NBA: Early Candidates for Most Improved Player

Last year, Kevin Love had a breakout season and deservedly snagged the Most Improved Player award.  He was a clear-cut winner.

At about the one-third mark of this year, there's no clear-cut front-runner for the M.I.P. award.  A bevy of players have shown vast improvements, but there's yet to be a player who's separated himself from the rest of the pack.  

We're left with a handful of candidates who could potentially take home the hardware.  

Here are this year's most improved players.  Who will continue to build upon their early strides?  

Marcin Gortat -- Phoenix Suns

Marcin Gortat has shown promise since being Dwight Howard's backup in Orlando.  Since being traded to Phoenix, he's proved to be a consistent force in the paint.

This year, he's taken his game to another level, averaging 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game.  He's playing like a potential All-Star.

While it does help to have Steve Nash dishing the rock, it's clear that Gortat continues to improve and his burly body is a pain for opponents. 

Jeff Teague -- Atlanta Hawks

Jeff Teague raised some eyebrows in the playoffs last year and he's carried that momentum into this season.

Teague's certainly proving to be more than a serviceable point guard.  He's putting up 12.6 PPG (on an impressive 48.9 percent field goal percentage), handing out 5.2 assists per game, and proving to be a thief on defense by averaging two steals an outing. 

He's not yet an elite point guard, but his improvements have been ample and steady.

Ryan Anderson -- Orlando Magic

The story of the Orlando Magic's season has been centralized upon Dwight Howard trade rumors.  Lost in the haze of those rumors has been the play of 6-10 forward Ryan Anderson.

Anderson's significantly raised his production this season, pouring in 16.5 PPG (including a 43 percent rate from three-point) and 7.2 RPG.  

He also possesses significant upside, as he remains only 23.  

His improvements and potential are clear.  Moreover, he could see an even further hike in production if Howard leaves town, which would most likely leave the sharp-shooter as their premier offensive weapon.

Kyle Lowry -- Houston Rockets

Kyle Lowry has some rather impressive numbers -- 14.7 PPG, 8.0 APG, 6.2 RPG, and 2.0 SPG.  Those quality digits should flag the interest of fantasy basketball owners.

But there are downsides.  He's shooting a dismal 38.8 percent from the field and coughing up 3.3 turnovers an outing.  

His play merits his name in the Most Improved Player discussions, but the downsides are keeping him in the middle of the pack as of now.

Roy Hibbert -- Indiana Pacers

Roy Hibbert has slowly gotten better throughout his young career, but it's never been blatantly recognized.  He's playing at a level now where it should be recognized.

Hibbert's producing at a very efficient rate -- 13.8 PPG (on 51 percent from the field, up from last year's 46.1 percent), 10.0 RPG, and 1.8 blocks per outing.

Not only are his numbers improving, but he's also anchoring the middle of one of the league's most improved teams.  Consider him a worthy Most Improved Player candidate.

Jarrett Jack -- New Orleans Hornets

Jarrett Jack had some pretty big shoes to fill once Chris Paul left the Hornets.  No one will quickly make New Orleans forget about CP3, but Jack's consistent play has been a bright spot for the struggling Hornets.

His numbers are admirable -- 15.8 PPG & 6.8 APG.  His team, on the other hand, is now a Western Conference doormat at 4-19.

Jack's playing well but his numbers are inflated from being on a depleted roster.  His strides should be respected, but it's misguided to list him as a front-running M.I.P. candidate. 

Marc Gasol -- Memphis Grizzlies

Marc Gasol's numbers are significantly up from last year, as he's now averaging 15.1 PPG, 10.5 RPG, and 2.3 BPG.  

The likelihood, however, is this increase is largely due to Zach Randolph's absence.  Randolph's early season injury has given Gasol central command on the low block for the Grizzlies.  Thus, Gasol's leap in production is more due to the fact that he's been given more opportunities to shine.  

We'll see if his lofty numbers persist once Randolph returns.

Ty Lawson -- Denver Nuggets

I don't know if it's so much that Ty Lawson's improved, or if it's that he's simply been given the reins to the Denver Nuggets.

Regardless, Lawson is playing like an All-Star caliber point guard for one of the league's up and coming teams.  His breakout year features him averaging 15.6 PPG, 6.4 APG, and 1.4 SPG.  

If his solid play and Denver's success both continue, don't be surprised to see Lawson bring home the M.I.P. hardware.

James Harden -- Oklahoma City Thunder

Perhaps James Harden is better suited as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, but he's worthy of being in M.I.P. discussions as well.

Harden's 16.5 PPG (up from last year's 12.2) off the bench are crucial for the league's best team.  He takes pressure off Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook with his offensive versatility.

No matter what, "the Bearded One" demands some type of award for his play this season.

Greg Monroe -- Detroit Pistons

Beastly big man Greg Monroe is one of the lone bright spots for the lowly Pistons.

This year, he's upped his numbers considerably, averaging 16.0 PPG and 9.6 RPG.  He's also improved his free throw percentage greatly, going from 62.2 percent last season to an impressive 81 percent this year.

Monroe is a young bruiser and he gives Detroit reason to be optimistic, but their struggles will likely negate any chance of him snatching the M.I.P.

Paul George -- Indiana Pacers

Paul George is a longshot for this award, but his athleticism is pivotal for the surging Pacers.  

George doesn't put up as impressive numbers as the other candidates, but he's becoming a high-quality defender.  His length and quickness give him the ability to soon be one of the league's "shutdown" defensive stalwarts.

He plays for a deep team and doesn't get recognized a great deal, but his continued improvements are something for the rest of the league to fear.

DeAndre Jordan -- L.A. Clippers

DeAndre Jordan's a member of the "Lob City" hype in Los Angeles.  Playing with Chris Paul has enabled Jordan to enjoy a host of thunderous alley-oops in this young season.

Besides dunking the ball, he's not much of a threat on offense, but his defensive production is stellar.  He's second in the league in blocks with 3 a game and also provides 9 boards an outing.

His increased confidence and play are good signs for the Clippers, but they're likely not enough for him to receive any accolades.

Andrew Bynum -- Los Angeles Lakers

It feels like we've been waiting for years for Andrew Bynum to "breakout," but we have to remember that he's still only 24.

This year, he's making major headway on becoming a center to truly revere.  He's pouring in 16.8 PPG and his rebounding numbers have skyrocketed (12.0).

If Bynum can stay healthy, perhaps this is the year his trajectory shoots upward.

So, who will most likely rise to the top from this bunch?

Lawson is currently showing the most promise and consistency.  He's worthy of the hoopla.  Gortat, Hibbert, Harden, and Bynum are also very deserving.  

And certainly don't be surprised if a random member of this bunch leaps to the forefront as the season unfolds.  There's still much to be determined.