CJ McCollum has won the 2015-16 Kia NBA Most Improved Player Award. This season the Portland Trailblazers guard finished with averages of 20.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.21 steals and 34.8 minutes in 80 games. More from the Blazers:
“Being recognized as the Most Improved Player in the NBA is a testament to the dedication and commitment to his game CJ has shown since joining the Trail Blazers,” said president of basketball operations Neil Olshey.
Currently in his third NBA season out of Lehigh, McCollum (6.8 to 20.8) raised his scoring average by 14.0 points from last season. The last NBA player with a larger increase was Tony Campbell (6.2 to 23.2) from 1988-89 to 1989-90 (minimum 50 games played in each season).
“CJ worked extremely hard to have the season that he had this year,” said Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts. “His work ethic and commitment to improve is the reason he is deserving of this award. He is an example to everyone what can be accomplished with diligent practice and a belief that you can always get better.”
