2016-17 NBA Awards Season: Top 10 Most Improved Player Candidates

Nov 23, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks the ball in the third quarter against Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Utah Jazz defeated the Denver Nuggets 108-83. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 25, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) dunks against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Tim Hardaway Jr.

Remember when the Atlanta Hawks dumped out $70 million over four years to keep Kent Bazemore? By season’s end, Tim Hardaway Jr. was filling in for him while he was out injured…and even after Baze returned to the lineup.

That’s not to say that will remain the case for the playoffs, but there’s no question THJ drastically upgraded his game this season. Averaging 14.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game (all career highs), Hardaway increased his scoring average by 8.1 points per game for a playoff team.

Not only did that help the Hawks feel a little bit better about their 2015 draft-day trade with the Knicks that brought Hardaway to Atlanta, but the 25-year-old shooting guard had a relatively efficient season as well, shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from downtown.

He only started in 30 of his 79 games this season, but Hardaway Jr. went from an inefficient gunner on some bad Knicks teams to a legitimate contributor and clutch, microwave performer for a playoff squad. That alone should earn him a couple of votes behind the main candidates.