Orlando Magic Star Ryan Anderson to Be Named NBA Most Improved Player

With the NBA season over, it's now time to hand out prestigious awards, and Ryan Anderson is the latest hoop star to be honored by the league, as he will reportedly be named Most Improved Player.

Brian K. Schmitz covers the Orlando Magic for the Orlando Sentinel, and he tweeted Anderson's big news:

"

BREAKING: Ryan Anderson to be named Most Improved Player

— Brian K. Schmitz (@MagicInsider) May 4, 2012"

Updated: Friday, May 4th, 1:45 p.m. ET

The NBA can now confirm that Ryan Anderson is the Most Improved Player, via Official Twitter Feed.

"

Ryan Anderson of the @Orlando_Magic named 2011-12 KIA NBA Most Improved Player of the Year.twitpic.com/9h97g1

— NBA (@NBA) May 4, 2012"

Drafted by the New Jersey Nets in the first round of the 2008 NBA draft, Anderson was traded to the Magic a year later in the Vince Carter deal. He continued to improve with each year, and now he is finally getting nationally noticed for his talents. 

In the 2011-12 season, Anderson averaged 16.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. A year ago, Anderson averaged just 10.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

He started in only 14 games last year, but this season he played in 61 games and started each time for the Magic. 

Anderson's production in the postseason has been subpar, so hopefully the news of him winning this award will give him and the Magic a spark. Seeing as how Orlando has lost the last two games in an ugly way, the Magic are in dire need of a big momentum-changer. 

The Magic won't take on the Indiana Pacers until Saturday, so Anderson has time to enjoy his newest trophy. However, he must quickly turn around and prove he deserved this award by thriving in the playoffs for Orlando.