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

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

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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Jan 29, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) looks to pass around Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) during the first quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

As the No. 2 overall pick from the 2012 NBA Draft, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist still hasn’t really had that definitive breakout season. After playing 78 games as a rookie, MKG’s injuries piled on, limiting him to 62, 55 and seven games over the next three seasons.

During that time, Kidd-Gilchrist flashed enough potential and stout defensive play to keep the Charlotte Hornets optimistic about his future, but to this point, the 23-year-old swingman has been unable to put together an elite defensive season or show off that improved jump shot of his.

With Nicolas Batum and Marvin Williams locked in for the long-term, MKG’s return to full health in 2016-17 will have to serve as the catalyst that keeps the Hornets in the playoff field despite the free agency departures of Jeremy Lin, Al Jefferson and Courtney Lee.

Kidd-Gilchrist averaged 12.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in his seven appearances last season, and it’ll take much better numbers to warrant consideration for Most Improved Player. With more help around him than ever though, perhaps just staying healthy will be enough to catapult MKG’s career to where it should’ve been by now.