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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Mar 31, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Clint Capela (15) and Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) battle for a loose ball during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Clint Capela

Much like Myles Turner in Indiana, Clint Capela‘s spot on this list largely comes from the expanded work load he’ll undertake in 2016-17. With Dwight Howard gone and the Houston Rockets going all in on a high-powered offense, it’s up to this third-year center to make a porous defense somewhat respectable.

Is that an unfair expectation for a 22-year-old who spent the majority of his time at power forward last season? Absolutely. But this lanky specimen has shown enough flashes of potential to be a boon for the Rockets on both ends of the floor in the starting center spot.

Last year, Capela averaged only 7.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 19.1 minutes per game — numbers he’ll easily surpass in his third season. Capela has great shot-blocking instincts and in an unexpected development, is displaying some exceptional passing ability on the other end.

If he can be an alley-oop threat, move the ball to perimeter shooters and ground a defense that’s expected to be lackluster, Capela’s value to the run-n-gun Rockets will be hard to ignore come awards season.