Did you see John Hollinger's ESPN.com piece about candidates for Most Improved Player?
Our guy Corey Brewer is, rightfully so, on the list and compared to some of the candidates Hollinger lists -- Andray Blatche, Paul Millsap, Jonas Jererbko, Kevni Durant, Russell Westbrook, Darren Collison, Andrew Bogut -- I'm not sure he's not one in the upper division of favorites.
The guy who once couldn't shoot straight now has made a three-pointer in 26 consecutive games.
I'm not sure how you can pick a rookie for most improved -- compared to what? -- but that's just me. There's a difference between Most Improved and a player who has received new opportunity.
As for Brewer, here's what Hollinger has to say (I like the bit about "ever"):
"Brewer might be the most improved shooter in the league. Or the most improved shooter ever, for that matter. Here's a stat that will floor you: As of Jan. 7, he'd made 23 3-pointers his entire career. Since then, he's made a triple in 27 consecutive games -- breaking Minnesota's franchise record. As you might imagine, the improved stroke helps his other numbers, too: Brewer averaged 15.6 points on 47 percent shooting in February.
Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis told me that Brewer's balance was the key: Brewer had been leaning back or to the side too often as he went up for his shot, and the Wolves had worked with him on going forward toward the rim as he launches. Apparently it's worked; he's made 43.1 percent of his 3s during the current streak, and a shot opponents once happily conceded to him now shows up on their scouting reports."
Joakim Noah was my preseason pick for Most Improved, but injuries have taken him out of the running.
