Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 7
Next
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 27: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks celebrates his basket in the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden on March 27, 2017 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 27: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks celebrates his basket in the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden on March 27, 2017 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /

Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks

2017 MIP Giannis Antetokounmpo made the leap to stardom last season, we could very well see Porzingis do the same this year. Porzingis is one of the most unique players we’ve ever seen in the NBA, and the keys have officially been handed to him with the trade of Carmelo Anthony to OKC.

Porzingis looks ready to be the go-to offensive option, especially on a Knicks team that won’t be very good this season. With ball hogs like Anthony and Derrick Rose gone, getting Porzingis the ball early and often will finally be a priority at Madison Square Garden.

The Latvian big man still managed to post averages of 18 and seven last season (and don’t forget those two blocks per game), but one has to wonder what kind of numbers he’s going to put up as a primary offensive option. Sure, he’ll see more attention from opposing defenses, but this is a 7-foot-3 player than can stroke it from deep. How do you really guard that?

Must Read: NBA Hope Index: How far is each team from a ring heading into 2017-18?

It doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility that Porzingis ups his scoring to 25 points per game, which would almost surely lock up MIP honors. He’s my preseason pick for the award, but as a Knicks fan I make this prediction with nervous caution.

Home/NBA News