Forget the usual suspects for individual hardware, the word out of Milwaukee is that two Bucks players, Ryan Rollins and Kel’el Ware, are already in prime position to contend for the Most Improved Player award this coming season. While the Bucks were practically guaranteed to have players snagging end-of-season awards in years past, that kind of hardware is “far less likely” this time around. But let’s be real, “far less likely” isn’t “impossible,” and if things play out right, these two guys could absolutely surprise everyone.
Ryan Rollins Is Due For His Moment
Look, everyone knows Ryan Rollins got robbed last year. He arguably should have won the Most Improved Player award, but somehow wasn’t even a finalist. That’s just wild, right? While it’s probably unfair to expect another insane statistical jump this season, players often get that recognition they deserved the year before. Especially with an award like MIP, it’s like the league catches up. If the Bucks truly surprise people this season, Rollins will be right at the heart of it. A big bump in points, particularly from the foul line because of the newfound respect he’s going to command, could absolutely get him the job done. It’s time for him to get what he’s earned.
Kel’el Ware Is Ready To Unleash Chaos
Then you’ve got Kel’el Ware, who also has a real shot at the Most Improved Player trophy. This dude was kept on such a short leash during his time with the Miami Heat, but the guy’s game is truly unique for a center. We’re talking about a legitimate rebounding machine, a massive dunk threat anywhere near the hoop, and an emerging rim protector who is going to make opponents think twice in the paint. Oh, and did I mention he shoots a 40% clip from three-point range? Seriously, how many centers can do all that? Ware’s got the tools to explode and if he puts it all together this season, everyone will be talking about him for MIP.
It’s clear the Bucks have seen some serious hardware come their way in recent memory. Giannis Antetokounmpo cleaned up with MIP and MVP, Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez both hit the All-Defensive First Team in 2022-23. Holiday even snagged the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year twice, plus an NBA Sportsmanship Award. Lopez doubled up in 2022-23 with the NBA Community Assist Award. Even Mike Budenholzer grabbed Coach of the Year in 2018-19, Eric Bledsoe made the All-Defensive teams, and Malcolm Brogdon was Rookie of the Year. So the pedigree is there. While the buzz is that this year might be tougher, don’t sleep on Rollins and Ware. We’ll find out in October when the season predictions really start flying, but these two are already making some noise. The question isn’t if they can do it, it’s if the league will finally open its eyes.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Brew Hoop.
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