April 22, 2004

Trail Blazers Forward Zach Randolph has been named as the 2003-04 NBA Most Improved Player.

The Most Improved Player is selected by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters from throughout the United States and Canada.

The third-year forward’s numbers increased dramatically, seeing gains of 11.7 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 1.5 apg from the 2002-03 season. Randolph led the Blazers in scoring, 20.1 ppg (16th in the NBA), rebounding, 10.5 rpg (6th), and double-doubles, 43 (tied for 5th).

He started 80 of the 81 games he played and was the Blazers leading scorer 44 times and the team's leading rebounder 61 times. He scored 20 or more points on 42 occasions and scored 30 or more points three times.

Randolph received a total of 379 points, including 59 first-place votes, from a panel of 121 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Cleveland’s Carlos Boozer finished second with 166 points (12 first-place votes) and Memphis’ James Posey was third with 137 points (17 first-place votes). Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote received.

“Despite being overlooked after having an all-star caliber year,” said Trail Blazers General Manager John Nash, “This award acknowledges the tremendous progress Zach has made.”

The 6-foot-9, 256-pound Randolph finished the 2003-04 season as one of only five players to average 20 or more points and 10 or more rebounds. The others achieving this feat: Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs, Shaquille O’Neal of the L.A. Lakers and Jermaine O’Neal of the Indiana Pacers.

Randolph finished in the league top ten in many statistical categories, including third in most field goals made, 663, tied for fifth in double-doubles, 5, sixth in total rebounds, 851, defensive rebounds, 609, and rebounds per game, 10.5, eighth in defensive rebounds per game, 7.5, and ninth in offensive rebounds per game, 3.0.

Portland’s first round selection (19th pick overall) in the 2001 NBA Draft out of Michigan State, Randolph finished in the league’s top ten in many statistical categories, including third in field goals made, 663, tied for fifth in double-doubles, 5, sixth in total rebounds, 851, defensive rebounds, 609, and rebounds per game, 10.5, eighth in defensive rebounds per game, 7.5, and ninth in offensive rebounds per game, 3.0. He also posted a career-high 34 points versus Indiana on December 3, and tied his career-high in rebounds with 20 against the Phoenix Suns on December 18.

"I am very pleased that Zach has been recognized as the NBA's Most Improved Player," said Trail Blazers Head Coach Maurice Cheeks. "He has worked extremely hard to take his game to a higher level and it is great to see him receive this honor."

Randolph is the second Blazer in franchise history to be selected as Most Improved Player; Kevin Duckworth received the honor in 1987-88. Randolph is the Blazers first post-season award winner since Mike Dunleavy won Coach of the Year and Brian Grant won the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award after the 1998-99 season.

Click here for a list of Zach's season stats and Portland's All-Time Post-Season Honors

Click here to watch a video of the press conference

Zach's Mom Talks About Award

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Click here for other 2003-04 NBA Awards.