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Los Angeles Clippers: Best candidates for 2018-19 NBA awards

By Aymin Bakr

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 7: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets on April 7, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 7: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets on April 7, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Most Improved Player: Montrezl Harrell

Montrezl Harrell was included in the blockbuster trade that sent Chris Paul to the Houston Rockets last offseason and wasn’t projected to be much more than an athletic rebounder and defensive specialist. The Clippers, however, ended up with one of the most efficient players in the game.

DeAndre Jordan took up the majority of the minutes last season at the center slot and Marcin Gortat is projected to do the same this season. However, Gortat is older and is nowhere near as athletic as Jordan or Harrell. In a small-ball lineup, Harrell is going to be playing center and will likely play more than the mere 17 minutes per game he played last season.

Throw in the fact that Boban Marjanovic is an extremely situational player and it looks like Harrell will definitely play some more this season. Clippers fans know that Harrell can produce, as he proved that to anyone that was paying attention this past season. He played over 30 minutes in just six games for the Clippers in 2017-18 and averaged an eye-catching 16.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steals on 55 percent shooting from the field.

The sample size, although very small, suggests that Harrell could be a very solid center with more minutes. However, while he certainly does have a chance at Most Improved Player, it’s fairly unlikely he’ll win simply because of the fact he’ll be coming off the bench. There’s little chance he’ll get over 25 minutes per game and that doesn’t bode well for him winning the award.

Regardless of whether or not he wins, Harrell will still be an efficient and valuable big man for Los Angeles off the bench next season.

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