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NBA Awards Watch: James Harden takes charge

By Brad Rowland

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) points to the sky against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Rockets won 127-118. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) points to the sky against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Rockets won 127-118. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) returns to the bench as they take on the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated Atlanta 89-88. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) returns to the bench as they take on the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated Atlanta 89-88. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Most Improved Player

  1. Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls – Butler emerged from the All-Star break with guns blazing in a 30-point performance against Detroit, and he continues to be one of the better stories of the league. Defense will likely be the calling card for Butler throughout his career, but at the age of 25, he has improved his true shooting percentage from 52.2% a year ago to 58.2% this season (a demonstrative jump), and he has done so while carrying more of the offensive load for Tom Thibodeau’s offense. Butler is a legitimate star if he can continue this level of production, and he has come a long way in 12 months.
  2. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors – Many have been skeptical of Thompson’s inclusion here, and that stems from the shooting guard being overrated last season. Thompson did average 18.4 points per game in 2013-2014, but it was an empty scoring performance as he brought little else to the table with a solid but unspectacular 55.5% true shooting. Now, Thompson has expanded his game to include the ability to create for others and he has improved his already fantastic shooting numbers (47% FG, 44% 3-PT). Thompson isn’t the best shooting guard in the league, but he has joined the elite group, and even if he was already a quality player, that is a significant jump.
  3. Jeff Teague, Atlanta Hawks – This was a “make or break” season for Jeff Teague. He chose “make”. Teague is averaging career-bests in scoring (16.8 points per game), assists (7.3 per game) and true shooting (57.5%) and his overall efficiency has improved to the tune of a more than four-point jump in PER (21.71). In addition, Teague’s defense has vastly matured, and his resistance on the perimeter has allowed Atlanta to make a jump into the top-10 on that side of the ball.

Next: 6th Man of the Year

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