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How The Milwaukee Bucks Factor Into NBA Award Season

By Josh Cornelissen

Feb 26, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon (13), forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Khris Middleton (22) reacts after beating the Phoenix Suns 100-96 at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon (13), forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Khris Middleton (22) reacts after beating the Phoenix Suns 100-96 at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) calls for the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) calls for the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Most Improved Player

This is yet another category where we look to Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose career year is among the very best of its kind in NBA history. It also marks another step up the ladder for one of the league’s fastest-rising stars.

Antetokounmpo is in his fourth season in the league. Beginning with his rookie year, he has increased his points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and free throws every single season. In almost an identical number of minutes from last season, Antetokounmpo has improved across the board.

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Rudy Gobert is a strong candidate for this award. Not only is he a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, but on offense he has taken a strong step forward as well. He is devastating in the pick-and-roll running to the rim, and his onetime weakness – finishing around the rim – has become an absolute strength. As the only core piece for the Jazz to stay healthy all season, Gobert has been a rock for a 50-win team.

Behind Gobert are a pair of Eastern Conference guards, Isaiah Thomas and Kemba Walker. Thomas has increased his scoring by seven points per game, has been dominant in the clutch (Boston is 30-13 in close games) and has the Celtics in lockstep with Cleveland for the No. 1 seed.

Kemba Walker has likewise been excellent, the lone offensive bright spot in a disappointing Charlotte season. He is bombing from deep, attacking the basket, and stirring the drink for a Hornets team that cannot score without him.

Thomas deserves the nod over Walker for third, and Gobert is a deserving second option. But this award belongs unequivocally to Giannis Antetoknoumpo. He is the NBA’s Most Improved Player.

Verdict: Giannis Antetokounmpo is 1st on the ballot

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