Most Improved Player Award – Kelly Oubre Jr.
Forward Kelly Oubre Jr. came into his own in his second NBA season. After being selected in the 2015 NBA Draft, Oubre is starting to find his niche on the Washington Wizards as a spark off the bench.
He is fitting into his role quite nicely with the Washington Wizards. He averaged 6.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, significant increases from his 2015-16 rookie season.
Oubre set a new career-high in points (19) against the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec. 10. He also had nine rebounds and three steals in the game. He recorded his first double-double (10 points, 11 rebounds) on Nov. 28 against the Sacramento Kings this season.
The Wizards would be wise to use Oubre more in their defensive lineups. He is one of their more aggressive defenders and rebounders in the closing moments of games. As he continues to adjust to the speed of the NBA game, look for Oubre to break out soon in Washington.