Is John Salmons a "Most Improved Player" contender?...
- Thread starter Merdiesel
- Start date
eastcoastking
Prospect
without a doubt. he's almost tripled his career avg in ppg so far this season, doubled the rebounds and added an extra assist and steal per game, all while shooting over 50% from the field and 41% from the 3 (both around an 7% increase). i don't know who else would be in the running, or what they've done this season, but john's name should at least be mentioned.
LoungeLizard
Starter
No doubt John is having a "most improved" type year. However, I was reading the first trimester awards by Marc Stein and he stated that according to the leagues guidelines for most improved player consideration it is "designed to honor an up and coming player." John, in his sixth year may be past this definition.
Stein does mention Beno in this category, but I think Rudy Gay is almost a shoe in if he continues to play the way he is for the Grizz.
Article Link: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&page=FirstTrimesterReport-080104
Stein does mention Beno in this category, but I think Rudy Gay is almost a shoe in if he continues to play the way he is for the Grizz.
Article Link: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&page=FirstTrimesterReport-080104
Bricklayer
Don't Make Me Use The Bat
Both Salmons and Beno are candidates to be sure. Whether they have legit shots will depend obviously on whether they start the rest of the season or get returned to the bench. They will have a lot of competition anyway, as usual. Gay, Aldridge, Ronnie Brewer, maybe Hedo etc.
Circa_1985_Fan
All-Star
Yeah, I think they are candidates(Beno, John), but once Kevin, Mike and Ron are back in the starting lineup, that will pretty much kill their chances of having a shot to beat the other guys...I think Gay or Aldridge will get it.
chrisnu
Bench
I think he certainly should be considered. Bobby Simmons won the MIP a few years back, in his fourth year in the league. Jalen Rose won the award in his sixth year. At this time, however, I'd consider Rudy Gay and LaMarcus Aldridge for the award over Salmons. Other than those three, I'd also consider Hedo Turkoglu and Mike Dunleavy.
Arby's Roast Beef
Starter
Definitely shall be in the talks, but I'd have to say that once Bibby, Martin, and Artest come back, how he shall take his role with undoubtedly increased minutes. Even if anyone gets traded, though, I doubt he would win--there's LaMarcus Aldridge out there, and in my book he's probably the winner--he seems to have made the jump from spot player to franchise player in one year.
6th
Homer Fan Since 1985
At this point, John must be in the discussion as a contender. The question remains, of course, if it will continue when he comes off the bench. If he can get his head right, coming off the bench shouldn't matter. It should be all about continuing to earn minutes, whenever they come. Keep it up, John!
kennadog
Dog On It!
Well, Bobby Jackson was in his 6th year when he won. Of course, he was a major contributor to a much better team.
I think John at least has to be part of the discussion. He's earned that much.
Jerryaki
Starter
did bobby win MIP also? i thought he won sixth man.
kennadog
Dog On It!
I'm sorry, you're right. Different award.
OptimusRhyme
Jive Turkey
It'll be a close battle between Salmons, Kaman and Bynum but as long as Salmons is on that list I'm a happy fan.
OptimusRhyme
Jive Turkey
I think johnny just took the lead from that shot alone
Bricklayer
Don't Make Me Use The Bat
Well that's kind of the point though -- its a celebration fo the emerging players in the league. It would be a pretty drab award if you were only giving it out to guys in their late 20s -- John's situation is quite rare. Very few guys get significantly better after about 25 or so. Most years you'd probably have some average vet who jumped from 9ppg to 13ppg winning the award.
