Utah Jazz : MVP Award Update & More

Jan 2, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz small forward Jeremy Evans (40) boxes out Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the first half at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz won 96-87. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Most Improved Player : Jeremy Evans

There were a couple different players that are in the running for this award. Alec Burks has played well, Richard Jefferson who didn’t play much at all last season with the Golden State Warriors has played much better this season, and Marvin Williams are all in the running for this award. As of right now, to me, I see Jeremy as leading the way for Most Improved Player.

Jeremy came into this season wanting to prove that he could be a rotational player in this league and on this team. So far this season, he has done just that. Jeremy worked on his jump shot in the off season and now gives the Jazz another scoring threat off the bench.

Jeremy is only averaging 19 minutes per game, but putting up 7.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in 19 minutes is pretty impressive. Per 36 minutes, Jeremy is averaging 13.7 points and 9.8 rebounds, which is fantastic for him this season compared to the last few seasons. Last season alone, Jeremy was averaging 2.0 points and 1.6 rebounds per game. 

The most impressive thing from Jeremy this season has been his jump shot. He hasn’t had that in the past seasons. Jeremy was known for dunking, because that is all that he was known to do. The added jump shot to his game this season has been so successful in part to other teams remembering that in the past all he can do is dunk.

Take a look at Jeremy’s shot chart this season.

He still is getting a lot of looks right around the rim, where he is getting 63% of those shots to go in. However, in past seasons, he hasn’t had the shot from free throw line extended to go in. He hasn’t had anything outside of the paint to be the color green, or even yellow for that matter. 

Jeremy is improving his game and turning into a good rotational player for the Jazz. To me, if he could put on more muscle to his frame, he could be a much better all around player for the Jazz. He is good on defense because he can get up high to block shots, but when he has gone against guys like LaMarcus Aldridge who have that size advantage on him, they just back him down and bully there way to the basket. That needs improvement, but that aside, Jeremy has been a pleasant surprise for the Jazz and Jazz fans this season.