Hoops Habit
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2015-16 HoopsHabit NBA Awards

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 10, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) is defended by San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9) and small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) is defended by San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9) and small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 6, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) looks to pass the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons defeated the 123-103. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) looks to pass the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons defeated the 123-103. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports /

Most Improved Player: C.J. McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers

Votes: 73.3%

Position: Shooting Guard

2014-15 Slash Line: .436/.396/.699

2014-15 Season Averages: 15.7 MPG, 6.8 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.9 3PM

2015-16 Slash Line: .448/.417/.827

2015-16 Season Averages: 34.8 MPG, 20.8 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3.2 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 2.5 3PM

No player has improved more than Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard C.J. McCollum. After spending two years as a reserve with limited production, McCollum erupted for a tremendous third season in the NBA.

Thus, while others received votes, McCollum was the runaway selection for the 2016 HoopsHabit Most Improved Player award.

McCollum posted per 36 averages of 15.7 points and 2.4 assists on a slash line of .436/.396/.699 in 2014-15. In 2015-16, he upped his per 36 numbers to 21.6 points and 4.4 assists on a slash line of .448/.417/.827.

That only begins to scratch the surface of what makes McCollum the clear choice for this award.

McCollum has evolved from a capable shot-creator with a nice jump shot into one of the best half court scorers in the NBA. He can take even the best of on-ball defenders off the bounce, convert the 3-ball at an elite level, and finish in traffic.

Both statistically and fundamentally, McCollum is the Most Improved Player in the NBA.

Others Receiving Votes: Kemba Walker (11.5 percent); Stephen Curry (3.8 percent); Draymond Green (3.8 percent); Damian Lillard (3.8 percent); Isaiah Thomas (3.8 percent)

Next: Coach of the Year