Most Improved Player

[ShelC]

I don't think his play gets talked about enough, mainly because we're not at the top of the standings, but Gortat should be right up there for most improved right? I could see Ryan Anderson being his main competition, maybe Cousins or Monroe. But Cousins and Monroe, for me, fall into the category of young players who are still getting better. It's not like they really sucked and then broke out. Ersan Ilyasova is another guy who could get some love, but I still feel like he still struggles with consistency.

Hopefully Suns PR pumpin MG for MIP!!!

[Superbone]

Hopefully Suns PR pumpin MG for MIP!!!

I hope they are because I haven't heard a peep. I'd think he'd have to be one of the front runners. Go Gortat!

[OrlandoGardener]

In his previous best season he averaged 3.8 points and 4.5 rebounds. That's up to 16 and 10.

[Superbone]

In his previous best season he averaged 3.8 points and 4.5 rebounds. That's up to 16 and 10.

Actually, he averaged 13 points and 9.3 rebounds in his partial year (55 games) with us last year.

For the entire 10-11 season (combining his time in Orlando) he averaged 10 and 8.

[OrlandoGardener]

Yep. I meant before the Suns.

[LazarusLong]

Goran Dragic might get a few votes ...

Andrew Bynum also might get some mention ...

[Ring_Wanted]

Don't forget Jeremy Lin.

[bobster]

james harden will probably be among the favorites.

[gladiator]

Gortat should be in the conversation for sure but I think Bynum would be the favourite. He's gone from 11 and 9 to 18 and 12 this season. He's playing more minutes but it's still a good improvement, and he plays on the Lakers who are a top 4 team in the west. Harden's also had a bit of a breakout season for the Thunder.
Meanwhile Gortat's toiling away on a Suns team that no-one much is taking notice of, which is probably his biggest hurdle.

[INFORMER]

Wrong Sun, guys:

SHANNON!

[Shabazz]

I think it's Lin's to lose. It would have been no contest had he not injured his knee.

[Ring_Wanted]

I'd be really surprised if Andrew Bynum got the award. Last season he averaged 15-8 and exactly the same blocks, assists and steals. Dragic and especially Lin's stats have improved proportionally more than Bynum's. Still, maybe Dragic and Lin have played too few games at such level to grant the award.

[ShelC]

Bynum's playing in a different system that features him more. Goran only stepped it up when he began starting. Lin's sample size is too small.

[OrlandoGardener]

Bynum's playing in a different system that features him more. Goran only stepped it up when he began starting. Lin's sample size is too small.

Agreed, agreed, agreed. And Harden could be in that category of young players showing expected growth.

[ShelC]

Harden's probably a lock for 6th man also, no? He's having a great year off the bench, no question.

[INFORMER]

Yeah, Harden's a lock.

[DarkHorse]

I think it's Lin's to lose. It would have been no contest had he not injured his knee.

Definitely. Nobody else close to that kind of sensational breakthrough.

[Superbone]

His run was just too short. But he was a media darling. Who knows.

[LazarusLong]

I agree w/Bone. Lin's story was fun while it lasted, but was short. And weeks ago.

Bynum has been posting some big numbers down the stretch. Plus Goran's work while Lowry was down was a revelation for some.

It probably will be one of those two.


And Harden is definitely the presumptive favorite for Sixth Man.

[Shabazz]

Can't believe I forgot about him, but Pekovic is as deserving as anyone. And his run has been longer than Lin's. A Montenegrin man-bear breaking out in Minnesota just isn't as newsworthy as the first Asian American in 50 years breaking out for the league's biggest market.

[LazarusLong]

Nice call, 'Bazz. Pekovic has good hands, good footwork, great size and is strong as a team of oxen. If he, Love and Rubio can stay healthy for a season, and the Wolves find a dependable off guard, Minnesota will be a rugged team next year.

Because of Pek's emergence, watch the Wolves dump Mlicic in the off-season. Darko is a talent, but is chronically unhappy.

[OrlandoGardener]

Nice call, 'Bazz. Pekovic has good hands, good footwork, great size and is strong as a team of oxen. If he, Love and Rubio can stay healthy for a season, and the Wolves find a dependable off guard, Minnesota will be a rugged team next year.

Because of Pek's emergence, watch the Wolves dump Mlicic in the off-season. Darko is a talent, but is chronically unhappy.

He must be a regular around here, then.

[Superbone]

He must be a regular around here, then.

Heh. Good one.

[ShelC]

Because of Pek's emergence, watch the Wolves dump Mlicic in the off-season. Darko is a talent, but is chronically unhappy.

He's an asshole.

[INFORMER]

Ryan Anderson?