New Orleans Pelicans: Nickeil Alexander-Walker will win the Most Improved Player award!
Ok, so this one might not be an overreaction, as Nickeil Alexander-Walker has looked nothing short of spectacular in the preseason so far.
He looks like he has added strength and is playing with more confidence than I’ve ever seen, already making his case to be in the starting lineup.
NAW has been very efficient so far, dropping another 19 points in the first half last night, after putting up 22 points in 20 minutes in the first game.
NAW has been making better decisions with the ball and has been quicker about deciding whether to pass or shoot, which may be a byproduct of the .5 basketball the Pels played in training camp.
NAW has also looked strong defensively and the Pels are noticeably longer and faster than they were last season.
I don’t think it is crazy to say that if NAW plays like this all season that he has a legit shot at the MIP award, as he has looked like a star in the making and could be the difference if the Pels are going to make the leap into playoff contention.