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NBA: 5 candidates for the 2017-18 Most Improved Player of the Year award

By Morgan Dunn

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 22: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives on Anthony Morrow #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on November 22, 2016 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 22: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives on Anthony Morrow #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on November 22, 2016 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 16: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers prepares to reboundl during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 16, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 16: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers prepares to reboundl during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 16, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers

Turner has been a pleasant surprise for the Pacers since they took him with the 11th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. He was much more prepared for the pro game than anticipated coming out of Texas, which can be partially attributed to him being misused in the Longhorns system.

Turner averaged 14 and seven last season while swatting more than two shots per game, impressive numbers for a then-20-year-old. However, his Per-36 stats averages were nearly identical from year one to year two. His shooting percentages were significantly better, though, which leaves very real hope for a major leap in 2017-18.

Paul George now calls Oklahoma City home, which opens the door for Turner to be the new franchise player in Indianapolis. Newcomer Victor Oladipo will keep the offense from being strictly the Miles Turner show, but expect Turner to get a lot more opportunities to produce on the offensive end. His rim protection should only get better as well, something that will endear him to voters that crave defense.

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