Written
by: Matthew Blunk
Since 1985-86, the NBA has handed out the Most Improved
Player Award after every season. It remains one of the more intriguing awards
in all of sports, even if it could be argued it's somewhat of a backhanded
compliment. Having said that, some notable past winners
include Kevin Love (last season), Tracy McGrady (2000-01), Zach Randolph
(2003-04), Monta Ellis (2006-07), Danny Granger (2008-09), and, of course,
Gheorghe Mureșan (1995-96).
This post-apocalypticlockout
NBA season has been largely hebetudinous, or in layman's terms, the complete
opposite of the Stanley Cup playoffs. But hey, that's not
really fair now, is it? The NBA playoffs are still two weeks away, so let's
give basketball a chance! What do you say? ...What's that? Get on with this
list already? Very well. We start our journey in Los Angeles, CA...
Andrew
Bynum, C - Los Angeles Lakers
18.6
PPG, 12.1 RPG, 2.0 BLKPG
Bynum
has finally emerged as a go-to guy for the Lakers. He has developed better post
moves, and looks comfortable taking a variety of shots on the low block. His
numbers are up all around, and he made his first All-Star team this season to
boot. Bynum also remains a terror defensively when he maintains his focus and
desire (and occasionally listens in on Mike Brown huddles). He has become the
second-best center in the Association in 2012.
Ryan
Anderson, F - Orlando Magic
15.7
PPG, 7.4 RPG, 39% 3P
This
sharpshooting forward has become a solid no. 2 option for a playoff-bound Magic
squad. He is rebounding better, and shooting more efficiently. Anderson is the
perfect starting four for Stan Van Gundy's team. He has the range and
versatility as a big that made Orlando extremely difficult to defend back in
their 2009 Finals run. He is playing the Rashard Lewis role perfectly, perhaps
even making it his own.
Greg
Monroe, F - Detroit Pistons
15.8
PPG, 9.7 RPG, 74% FT
Monroe
is rapidly becoming a force in the NBA. He has had to man the center position
for a talent-depleted Pistons team this season, and he has performed remarkably
well. He makes an effort on both sides of the ball and makes an impact in
nearly every statistical category. Monroe could wind up being one of the best
forwards in the game in the next couple of years.
Marcin
Gortat, C - Phoenix Suns
15.8
PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1.5 BLKPG
Ah, life with Steve Nash as your point guard. Gortat has
never played alongside a playmaker like Nash (then again, not many have), and
it has showed. Gortat is going to post career highs in points and rebounds.
He's averaging a near double-double, just a hair below 16/10. His solid
basketball IQ meshes wonderfully with Nash, made evident through their
near-automatic pick-and-roll attack. Another couple of seasons and maybe he'll
get a shiny new $100 million contract, too.
Marc
Gasol, C - Memphis Grizzlies
15.0
PPG, 9.4 RPG, 1.9 BLKPG
Gasol developed into a real starting NBA center last
season, but entered the outskirts of the elite class this season. A nifty
passer and hulking rebounder, the younger Gasol is what you'd call a
"throwback" big man. He doesn't camp out at the three-point line waiting for kickouts like some of his vexing contemporaries. He has decent touch in the midrange, but Gasol will pound the ball inside and beat opponents up. Let's just hope he'll be healthy and ready for the playoffs, what with the Grizzlies losing to the New Orleans Hornets after he hyperextended his knee and left the game. Pau's kid brother has become perhaps the most important player on his team.
D.J. Stephens 46-Inch Vertical Jump Record
By R. Hoyal
When D. J. Stephens jumps, the record books ask how high. From his humble beginning in Killeen, Texas, D.J. has grown to a rising star in basketball. At his recent workout with the Brooklyn Nets, this 6’5” small forward leapt to the amazing height of 46-inches during his vertical jump. …
2013 NBA Playoffs – Worst First Round Ever?
Perhaps you missed “Inside the NBA” on Sunday night following the Thunders demolishment of the Houston Rockets. If so, let me fill you in on a comment made by Charles Barkley referring to the day’s activities. Sir Charles stated “This may be the worst playoffs we have ever seen.” …
2013 NBA Awards Analysis
With the NBA playoffs just under way it is time to take a quick look back at the regular season and evaluate which individual players and coach made the greatest contributions to their respective franchises success this year.
We will start our in-depth analysis with Most Valuable Player, Candidates: LeBron James
