Most Improved

by Jeff Clark on Apr 7, 2009 8:57 AM EDT in Boston Celtics Articles

Seems like as good a time as any to haul out the end-of-season awards. We'll start with the Most Improved player award, to be decided by you. Here are some candidates (links on player names go to career stats pages):

Rajon Rondo: By all accounts, Rondo made "the Leap" this year. Last year he was a starter and a huge contributor to a Championship team, but there were days when he looked very much the 2nd year player that he was. This year, he's been much more consistent and one of the main driving forces behind the team's success. His stats are up across the board but I'm most impressed with the increase of assists (from 5.1 to 8.4).

Kendrick Perkins: We already talked about his improvements. The only thing that may hinder him in this award is how gradually he's improved from year to year. The biggest improvement over last year is on the offensive end. You no longer have to cringe when he gets the ball in the post. That says a lot.

Eddie House: His scoring average is up a point per game, but more telling is his shooting percentage. Last year he shot 40.9% from the field and 39.3% from deep. This year he's up to 44.6% and 43.8%. In case you missed it, if he keeps this up, he'll break Danny Ainge's Celtic record for 3 point percentage in a season. One last note: last year he was seen as a liability headed into the postseason (couldn't play point guard well enough). Once the team focused on keeping him at shooting guard, his stock soared.

Glen Davis: His improvement can be seen week by week rather than year by year. At the beginning of the year he was still a young guy that struggled to get playing time in a platoon with Leon Powe. Now he's a fill-in starter that has scored 19 or more points in 5 of his last 7 games.

Leon Powe: You can re-read what I wrote about Glen Davis and simply change the name to Leon Powe and you'll have the same conclusion. The only difference has been the late season injury that has kept Leon out for several weeks. Lest we forget, before he went down, he scored 20, 12, 23, and 30(!) points while putting up very good rebounding numbers.

Brian Scalabrine: Missing but not yet forgotten. Scal was having perhaps his best season as a Celtic before the concussions sidelined him. As usual the numbers don't tell the story. He was making shots within the flow of the offense, making the right pass, setting the right pick, leading the second unit defense, and just doing all the little things he does well.

I'm going to leave Ray Allen off the list because I find it hard to consider him for "most improved" when he was an All Star last year and this year. However, I do acknowledge the fact that his game has progressed as he's gotten more healthy and as Doc has found more ways to work him into a bigger role in the offense.

Keep in mind, this isn't an MVP award and it isn't a popularity contest. This is about who improved the most from last year to this year.

Poll

Who is Most Improved?

Rajon Rondo

680 votes

Kendrick Perkins

102 votes

Eddie House

19 votes

Glen Davis

372 votes

Leon Powe

25 votes

Brian Scalabrine

18 votes

1216 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 26 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

Tough call

I went with Glen Davis, who added a jumpshot to his game and has been a more consistent contributor this season, and will most certainly get more playoff minutes.

Cant go wrong with Rondo or Perk either…But i think these guys jumped leaps and bounds throughout last season and into the finals

by TheAncientRivalry on Apr 7, 2009 9:11 AM EDT reply actions

Big Baby - AKA - big BEAST !!! how bout that last block?!!

Have to agree TAR, Rondo’s game is the same as last years, just this year he has been consistently executing at all times and has been given the reins by Doc and the other guys, so his same game is now fully integrated and driving the offense.

Glenn Davis has actually DEVELOPED his game, week by week, month by month, demand for upgrade by demand for upgrade, and actually took his developing game to a whole new level when he became a starter. That in my book, is worthy of recognition…

by jyrecelts on Apr 7, 2009 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Baby it is

I agree with Baby’s progress, he has been a revelation this last 2 weeks that we barely miss a beat in the PF slot considering he is filling in the shoes of one Kevin Garnett….I hope he does keep it up in the Playoffs..Woodson is right, Davis is actually a real double-double threat if given starters minutes.

by bopna on Apr 7, 2009 9:26 AM EDT reply actions

generally agree with the voting so far

I kinda tipped my hand with the picture and order

I can understand the lack of votes for Powe and Scal since both are out of sight, out of mind

but I’m a little surprised by the lack of votes for Eddie – maybe the perception of him was that he wasn’t that bad last year – but to me he’s much more of an emotional lift for us this year – he’s kind of filled the role that Posey usually played with late-game 3’s that are daggers to opponents

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" Henry V

by Jeff Clark on Apr 7, 2009 9:56 AM EDT reply actions

love Eddie but . . .

Eddie is really just giving us a better version of what we expect, although I am mildly surprised by his scrappier-than-expected D. He (and to a lesser extent, Powe and Scal), showed us what we already hoped they had in them. Rondo went from good but inconsistent second-year man to borderline all-star. That’s a whole ’nuther level, man. And BBD has flat out shocked the world. Seeing a big Big BIG man move like he does and hit the shots he does and work like he does improves my whole perspective on the potential of the human race. Now THAT is improvement.

It wil be interesting to see the near healthy C’s hit the court for the playoffs. I think last year’s team played tougher, but I think this year’s team is as a whole much improved. The fact we have to debate who is most improved is a clear demonstration of this team’s overall growth.

by Thruthelookingglass on Apr 7, 2009 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions

ya took the words right outta my mouth...

by jyrecelts on Apr 7, 2009 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Rondooooooooooooooo!

I voted for R2; his development as both a shooter, a facilitator, and a team leader has been a pleasure to watch. Only worries are that he’s getting steal-happy on the defensive end, and his inconsistency in attack and pacing. But he’s still quite young.

I’m not sure how much Eddie has improved this year, so much as been put in a better position to succeed — playing off the ball more as a 2-guard. His stats this year are similar to what he did in NJ two season ago.

Same to some degree with Scal and position to succeed, although he was understanding his role in the offense this year much better (fewer bull in the china shop drives to the basket) and shooting better.

Powe improved a good deal defensively, but offensively he was put in a position not to succeed for much of the season.

Perk is a model of steady improvement over the course of a career, and this year is no exception. I didn’t vote for him not because he hasn’t improved, but because I think others have improved more. And Perk can still be maddeningly inconsistent, especially defensively and in picking up silly fouls.

It’s been quite a treat to watch BBD’s developing the jumpshot over the course of the season, from no-no-no to yes-yes-yes, and more recently, integrating that with offense closer to the basket. On the other hand, he’s faded a bit as a defensive rebounder, so I think he’s still working to put all the changes in his game together.

by MattD on Apr 7, 2009 10:36 AM EDT reply actions

Perk has improved quite a bit this year, especially the 'inconsistency' thing...

I remember the first two months, when we were unstoppable, how ‘inconsistent’ Perk was, and the ‘maddening’ fouls and missed plays – but the last two months? Nowhere near as much of that, in fact, I think ‘consistent’ would be an accurate assesment of his D and his offense.

by jyrecelts on Apr 7, 2009 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Not sure how this award does not go to Kendrick Perkins...

This is not the same center we had last year. He continues to improve every year, but no jump has been bigger than last year to this year. He has become an absolute force to wrecken with in the middle on both ends of the floor. He’s legitimately added things to his game. Last year he did not have a post game at all. This year he has a very good post game when you consider how many looks he gets in the post vs his success rate. Last year he could never be trusted to shoot a 15 footer, this year you really don’t mind when he shoots it. But his defense has been the most impressive. He has absolutely exploded as one of the dominant defensive Centers in the league. He is the anchor to our defense, constantly roaming and making plays off the ball.

Rondo seems like an easy choice, but I just happen to believe he was very good last year. A lot of the reason he is producing at a higher rate is because his minutes are a lot more consistent and the keys of the offense have been given to him. Last year there wasn’t nearly the amount of trust given his way. I just feel like he’s been allowed more freedom. Not saying he has not improved, because obviously he has. I just feel like the jump for Perkins has been much greater.

SCOTT

by Vegas Scott on Apr 7, 2009 10:38 AM EDT reply actions

Perkins

I also agree with vegas scott. I picked Perkins because I thought Rajon was terrific last year, and only needed more minutes and consistency. I also feel that it is harder and takes more time for a big man to see improvement (mainly because of slower movement and lack of quickness …different things: running the floor and lateral movement vs smaller players). Perk is still very young. He has done an admirable job stepping it up in KG’s absense. He has learned how NOT to foul out. And…he has found intensity in his play, and not just in his expression…plays to help his team win Every Game.

This really was a hard choice though, each of the players mentioned has really stepped up and contributed this year.

by thirstyboots18 on Apr 7, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions

I might have to agree although I think Perk was pretty awesome defensively last year as well. You could say he has benefited from more consistent minutes too.

I think a lot of guys on the team are getting a big bump from being “Champions”. It’s a real confidence boost; that might be the biggest factor in Perk’s ascension. Plus the “respect” from the officials that comes with champion status doesn’t hurt either, lol.

by Berkcelt on Apr 7, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Another Perk Man

I’m with Vegas Scott. Perk is an amazing statement to desire and coaches’ faith and attention and, of course, KG’s model. Have you seen him gather this year in the paint? Have you seen those hands-of-stone on entry passes? Both of those are gone. Does he still commit defensive 3 secs…Yup…but they’re down. Can he get his shot over everyone….Pretty much…instead of no one two years ago. Is he just a power rebounder…Nope…some smart positioons and touches show up.

Everyone on the list is legitimate for this discussion which is why, with KG back, we can be better than last year (becasue Ray IS better too). Rondo is truly amazing at times but like VS said he was good lst year. He had the game tools. Perk has developed them.

by Wildblu1 on Apr 7, 2009 10:50 AM EDT reply actions

Exactly Wildblu1...

Whenever experts around the league talk about this years Celtics team vs last years, they somehow leave out how much better the players that remained on our roster are compared to last year. They all want to talk about losing Posey and PJ Brown. It’s absurd, the growth by Powe, Davis, Perk, Rondo, House and the experience Ray Allen has garnered as a 3rd option outweigh the loss of Posey and PJ by the size of Big Baby! It isn’t even close. This team is far superior to last years team in my opinion, but the question will be how much better are the Lakers and Cavs. It’s hard to imagine that they could have made up that much ground simply by adding Mo Williams and a shaky at best (health wise) Andrew Bynum. Common sense tells us that the Celtics should be the clear cut frontrunners as long as we are healthy. So why are all the experts not picking us to win it all? Mind boggling….

SCOTT

by Vegas Scott on Apr 7, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree

I never thought Perk would reach the offensive level that he’s at now. And he and Ticket are a terrific defensive tandem.

The reason I didn’t pick Rondo is that, while he has improved, he tends to play up/down to the level of the competition. Thus, I think he has tons of untapped potential and I’m just not ready to hail his total degree of improvement yet.

Baby and Powe have been eating each other’s lunch minutewise; they each blossomed when given more minutes, which makes me wonder how much of their improvement is simply due to getting more minutes. This also makes me think it’s inevitable one of them gets moved.

"People don't understand, if you can't live the rest of your life off one year in the NBA, you can't live off 21." -- Keon Clark

by Eeyore III on Apr 7, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions

Justice is blind, but the scales tell all... that was great VS!!!!

by jyrecelts on Apr 7, 2009 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Rondo and Davis (tie)

IMHO Bill Walker deserves to be on the list of candidates, although he’s not my choice for most improved.

by Brickowski on Apr 7, 2009 10:51 AM EDT reply actions

??

Walker is a rookie, how could he be a candidate for most improved? The award is based on improvement from last year to this year.

SCOTT

by Vegas Scott on Apr 7, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions

Is it? IMHO Walker has improved quite a bit during the course of the year.

by Brickowski on Apr 7, 2009 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions

They've all been pretty impressive

I voted for Baby b/c he went from afterthought to legit rotation player for any team in the league; that is tangible change… But really Rondo and Perk have probably made more impressive strides, from good to very good. Eddie, Scal and Powe of course all looked better as well.

I guess I hadn’t really thought of how many Celtics are playing at a higher level than last year. Because of the team’s record and the results last year, its hard to imagine this team is legitimately better than last year’s, but if you had to choose between taking last year’s roster and this year’s roster into the playoffs right now, I think you’d have to take this year’s version (assuming KG can play at a high level).

by Ryan Gomes Phone Home on Apr 7, 2009 10:55 AM EDT reply actions

i voted for rondo because he is the most important of the most improved. he sets the tone for the whole team. the most improved attitude goes to marbury because he has shut his mouth and played secondary minutes unobtrusively.

by nazzbo on Apr 7, 2009 12:08 PM EDT reply actions

Guess who I voted for ?

Ram it Low!!!

Is it Soup Yet?

by Master Po on Apr 7, 2009 5:20 PM EDT reply actions

Delonte?

"People don't understand, if you can't live the rest of your life off one year in the NBA, you can't live off 21." -- Keon Clark

by Eeyore III on Apr 7, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions

it's gotta be "The Infant "

Baby has gone from an erratic and at times brilliant neophyte to a consistent, hard-working and gutsy defender with a sweet midrange jumper and a surprisingly dexterous inside game who now only occasionally tries to do too much.

As far as Rondo is concerned — he was already fantastic and pretty solid last year, and has only really needed to develop one facet of his game, i.e. confidence in his outside and midrange shot. So, not a lot of things to improve upon there, in my opinion.

There are my two cents..!

by Hal Jordan on Apr 7, 2009 8:35 PM EDT reply actions