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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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Mar 1, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D Angelo Russell (1) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Lakers won 107-101. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

D’Angelo Russell, PG, Los Angeles Lakers

Speaking of players looking to build on their rookie seasons, say hello to D’Angelo Russell. Russell averaged a solid 13.2 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game last season on 41 percent shooting from the field and 35 percent from long range.

Not bad by any means, but people expected a bit more from a guy who was inheriting such a big role on the Lakers and who has such a boat load of talent.

At the very least he was expected to finish top three in Rookie of the Year voting. Instead, that group consisted of Karl-Anthony Towns, Kristaps Porzingis, and Nikola Jokic.

But by not having an overly-impactful rookie season, Russell has put himself in position to be one of the favorites for Most Improved.

After his first season was defined mainly by a snitching scandal involving teammate Nick Young, you can guarantee he’ll be looking to define this one with his play. And he’ll have every opportunity to do so.

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With

Kobe Bryant

out of the picture, Russell will be handed the keys to the city. However, while Bryant obviously dominated the touches for the Lakers, Russell wasn’t shorted on opportunities.

Although Kobe averaged a whopping 16.9 shot attempts in his final season, Russell averaged a respectable 12 shots per game himself.

But this passing of the torch won’t necessarily be defined by Russell monopolizing the shots for the team with Bryant gone, rather it will involve him accepting his role as a leader and taking a statistical leap forward because of it.

Like Booker, Russell may have given us a glimpse of what he’s going to do next season during Summer League. He played four games and averaged 21.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game on 48 percent shooting from the field.

If he can approach those numbers in his first season as the true floor general of the Lakers, the Most Improved Player Award will certainly be within his grasp.

Next: No. 1