NBA Roundtable: Who Should Be This Year's Most Improved Player?

Senior Writer Written on August 16, 2008

(Page 3 of 3)

If he improves his strength, his rebounding numbers and defense will follow suit, and he has an unselfish nature which should lead to a fair share of assists, as well. The only thing that may keep him out of the running is the fact he’s expected to be good.

1. Nene Hillario, Denver Nuggets

He’ll produce bigtime if he ever stays healthy, but when will that be? If it’s this year, he’ll be Denver’s No. 1 post option on offense, and should be an explosive rebounder, too. If Carmelo Anthony or Allen Iverson are traded, Nene automatically becomes Denver’s second option in their free-wheeling system. It isn’t too much to expect a breakout year on the court from Nene, though it may be too much to ask him to make it through the season unscathed.

Joe Willet

5. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trailblazers

He is going to be more of a go-to guy this season and with Greg Oden coming back, he is going to have someone to take pressure off of him inside.

4. Jason Maxiell, Detroit Pistons

He is going to get a lot of time in and with the way the Pistons are trying to shake up their team, Maxiell could be their breath of fresh air.

3. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics

He was a surprising part of the post-season Celtics, and if he can keep up his production all season, he can make huge strides in the eyes of the NBA elite.

2. Andray Blatche, Washington Wizards

With all the pressure going to guys like Antwan Jamison, Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler, Blatche could sneak inside and have a big year.

1. Ronnie Brewer, Utah Jazz

Brewer is likely to become the full-time starter this season, and, with the help of Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer, Brewer could get a lot of open looks at the basket this season.

TJ Zwarych

5. Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors

Calderon is a great ball-control guard who will finally have a permanent starting position. Now that he's guaranteed that spot, his confidence will be higher, making him a better scorer. Having worked on his defense this offseason, he will be better on both sides of the ball.

4. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics

With one more year of experience and an NBA Championship under his belt, Rondo will have a fantastic season with the Celtics. Rondo is a fantastic up-and-coming guard who will get better with every year he is in the league. He has worked on his jump shot a lot this summer and can already cover the best point guards in the league. With an improved jumper and more experience, he will be a lot better.

3. Carlos Boozer, Utah Jazz

Personally, I think Boozer will have the best season of his career next year. Not for any reason other than he is entering the peak of his prime, and has a very talented point guard on his team. Boozer is a big, physical, athletic body that will take the NBA by storm next year.

2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma TBA's

After winning Rookie of the Year last season, Durant is only going to get better. With one year's experience behind him, Durant has learned more about the NBA and the things he has to do to be a star. He will share the rock more this year and you will also see his field-goal percentage increase as he forces fewer shots.

1. Mo Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers

Now that he's on a team with some talent, Mo Williams will have a fantastic season. With opposing teams keying on LeBron James at his wing, Williams will get a lot of open shots a lot more assists. It's not just his stats that will improve, though. As he learns what it actually means to compete for a championship, he will gain more composure and approach being an elite-level point guard in the NBA.

Honorable Mentions of Players I Still Think Will Improve a Lot: Chris Bosh, Devin Harris, Dwight Howard, JJ Reddick.

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders for Bleacherreport.com

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NBA Roundtable: Who Should Be This Year's Most Improved Player?

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