Almost a Most Improved Player Prediction.

(can someone forward this to Josh Howard, he might want to see it!)

Pervis Ellison went from “never nervous pervis” in college to “out of service pervis” in the pro's.

He had one great season of 66 games in which he posted 20 points and 11.2 rebounds per game.

Injuries wrecked his career after that. Pity because he was a number one pick and was the only freshman to win the most outstanding award whilst winning a national championship, until Carmelo Anthony did it in 2003.

Scott Skiles won the award when his minutes jumped from 20 to 34 with Orlando. After that he was durable, reliable and capable without ever being great.

I don't want to detract from a 30 assist game in any way Scott so please don't make me run suicides!.

He never got a big contract or a big injury. He played for 5 teams in 10 seasons without a ring or trip to the last dance.

Rony Seikaly seems to have had a good career and I remember him as the guy who replaced Shaq in Orlando and didn't suck all that much. He seemed durable enough and his numbers increased slightly after he won the most improved award. No ring but other than that, nothing fit to print.

Kevin Johnson was one of my favourite players. A little guy who dunked on big guys. His lefty dunk down the lane on Hakeem still makes me smile.

What can I say about K.J.? Another to dodge the bullet of misfortune.

Injuries seemed to have slowed him in his late twenties as he missed between 20 to 30 games per season until he was 30 and played in 70. Oh he recorded 20.1 points 9.6 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game that year, so nothing career threatening by any stretch. Oh and he did make the play-offs every year after his rookie season.

No ring although one hell of a player.

Kevin Duckworth is on the list but I would hate to offend anyone by trying to link him to a tongue in cheek piece like this. RIP big fella.

Dale Ellis. Great career, amazing stroke, no ring. Oh and he looks kinda like Monta a little bit!. Nothing implied just an observation.

Alvin Roberson had a good career, no real injury worries and was productive every year he played.

He also had numerous off court trouble, mostly relating to domestic abuse.

A very good player and terror on defence but still didn't get that ring.

So after all that I have a list of players I would like to win for one reason, (I like them) and another couple of players for another reason, (I don't like them)

In all seriousness predicting this is a crap shoot but here goes.

Rodney Carney, Amir Johnson, Thaddeus Young, Randy Foye, Wilson Chandler, Al Thornton, Andray Blatche and Mike Conley all came to mind. The playing time increases I see here should put them all in the hunt.

I was going to suggest Gerald Green as he will be running with Jason Kidd but I don't see the minutes for the kid but you never know.

I will enjoy tracking these guys this year albeit with crossed fingers they don't get hurt, busted, you tubed, married to Madonna, praised by Charley Rosen or any other such career harming mis hap.

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