Polished Gems: The NBA's Most Improved Players

At this early stage in his career, Brewer stands out as one of the more complete, polished young guys in the game.

 

5. Daniel Gibson, Cleveland Cavaliers

After his clutch Game Six performance in the Eastern Conference Finals, Gibson has seen a spike in minutes and productivity in 2007.

The second-year guard out of Texas is shooting a sparkling 50 percent from behind the arc, and has been a viable kick-and-shoot option for LeBron James in clutch situations.

Watch Gibson get better as the year progresses and his confidence grows.

 

6. Andruw Bynum, L.A. Lakers

The kid Kobe Bryant desperately needs to develop into a star is showing a lot of promise in his second full season.

The 20-year-old Bynum is averaging a double-double for the Lake Show, and has made nice improvements in both FG and FT percentage. Bynum's maturation is absolutely critical to the overall team play of the Lakers...and so far the pup seems to be on the right track.

 

7. Antoine Wright, New Jersey Net

Like others on this list, Wright has responded positively to an increase in minutes.

Building on a 21-point performance on opening night, Wright has seen his points per game average soar into the double-digits. The ex-Aggie has become an intangibles guy for Jersey, giving the Nets a solid secondary scorer alongside Vince Carter, Jason Kidd, and Richard Jefferson.

The Nets will need continued improvement from Wright on both ends of the court if they hope to compete in the Atlantic Division this season.

 

8. Rudy Gay, Memphis Grizzlies

Gay wowed people with his athleticism at UConn, but he endured his share of awkward rookie moments in his first season.

In year No. 2, he seems to have made the necessary physical and mental adjustments.

Gay's production is up across the board, and his turnovers down. He's an excellent slasher, which makes you wonder how good he could be if his perimeter shooting continues to improve.

Memphis has an excellent young asset here.

 

9. Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers

Larry Bird invested the 17th overall pick of the 2005 Draft in Granger—and the move is finally paying off.

Always full of potential, Granger seems to have grown into himself this year. He's become Indiana's go-to-guy, pouring in 18 points and grabbing six boards per game.

Like some other guys on this list, Granger's early success may be just the tip of the iceberg.

 

10. Andray Blatche, Washington Wizards

The Wizards are in the unfavorable position of searching for secondary players to fill the rather substantial void left by the injured Gilbert Arenas.

Enter Andray Blatche, whose 26 points vs. the 76ers a few weeks back served as a nice coming-out party.

Blatche has been productive for the Wizards, logging 20 minutes, seven points, five boards, and nearly two blocks per game. His defensive tenacity and superior athleticism have made him an asset on a Wizards team hoping to stay afloat until Agent Zero returns.

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