The Most Improved Player award may be the most tightly contested award category. Many guys can be considered for this award, and it was really hard to pick a winner. With that said, here is my top 3:

Third Place

PF- Kevin Love

20.2pts, 15.2reb, 2.5ast

It was really difficult dropping Kevin Love down to third, but I am a big supporter of winning teams. That being said Kevin Love can easily end up the actual winner of this award. His 53 game double-double streak was the longest since Moses Malone. Loves is the league’s top rebounder. He improved his offense, by increasing the range on his jump shot to three point range. It is terrible that Kevin Love is on one of the worst teams in the league, therefore he drops to third.

Runner-Up

PG- Russell Westbrook

21.8pts, 4.6reb, 8.2ast, 1.9stl

Again, Westbrook could easily end up being the actual winner of this award. Kevin Durant is the superstar and one of the best in the game, but Russell Westbrook is the spark plug. Russell is one of the top point guards in the league and his scoring abilities are incredible. Westbrook’s scoring and assists have improved this season. Although Westbrook’s field goal percentage could be better, his shot selection has gotten better.

Winner

PF- LaMarcus Aldridge

21.8pts, 8.8reb, 2.1ast, 1.2blk, 1stl

I don’t think any of the candidates have been more valuable to their team than LaMarcus Aldridge. Aldridge exploded onto the scene this season, with his scoring and rebounding at career highs. What is most impressive about his season is that he put his Portland team on his shoulders during a tough time. The Blazers have be riddled with significant injuries most of the season to Brandon Roy, Marcus Camby, and Greg Oden. Through it all Aldridge continued to produce and win.

Just missed the cut: Jrue Holiday. Starting point guard on a very improved 76ers team. Holiday improved his scoring, and assists. Holiday also plays solid defense.