attribute that even makes Dunleavy even more deserving of this consideration. I would call Dunleavy's only downside is his lack of athleticism. He is more on the builds of a Stojakovic in just being a pure shooter. If he continues to give 15-20 points a game; We might see him finally get some recognization for being the Pacers' new ray of hope.

2. LaMarcus Aldridge

2006-2007 Statistics: 9.0 PPG, 5.0 RBG, 2.3 OFF, 1.2 BPG, .503 FG%.

2007-2008 Statistics: 17.7 PPG, 7.3 RBG, 2.8 OFF, 1.3 BPG, .491 FG%.

Aldridge is one of the key reasons why the TrailBlazers have had a decent amount success this year. One of the candidates for Rookie of the Year last year has incredibly improved his game in a lot of levels. He is their dominant power foward and with his consistent inside scoring game along with his increased rebounding skills have made Portland a tough defensive and offensive team. Nearly doubling his point total along with keeping a consistent shooting percentage while rebounding the ball has made Aldridge one of the key components for the Trail Blazers. Aldridge along with the entire TrailBlazers team will be one to be feared in a couple of years considering the fact on how young their team is along with the return of Greg Oden. The only reason why Aldridge is not the front runner for Most Improved Player is because of injuries.

1. Hedo Turkoglu

2006-2007 Statistics: 13.3 PPG, 4.0 RBG, 3.2 APG, .388 3P%, .419 FG%.

2007-2008 Statistics: 19.6 PPG, 5.9 RBG, 4.9 APG, .407 3P%, .453 FG%.

I'm sorry to tell you Rasheed fans but Hedo was robbed for the All-star game. Hedo Turkoglu is the Most Improved Player for the 07-08 season. His ability to score and his uncanning 3-point shooting ability has made him the number 2 guy for the Magic. I gurantee you NO ONE except hardcore Magic fans thought Turkoglu would have a break out season like this one. He has great court vision for a foward and has just enough shooting stroke to make him a deadly mid to long range shooter. Call him a Stojakovic clone if you want but his ability to stay healthy throughout the Magic season has been key for them to be successful. The MIP award is a rather close one this year but I have to give it to Turkoglu and give him the nod for the Most Improved Player for this year. 

Statistics from NBA.com 

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