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Denver Nuggets’ 2016-’17 Team Awards Midway Through the Season

By Kyle Standfield

Jan 16, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8), Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15), and Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson (1) celebrate during the first half against the Orlando Magic at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8), Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15), and Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson (1) celebrate during the first half against the Orlando Magic at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 8, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) looks to pass as Washington Wizards forward Jason Smith (14) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) looks to pass as Washington Wizards forward Jason Smith (14) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Who’s been the Most Improved Player of the Year?

Most Improved: Nikola Jokic

Runner Up: Emmanuel Mudiay

I’m not going to spend too much time gushing over how good Nikola Jokic has been so far this season because I have already done that. Just take a look at his per 36 numbers from his rookie season compared to the current one.

Rookie season: 16.5 pts, 11.6 rbs, 3.9 asts, 51% shooting.

Current season: 20.2 pts, 11.5 rbs, 5.4 asts, 59% shooting.

When you factor in that Jokic didn’t become a regular starter until December 15, the splits become even more impressive.

Much like the defensive player award, my reasoning for awarding Emmanuel Mudiay as the Runner Up here has a lot to do with simply watching him play.

His numbers are extremely similar to his rookie campaign, and even dip slightly in both points per game and assists per game. However, his shooting percentage has improved from 36% to 38% and his turnovers are down from 3.2 to 2.6 per contest.

Mudiay got off to a relatively slow start to the season, however since the line up change, he has been great.

He tallied a career high 13 assists in Denver’s win over Orlando recently, has limited his turnovers to just 2 a game and his catch-and-shoot from downtown has become a reliable weapon.

The biggest thing for Mudiay though, has been his confidence and subsequent ability to run the team. He looks much more comfortable in running the offense and it has been great to see. Remember, he is still only 20 years old. Patience is the key with Mudiay.

Despite Mudiay’s improvement, this award has to go to The Joker.

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