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NBA Award Watch: Chris Paul is on a mission

By John Buhler

Nov 14, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) drives to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets in the first half of a NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) drives to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets in the first half of a NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) dribbles the ball up court in the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) dribbles the ball up court in the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Most Improved Player: Kemba Walker

The Charlotte Hornets have been one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference this season due in large part to the play of their star point guard Kemba Walker. Walker was an Eastern Conference All-Star snub in 2015-16. He should get there this season, as well as be the Most Improved Player of the Year.

Walker’s stiffest competition for Most Improved will be the Milwaukee Bucks point forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is having a breakout season of his own. Where Walker has the edge is that he is the floor general for a certain playoff team in Charlotte that isn’t just a defense-first basketball team anymore.

Walker is breaking through in 2016-17 because he has improved drastically as a shooter. He is averaging a career-high in points per game at 25.8. Walker has never shot better in the NBA from the field (.491), from inside the arc (.500), and from distance (.586). This has helped Walker have a career-best PER of 29.1.

For the Hornets to have success in the NBA Playoffs, they’ll need to have the offense to complement their supreme defensive skills. With Walker become one of the best all-around point guards in the East, Charlotte has the ability to win multiple playoff series this spring.

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