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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Apr 2, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) reacts after scoring a basket in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Mavericks won 109-105. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Harrison Barnes

Most people expected Harrison Barnes to post career numbers in his first season with the Dallas Mavericks, since he was going from being a fourth or fifth option on a championship-caliber team to a main offensive weapon on a team expected to be fighting for the 8-seed.

Barnes’ numbers didn’t translate into very much team success, which hurts his case here, but there’s no denying Harry B reminded people of the two-way versatility and potential that made him an important cog of the Dubs’ 73-win season.

Barnes increased his scoring average from 11.7 points per game last year to 19.2 points per game this season, chipping in 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists for good measure. That alone may be enough to put him in the Most Improved Player conversation for some voters.

However, Barnes’ slight dip in efficiency (46.8 percent shooting from the field, 35.1 percent from the field) shows he wasn’t quite as effective without Golden State’s shooters and passers providing him open looks. That, combined with his team’s 33-49 record, prevents him from joining the main contenders for this award.