The Most Improved Player race is air-tight, but Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins feels like the odd man out. It's frustrating, given that Rollins is the definition of what a Most Improved Player should be. Last season, Rollins was simply hoping to stick in the NBA. This season, he's become a starter for the Bucks on a full-time basis, and the numbers are eye-popping.
No other player has made that type of leap.
Ryan Rollins' Most Improved Player case is undeniable
Deni Avdija, Jalen Johnson, and Jalen Duren are all players who have improved so much that they were first-time All-Stars this season. It feels like they will eventually be the three finalists when the time comes to announce the Most Improved Player honor. However, they've all been established NBA players for years. Rollins has burst onto the scene seemingly out of thin air over the last year.
Last year, Rollins, who began the season as a fringe NBA player on a two-way contract, averaged 6.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. It was clear that there was potential there, but he's shattered those numbers this year. Rollins is currently averaging 17.1 points, 5.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per contest. That's an insane jump from a fringe NBA player.
No, Rollins did not achieve the leap to All-Star status, and that will work against him in the voting tally. However, increasing his averages as much as he did is certainly nothing to scoff at. Though his odds are a long shot, Rollins is making a late push to get back into the conversation, averaging 22.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, five assists, and over a steal per game this month, steadily improving.
Rollins might not make the cut for Most Improved Player this year, but based on seeing Avdija, Duren, and Johnson in there, perhaps he will have a better shot next season. After all, Rollins is just getting started. He's still just 23 years old and is seemingly getting better as the season has gone on for the Milwaukee Bucks. He should only continue to be a key part of this young core moving forward.
There is still plenty of basketball left, but Atlanta's Jalen Johnson has the ball in his court for the honor right now, it appears. While his numbers haven't increased as drastically as Rollins', he has certainly taken strides.
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