OrlandoMagic.com’s Josh Cohen ranks his top 10 Most Improved Player Award candidates so far this season (through games before April 27). Click through this slideshow for full rankings and analysis.
Note: The contents of this gallery have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Orlando Magic and do not reflect the opinions of the Magic’s Basketball Operations staff, partners or sponsors.
Tied #10 Clint Capela
The league leader in rebounds per game, Capela has been rock solid for the surging Hawks the last several weeks. The 6-foot-10, 240-pounder has three 20-20 games so far this season, two coming in his last five contests. Atlanta’s defense, which was awful early in the season, has gotten significantly better since Nate McMillan took over as head coach. Also a factor on that end of the floor has been the relentlessness of Capela, who ranks fifth since the All-Star break in blocks.
Others deserving a mention on this list include Toronto’s Gary Trent Jr., OG Anunoby and Chris Boucher, Sacramento's De'Aaron Fox, Portland’s Norman Powell, New Orleans’ Zion Williamson and Lonzo Ball, San Antonio’s Dejounte Murray and Keldon Johnson, Memphis' Kyle Anderson, OKC’s Lu Dort and Phoenix's Mikal Bridges.