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NBA: Top 10 Candidates For Most Improved Player Of The Year Award In 2016-17

By Gerald Bourguet

Mar 26, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks to pass the ball as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and center Alex Len (21) defend during the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 105-94. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks to pass the ball as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and center Alex Len (21) defend during the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 105-94. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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These 10 players could be poised for breakout seasons in 2016-17 as legitimate candidates for the NBA’s Most Improved Player of the Year Award.

NBA
Mar 26, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks to pass the ball as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and center Alex Len (21) defend during the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 105-94. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Heading into every new NBA season, it’s usually pretty easy to predict which teams will fall into each tier of the league hierarchy. The bonafide contenders are at the top, the playoff challengers fall in line beneath them, the fringe playoff teams scrap for the right to be first round fodder, and then the true bottom-feeders and tankers take center stage.

There is some variance in there, and every season there are a couple of teams that are complete surprises — either because they come out of nowhere to buck expectations with a playoff run, or because injuries and chemistry problems send them into the draft lottery.

Either way, the fan bases of contenders and tankers alike have reason to tune in every season — their star players. The contenders get to enjoy their superstars who decide playoff series and rise to the occasion to compete for championships; the tankers get to enjoy the gradual growth of their younger cornerstones and dream of a brighter future when those players rise to superstardom.

It’s a never-ending cycle, and a huge part of the fun for the non-contender fan bases is watching it all unfold. The NBA’s Most Improved Player of the Year Award embodies that mindset, celebrating young and overlooked players who step into the spotlight as surprising success stories.

As the 2016-17 NBA season approaches, it’s time to take a look at 10 players who seem poised for breakout seasons and could be legitimate candidates for the Most Improved Player of the Year Award.

Related Story: NBA: Top 10 Candidates For 2016-17 Rookie Of The Year

Honorable Mentions:  Gary Harris, Rodney Hood, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Marcus Smart, Nikola Mirotic, Kristaps Porzingis, Doug McDermott