NBA Most Improved Watch

Story posted February 28, 2022 in CommRadio, Sports by Jakob Schnur

While the NBA season has just passed the halfway mark with the All-Star Break wrapping up, many of the awards such as MVP, Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year are still up in the air. However, what may have the closest race right now is the Most Improved Player Award.

So the question is, who will take home this title? While the previous three winners were all forwards, this race seems to be tight between two guards.

Ja Morant

If the season were to end today, Ja would most likely be taking home this award. The third year point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies has done nothing but improve since entering the league as the number two pick in 2019.

His points per game have jumped from 19.1 last season to now an outstanding 26.8 this season, notching himself the honor of being selected as a starter in his first ever All-Star Game.

In a Western Conference full of loaded rosters and experienced teams, the Grizzlies, who have the second youngest team in the league with an average age of 24, currently hold the third seed with a 41-19 record.

This is in large part due to Morant, who has been thrust into a leadership role as just a 22 year old and has managed to get the best out of his teammates while also cementing himself as one of the premier point guards the game has to offer.

If his current trajectory continues, Morant could be adding another award next to his 2020 Rookie of the Year trophy come June.

Darius Garland

While the Grizzlies have been a shock to many NBA fans, they may not be the biggest surprise team of the season.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, who were seen as one of the worst teams in the league heading into the season, hold the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference right now while being led by sudden superstar point guard Darius Garland.

Averaging 17.4 points, 6.1 assists and 2.4 rebounds in his sophomore season, Garland is now seeing jumps in all three categories in Year 3. He currently averages 20.3 points, eight assists and 3.3 rebounds.

While Morant has shown an exceptional ability to improve those around him, what Garland has been able to do in that category with the Cavs has been potentially even more remarkable.

Garland’s game and distribution abilities have opened up so many opportunities for his teammates, specifically Jarrett Allen who is seeing career highs in points and rebounds and was recently selected to his first All-Star Game, which Garland attended as well.

Ironically, Garland was picked fifth overall the same year Morant was taken second in the draft. It’s safe to say Garland has done everything he possibly can so far to close that gap.


Jakob Schnur is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jks6463@psu.edu.