The NBA 'Bubble' Seeding-Game Awards

The NBA ‘Bubble’ Seeding-Game Awards

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 01: T.J. Warren #1 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against Al Horford #42 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at the Visa Athletic Center in the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 1, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kim Klement - Pool/Getty Images) /

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 02: San Antonio Spurs’ Derrick White #4 drives into Memphis Grizzlies’ Brandon Clarke #15 during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 2, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images) /

Most Improved Player: Derrick White, San Antonio Spurs

Derrick White’s usage — or lack thereof — was one of the single most perplexing things about a frustrating San Antonio Spurs season prior to the league’s shutdown.

Head coach Gregg Popovich has since rectified that in Orlando.

Whereas White averaged only 10.4 points in 24.1 minutes per game across 61 appearances (13 starts) through mid-March, he’s gone off for 20.8 points in 30.5 minutes over six bubble starts. That includes his 16-point effort Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans, during which he played only 21 minutes before departing with a knee injury.

With LaMarcus Aldridge sidelined by shoulder surgery, Popovich downsized in the bubble, starting White alongside fellow guards Dejounte Murray and Lonnie Walker IV and trotting out DeMar DeRozan at the 4. That’s emboldened White to develop a green light, as he’s attempted at least six 3-point attempts in every game in Orlando and is shooting nearly 44 percent from deep.

White just turned 26 at the beginning of July and becomes eligible for an extension with offseason. He’s likely earned himself millions based on how well he’s played in the bubble.

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