Top 5 NBA Most Improved Player candidates this season

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 08: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball in the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 08, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana, NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Bucks surge, Lakers plummet, Top 5 NBA Most Improved Player candidates this season. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

NBA Most Improved Player candidates: Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers

2020-2021 Stats: 17.4 Pts, 6.1 Ast, 2.4 Reb, 1.2 Stl, 0.1 Blk, 45% FG, 39.5% 3pt, 85% FT

2021-2022 Stats: 21.5 Pts, 8.6 Ast, 2.8 Reb, 1.2 Stl, 0.1 Blk, 46% FG, 37% 3pt, 91% FT

The Cleveland Cavaliers have undoubtedly been the biggest surprise of the season. They were firmly positioned as a top-six seed during the year and poised to make the playoffs before an unfortunate series of injuries to guys like Jarret Allen and Evan Mobley. Even so, making the Play-In tournament far exceeds the expectations that were placed on this team at the start of the year.

Leading the charge for the Cavs is their young star point guard, Darius Garland. Garland has gone from a solid starting point guard to a full-fledged star and even was named to his first All-Star game this year.

With the injuries suffered by Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio, Garland has been Cleveland’s lone ball-handler for most of the season. His usage rate went from 27 percent last season to 31.2 percent this year (according to Cleaning the Glass). As a result, he has seen his production increase across the board.

Garland is the engine that drives the Cavs’ offense. As a pick and roll maestro, he is able to carve up defenses whether is scoring himself or setting up opportunities for his teammates.

According to Cleaning the Glass, the Cavs are 8.0 points better per 100 possessions with Garland on the floor, which places him in the 95th percentile in the entire league. Simply put, Garland has grown to be an elite offensive player this year and is the main reason behind the Cavs’ success, which is why he should be named this year’s Most Improved Player.

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