It was Granger last year.
Thank you. He had a solid case for MIP.
Also, there's no way the media would overlook his high scoring + annual scoring increases. Rondo never stood a chance.
I thought MIP was among the great injustices of last season's awards as I'm not sure anyone offered a viable contest to Durant in that realm. In addition to increasing his scoring average by five points per game (I know Granger's jump was almost six), the jump in Durant's efficiency was incredible (and it allowed him to pick up the scoring with nothing more than a nominal increase in his usage rate, whereas Granger's jumped significantly), going from less than 52 percent true shooting to nearly 58 TS%.
Durant also made a significant jump in rebound rate, while Granger declined noticeably there.
-sw
Excellent observation....as usual
BTW, almost the exact same case could be made this year for Durant as he has almost a 5 point jump in average, a 5 point jump in PER, and a high points/40, rebounds/40, rebound ratio and a TS% over 60%
Rondo has been the best player on the floor all year for the Celtics, but I don't think he has a shot on MIP. Kind of like Durant doesn't have a shot.
MIP goes to the most surprising improved player. Rondo, based on his past performances, has progressed as you would expect a 4th year top tier player should. MIP goes to the guy who comes out of nowhere, or the guy who was never given a chance before.
I'd say the frontrunner hands down should be Zach Randolph. He's been a completely different player this season, even though statistically this year isn't that different for him.
Another guy to look at if he keeps it up all season might be Andray Blatche.
Also Nicholas Batum has improved beyond where I thought he would be this year, but probably not enough.
Gerald Wallace too should definitely be in the running.