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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Apr 23, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) walks to the bench in a game against the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter in game four of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Myles Turner

Another second-year player ready to make the leap in 2016-17, Myles Turner bucks the trend of sophomores not belonging in this category thanks to the expanded role he’ll have with the Indiana Pacers this season.

With Ian Mahinmi joining the Washington Wizards in free agency, the Pacers’ starting center job falls to Turner, a 20-year-old stretch-5 who averaged 10.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in just 22.8 minutes per game as a rookie.

In the final 10 games Myles Turner played at least 24 mins during his rookie year, he averaged 13.2 points, 8.1 boards & 1.8 blocks. He's 20
— Michael Gallagher (@MikeSGallagher) September 21, 2016

Paul George is the face of the franchise, but there’s no question that Turner will soon be the Pacers’ secondary superstar who gives PG-13 a sidekick and helps elevate Indiana back to contender status.

Provided he can stay healthy, Turner looks poised to have a breakout year with an increased workload. He’s eventually going to be a game-changing rim protector and once he gets comfortable from three-point range, look out. Those things may not come as early as Year 2, but Turner is going to get his chance to put up big numbers nonetheless.