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New York Knicks: 5 Reasons Brandon Jennings Can Win Most Improved Player

By Maxwell Ogden

Sep 26, 2016; White Plains, NY, USA; New York Knicks point guard Brandon Jennings addresses the media during the New York Knicks Media Day at Ritz-Carlton. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; White Plains, NY, USA; New York Knicks point guard Brandon Jennings addresses the media during the New York Knicks Media Day at Ritz-Carlton. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) shoots the ball over Washington Wizards center Ian Mahinmi (28) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 90-88. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) shoots the ball over Washington Wizards center Ian Mahinmi (28) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 90-88. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Starting From Rock Bottom

Simply put, Brandon Jennings is coming off of one of the worst seasons imaginable for an NBA player. He averaged just 6.9 points, 3.5 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.1 3-point field goals in 18.1 minutes on a slash line of .368/.329/.731.

If Jennings plays like himself again, then the statistical improvements should be enough to give him a comfortable lead in the race for Most Improved Player.

Jennings’ inefficiency as a scorer and shooter, as well as his underwhelming statistics, create the potential for tremendous growth. Even playing at a quality level would be a severe upgrade over what he managed to do in 2015-16.

Jennings has the potential to get back to being one of the better point guards in the NBA, however, and that makes the award a fitting projection

Jennings has career averages of 15.5 points, 5.9 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.8 3-point field goals made in 32.1 minutes per game. Prior to the 2015-16 season, those numbers were 16.6 points, 6.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.9 3-point field goals made in 33.9 minutes.

Jennings could have the narrative, the major market hype, and the statistical improvement.

Must Read: 5 Reasons Brandon Jennings will win Sixth Man of the Year

If he plays as well as he’s capable of playing, it’d be hard to argue against him.

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