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NBA Award Watch: Fiz is rocking in Memphis

By John Buhler

Nov 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale attempts to get a referee
Nov 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale attempts to get a referee /
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Nov 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) reacts after hitting a three point shot in the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Hawks 100-96. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) reacts after hitting a three point shot in the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Hawks 100-96. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Most Improved Player: Kemba Walker

This is one of the tightest award races in the NBA. The Most Improved Player is probably going to a first-time All-Star in the Eastern Conference. Its two most qualified candidates are Milwaukee Bucks point forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Charlotte Hornets point guard Kemba Walker.

Either one of these emerging stars can be Most Improved, but Walker edges out Antetokounmpo for another week. Walker is averaging 24.7 points per game, 5.2 assists per game, 4.2 rebounds per game, and has a PER of 26.5.

Walker is shooting .468 from the field, .413 from distance, and .808 from the line, leading to an effective field goal percentage of .549. He has garnered 2.1 Win Shares playing well on both ends of the floor.

What has really helped catapult Walker into being a certain 2016-17 NBA All-Star has been his improved shooting stroke. It has opened up things offensively for the Hornets and they are now probably one of the five best teams in the Eastern Conference. Walker’s improved as a player is a direct correlation to the Hornets’ overall improvement as a basketball team.

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