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The 2021-22 NBA season had an eventful week. Harrison Barnes hit a game-winner over the Phoenix Suns, while Cleveland Cavaliers upset the LA Clippers. The Milwaukee Bucks and the Brooklyn Nets also had poor weeks by their lofty standards, while the LA Lakers seem to be in turmoil after their recent loss against the OKC Thunder.
The start of the season has also seen a few breakout candidates for the prestigious 'Most Improved Player' award. On that note, here's a look at the power rankings for the five frontrunners of this award:
#5 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Previous week’s NBA MIP Power Ranking - NA
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 1; Games lost - 2
Overall: Games played - 5; Games won - 1; Games lost - 4
Last Week: PPG - 24.8, APG - 4.8, RPG - 5.0
Overall: PPG - 23.4, APG - 4.2, RPG - 4.8
Last Week: FG% - 45.8%, 3P% - 47.6%, FT% - 81.5%
Overall: FG% - 45.8%, 3P% - 39.3%, FT% - 81.5.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is coming off a great game against the LA Lakers, putting up 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists. He is making some scintillating plays in the half-court, and has been shooting the ball with equal confidence. He is one of the early contenders for the Most Improved Player of the Year award.
Gilgeous-Alexander has shown natural progression since his NBA career began, and is rightfully OKC Thunder's franchise cornerstone at the moment.
#4 Ja Morant
Previous week’s NBA MIP Power Ranking - NA
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 1; Games lost - 2
Overall: Games played - 4; Games won - 2; Games lost - 2
Last Week: PPG - 28.3, APG - 9.3, RPG - 4.7
Overall: PPG - 30.5, APG - 8.5, RPG - 5.0
Last Week: FG% - 53.8%, 3P% - 50.0%, FT% - 79.2%
Overall: FG% - 55.6%, 3P% - 45.8%, FT% - 80.8.
Ja Morant has had a brilliant start to his campaign. After bagging the NBA Rookie of the Year trophy in 2020, he is now aiming for the Most Improved Player award in the 2021-22 campaign. Morant has been quite prolific from the field, averaging 30 points on efficient shooting numbers.
The Grizzlies will take on the Warriors tonight, and Morant will look to leave his mark on this high-profile NBA clash.
3 Jordan Poole
Previous week's NBA MIP Power Ranking - NA
Last Week: Games played - 2; Games won - 2; Games lost - 0
Overall: Games played - 4; Games won - 4; Games lost - 0
Last Week: PPG - 13.7, APG - 4.7, RPG - 3.0
Overall: PPG - 15.3, APG - 4.3, RPG - 2.8
Last Week: FG% - 38.6%, 3P% - 16.7%, FT% - 100.00
Overall: FG% - 40.3%, 3P% - 24.1%, FT% - 80.00.
Golden State Warriors shooting guard Jordan Poole looks like the likeliest player to be the breakout NBA star of the year. He has impressed since preseason and training camp, exhibiting his all-around game. Poole has the making of a productive scorer, and is currently averaging 15 points and four assists per game in the 2021-22 NBA season.
Both Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry have earmarked him for success, in the NBA so it will be interesting to see how he develops.
#2 Kevin Porter Jr.
Previous week’s NBA MIP Power Ranking - NA
Last Week: Games played - 2; Games won - 0; Games lost - 2
Overall: Games played - 4; Games won - 1; Games lost - 3
Last Week: PPG - 15.3, APG - 7.0, RPG - 3.7
Overall: PPG - 14.3, APG - 6.0, RPG - 3.5
Last Week: FG% - 42.1%, 3P% - 42.9%, FT% - 62.5%
Overall: FG% - 40.0%, 3P% - 39.3%, FT% - 60.00.
Kevin Porter Jr. has transformed himself into an all-around offensive weapon over the summer. That's because he has been hurting teams with his dual ability to score and playmaker. He has acted as the de-facto point guard with Jalen Green playing at the 2, and has looked quite comfortable while doing so.
While the Houston Rockets are not expected to achieve much this year, Kevin Porter Jr. is certainly a prime candidate for the NBA Most Improved Player of the Year award.
#1 Michael Porter Jr.
Previous week’s NBA MIP Power Ranking - NA
Last Week: Games played - 2; Games won - 0; Games lost - 2
Overall: Games played - 4; Games won - 2; Games lost - 2
Last Week: PPG - 10.3, APG - 1.7, RPG - 5.0
Overall: PPG - 11.5, APG - 5.3, RPG - 2.5
Last Week: FG% - 44.2%, 3P% - 47.6%, FT% - NA
Overall: FG% - 28.6%, 3P% - 28.1%, FT% - NA.
Although Michael Porter Jr. has not had the best of starts to his season, his numbers are likely to improve. That's because the Denver Nuggets have an easy run of fixtures coming up. Factoring in Porter Jr.'s contract extension, the young small forward's performances have become a common subject of discussion.
Despite his slow start, Porter Jr. is looked at as a candidate to win the NBA Most Improved Player of the Year award because Jamal Murray remains a long-term absentee. Porter Jr. is expected to get more touches in the absence of Murray, which might boost his numbers.
