More on Aaron Brooks and the Most Improved Player Award

By comparing the actual numbers based on production per 36 minutes played, we get a level playing field. Since many experts are picking Durant as the obvious MIP as well as other awards, I compared Brooks to him.

Per 36 minutes played, Durant is up 4.2 points in scoring compared to 3.7 for Brooks. On assists Durant is unchanged from last year, Brooks is up 1.1. Durant's FG% is virtually identical, while Brooks improved 2.7%. On 3 pt. shoots, Durant fell 6% from last year while Brooks improved 3.1 %, currently 39.7% to Durant's 36.2%. Basketball Reference site gives Durant an increase in PER of +5.3 this year compared to Brooks increase of +3.1 .

Channing Frye posted great increases from last year, but actually lower than year before last. He should be a candidate for comeback player, because his improvement is actually getting back what he lost last year.

I have no problem with anyone choosing Durant as MIP. He's had a hell of a year, but Brooks actually measures up a lot better than I would have thought until looking at real data. Aaron has actually stepped up in every way possible this year, which might just justify an MIP trophy.

Hey just some thoughts....
1. Many players only do well when they have reduced playing time. When you increase their minutes their productivity decreased. AB's productivity increased with increased playing time.
2. When he became the go to guy opposing defenses began to key in on him AND his productivity continued to increase.

I'm not saying he should be most improved, but AB has a huge case.
KEvin Durant is out because he had such a huge upside to begin with, AB did not. Channing Frye benefited from playing with Steve Nash and Company (Hello Shawn Marion). I like Donte Green's PER

i meant .397%!

You are supposed to be bias for the Rockets, right? Aarons points increase,leading the league in made threes with .347% and increase in assists is reason for MIP. His usage inflation of course is a definite reflection on his stats, but Donte Green, and Channing Frye....?
Why is this the Rockets ESPN Blog?