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NBA Awards Watch: Draymond Green Makes Push For Defensive Player Of The Year

By Ben Nadeau

Dec 8, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) takes a shot against Indiana Pacers forward Solomon Hill (44) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Golden State defeats Indiana 131-123. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) takes a shot against Indiana Pacers forward Solomon Hill (44) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Golden State defeats Indiana 131-123. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 14, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) drives to the basket past Dallas Mavericks center Zaza Pachulia (27) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Suns 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) drives to the basket past Dallas Mavericks center Zaza Pachulia (27) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Suns 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Most Improved Player

1. Eric Bledsoe, Phoenix Suns (Last Week: 1, –)

Hey, at least I nailed something, right?

Eric Bledsoe has been simply unreal this season and has generated his first real All-Star buzz in the process. Although it will likely come down to him or Damian Lillard for the final guard spot in the conference, Bledsoe has truly been a revelation for the Phoenix Suns. At the season’s beginning, I called Bledsoe something akin to a “mini-Westbrook” and it seems like he’s making that leap each and every game now.

Now he just needs Brandon Knight to turn into the superstar running mate ala Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson and then the Suns will be in serious business. Of course, I’m being facetious, but the Suns, with Bledsoe, are just one piece away from being the next up-and-coming franchise out West.

Bledsoe’s Line of the Week: 12/13 vs. MIN — 23 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, 4 blocks, 6 TOs, 7-13 FG
Week Grade: A

2. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors (Last Week: 2, –)

Tough week for Klay Thompson as an ankle injury forced him out of Friday’s double-overtime thriller against the Boston Celtics and then hampered his return against the Milwaukee Bucks the following night, during which their historic streak was snapped.

In the Bucks game, Thompson managed to shoot just 4-for-14, but with a showdown Tuesday against that porous Phoenix defense, he should be back on track in no time.

Thompson’s Line of the Week: 12/12 vs. MIL — 12 points, 3 assists, 4-14 FG%
Week Grade: C-

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks (Last Week: –, Up 1)

When you beat a 25-0 team, good things happen.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been somewhat disappointing this year, has started his quest for consistency in order to claw the Milwaukee Bucks out of the Eastern Conference cellar. Although he still may not score as much as many would like, his impact on the game seems to be invaluable, the catalyst for all things involved with Bucks’ basketball.

Antetokounmpo notched the first triple-double of his career against the Golden State Warriors, so we’re hoping that he uses it to jumpstart the rest of his season.

Antetokounmpo’s Line of the Week: 12/12 vs. GSW — 11 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 4 TOs
Week Grade: A-

Honorable Mentions: Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics; Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers; Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks; Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota Timberwolves; Nerlens Noel, Philadelphia 76ers

Week 1: Eric Bledsoe
Week 2: Eric Bledsoe
Week 3: Eric Bledsoe
Week 4: Eric Bledsoe
Week 5: Eric Bledsoe
Week 6: Eric Bledsoe
Week 7: Eric Bledsoe
Week 8: Eric Bledsoe

Next: Splash On Fleek