For those hoping Jordan Poole might win this year’s NBA Most Improved Player Award, it’s not going to happen.
Somewhat shockingly, the third-year guard wasn’t included in the top three finalists for the award, announced by the league on Sunday. Darius Garland (Cleveland), Ja Morant (Memphis) and Dejounte Murray (Spurs) were named as the three finalists.
Those three players being ahead of Poole is a true head-scratcher. Morant, Garland and Murray all averaged more than 15 points a game for their respective teams last year, and all were consistent starters and contributors who played at least 30 minutes per game. Poole, meanwhile, spent time in the G League during the 2020-21 season, and there were serious questions — at least from fans — if he would ever be a contributor at the NBA level.
This season, Poole’s minutes increased from 19.4 per game to 30, his scoring from 12 to 18.5, rebounds from 1.8 to 3.4 and assists from 1.9 to 4. Poole was also the best free throw shooter in the NBA at 92.5% this season.
Though it’s not taken into account for awards purposes, Poole showed just how much he’s improved during Saturday’s playoff opener, leading all players with 30 points on 9-of-13 shooting.
Other finalists for end of season awards are:
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Nikola Jokic (Denver), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia).
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mikal Bridges (Phoenix), Rudy Gobert (Utah), Marcus Smart (Boston).
COACH OF THE YEAR
Taylor Jenkins (Memphis), Erik Spoelstra (Miami), Monty Williams (Phoenix).
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Scottie Barnes (Toronto), Cade Cunningham (Detroit), Evan Mobley (Cleveland).
SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR
Tyler Herro (Miami), Cam Johnson (Phoenix), Kevin Love (Cleveland).
