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2017-18 NBA Awards: HoopsHabit roundtable predictions

By Gerald Bourguet

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 11: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives around Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on February 11, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 11: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives around Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on February 11, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /
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Most Improved Player of the Year

Bourguet pick: Nikola Jokic
HoopsHabit pick: D’Angelo Russell

Like the Sixth Man of the Year race, it’s hard to peg who will emerge with the 2017-18 Most Improved Player of the Year Award. Giannis Antetokounmpo was a fairly predictable winner even before last year began, but there are tons of young players ready to make the leap this season.

My personal pick, Nikola Jokic, actually finished second in NBA voting for MIP last season, so he may have already been too good last season to be a serious candidate this year. However, he can still build on his 16.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game, especially if he leads the Denver Nuggets back to the playoffs. Jokic only received two votes from the HoopsHabit staff, tying Brandon Ingram for fourth place.

Related Story: Top 10 candidates for 2017-18 Most Improved Player of the Year Award

The lead vote-getter, D’Angelo Russell, is undoubtedly heading for a breakout season with the Brooklyn Nets as he plays with a gigantic chip on his shoulder. However, even as he puts up career numbers, the question remains whether his team will win enough to bolster his MIP case. Russell received six votes to lead the pack.

Kristaps Porzingis, another quality candidate, came in second with four votes. Now that Carmelo Anthony is gone, he’s almost certain to put up big offensive numbers as the New York Knicks‘ No. 1 option.

The same could be said for Myles Turner, who will also become his team’s No. 1 option in just his third season after the Indiana Pacers traded Paul George away. Turner came in third with three votes.

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Ingram, who tied Jokic for fourth with two votes, is looking for a breakout year after an underwhelming rookie season. However, even with Lonzo Ball ready to make his life easier, it’s tough to say Ingram is ready to make that kind of massive leap for the Los Angeles Lakers at age 20.

Rodney Hood, Gary Harris, Norman Powell, Karl-Anthony Towns, Tim Hardaway Jr., Julius Randle, Jonathon Simmons, Otto Porter Jr. and Reggie Jackson all received one vote each.

Hood could be a great candidate with Gordon Hayward gone. Harris is another good one, but will be limited on a team with Jokic, Paul Millsap and Jamal Murray. Powell is a player on the rise who might not get the necessary starting role.

Barring a jump into the MVP conversation, KAT may already be too good to qualify in this category. Hardaway should put up great numbers in the Big Apple, but they could be empty ones on a losing team. Randle is underrated, but the Lakers have two or three better MIP candidates on their roster.

Simmons might not start for the Orlando Magic, Porter may have made his biggest leap last year and Jackson feels more like a bounce-back candidate than a Most Improved Player candidate.