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5 Candidates For Most Improved Player in 2016-17

By Brandon Carney

Apr 7, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after a play during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after a play during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 27, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Clint Capela (15) goes up for a dunk against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Clint Capela (15) goes up for a dunk against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Clint Capela, PF/C, Houston Rockets

Opportunity is the name of the game here. With Dwight Howard on his way to Atlanta to play for what feels like his 10th team in the last three seasons, Clint Capela has the inside track to start at center for the Houston Rockets.

And if his production in limited minutes last season are any indication, he could be ready to make an impact in his third year.

Capela has actually already improved significantly in his young career. Unfortunately, that isn’t saying much, because his rookie season in 2014-15 was atrocious in every way.

He appeared in just 12 games and averaged a mere 7.5 minutes played, turning that into 2.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, while shooting 48 percent from the field and an ungodly 17 percent from the free throw line.

But Capela bounced back in his sophomore season, and although he wasn’t lighting up stat sheets by any means, he showed the capability to be a pretty good player down the line.

His minutes jumped to 19.1 per game and he averaged 7.0 points and 6.4 rebounds while improving his shooting percentage to 58 percent and his free throw percentage to a still terrible, but significantly better, 38 percent.

Despite the signing of Nene Hilario, Capela looks to be in for another significant increase in minutes in 2016-17.

He should have every opportunity to perform, and if he keeps improving at the rate he did from his rookie to sophomore year, he’ll certainly be in the conversation for Most Improved Player this upcoming season.

Next: No. 3