Brooklyn Nets: 5 goals for D’Angelo Russell in 2017-18

1. Win Most Improved Player Award

D’Angelo Russell’s career has been nothing less than a rollercoaster ride, consisting of everything ranging from social media scandals to up-and-down performances.

However, no one questions his talent, as Russell has sought to improve and return as a better player each offseason.

Now as a member of the Brooklyn Nets, Russell should look to put all of his past baggage with the Lakers behind him. He will do whatever it takes to ensure that he taps into his full potential, and guide the organization back to local and national prominence across New York.

While most do not expect Russell to lead the Nets to the postseason this year, earning the Most Improved Player Award would be a major honor for the player who was once viewed as the heir apparent to Kobe Bryant in Tinseltown — serving as the potential stepping stone for his career moving forward. Russell has what it takes to join the likes of Paul George, Jimmy Butler and Giannis Antetokounmpo in seasons past by putting together a breakout campaign in 2017-18.

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If he is able to do it, then Russell would become the first Nets player to ever win the award, and prove that Magic Johnson’s assessment of him was made far too soon — giving him the pleasure of having the last laugh.