NBA Predictions Part IV

This years most improved player should be Jimmy Butler. It sure is tough this year with so many great players making such great strides in their respective games. Players like John Wall and Klay Thompson who were already established players have stepped up their games so much that they should too receive consideration. Butler's improvement has been so great, that he gets the nod for me. He went from a 13ppg 5rpg and 2apg guy, to a 20ppg 6rpg and 3apg guy in just one year. Not only are those numbers up but his shooting percentage has improved as well. Butler went from 40% from the field to 46%, and from 28% from three to now 35%. Butler also plays some of the most minutes in the league, and plays tenacious defense every night. His responsibility on offense is another reason he should get the award. Even before Derrick Rose went down with another knee injury, Butler had become a go to guy for Chicago. A player that they can rely on for big time plays in big time moments.

MVP Race

If the season were to end today, I still believe that Stephen Curry is the MVP of the NBA. However, LeBron James is not too far behind now. The impact he has had during the teams recent 12 game winning streak (which ended at the hands of the Indiana Pacers last night), was incredible. Not just scoring but playmaking, defense and leadership. All traits that make James so great. I also think James Harden is not far behind, nor are players like Marc Gasol, Jeff Teague and John Wall. I think that Curry and James are the clear top 2 right now, but all it takes is a strong week long run by Harden or Gasol to change my opinion.