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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Sep 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) at media day at Toyota Sports Center.. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

9. D’Angelo Russell

Generally speaking, second-year players aren’t often in the conversation for this award. The real-deal, franchise star rookies quickly establish themselves in their first season as promising talents on the rise, while the rawer, long-term projects typically take more than just one or two years to make the leap.

Thanks to Kobe Bryant‘s farewell tour holding back the development of the Los Angeles Lakers‘ youngsters, D’Angelo Russell has the chance to make a substantial leap in Year 2 after relatively mundane rookie numbers.

Lou Williams on D’Angelo & Jordan Clarkson: “They understand it’s time to go, you really can’t hide behind the young guy tag forever."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) September 29, 2016

With the Black Mamba gone and head coach Byron Scott no longer around to limit Russell’s opportunities, this franchise point guard is going to be empowered like never before. His rookie averages of 13.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game should see significant spikes in 2016-17 while playing for a Lakers team with with no expectations.

Los Angeles won’t be competing for a playoff spot, which means head coach Luke Walton will be focused on feeding his young core as many minutes as possible. Unless Jordan Clarkson highjacks the offense, Russell might post big enough numbers to stir up some legitimate MIP chatter.