5 Early Contenders for the Most Improved Player Award 

#3 Evan Fournier - Orlando Magic

#10 Evan Fournier

If your friend tells you they prophesied the come up of Evan Fournier they're probably lying. I first heard of Fournier last season as he averaged 17 ppg on an awful Orlando Magic team. He seemed like he had the qualities to become a decent role player in the NBA as he was never able to eclipse more than 30 points. However, this season the Orlando Magic have been one of the biggest surprises, starting the season 8-6 including a big win over the struggling Cleveland Cavaliers.

Much of the credit can be given to Fournier's improvement of his overall offensive game. Fournier, similar to the other contenders has improved his statistical output drastically over his career. He is averaging 19.6 ppg with 3.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting light outs from deep on 43 percent and 51 percent from the field overall.

This is a vast improvement from his 12 ppg career average. Whats more important is that Fournier has found a role in Orlando that has helped the team translate talent into wins. Fournier has thrived in a role similar to that of Klay Thompson in Golden State as the Magic have shifted their offensive tactics towards a run and gun 3 point shooting team. If the Magic can keep up their winning pace, Fournier's ascension from zero to hero should be enough to help lift the MIP at the end of the season.