Most Improved Player Rankings: Week 17

RANK	PLAYER	RUNDOWN	LAST
1		PAUL GEORGE, F, INDIANA: Reclaims the top spot after exploding for 27 in a 125-91 trouncing of the Knicks on Wednesday. He also recorded 12 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals in Danny Granger’s return to the Pacers’ lineup on Saturday, alleviating any fears that his production might drop off.	2
2		NIKOLA VUCEVIC, C, ORLANDO: Our interview subject drops to No. 2 after a weekend in which he put up just 10 total points. Have we started a new sports jinx? We can only hope, because that would be awesome. Sorry, Nikola. In other news, the reeling Magic have now lost 17 of 18.	1
3		KEMBA WALKER, G, CHARLOTTE: Has gone off since being left out of the top five last week, scoring 24, 24, 27 and 24. Maybe it’s because the Bobcats are as odoriferous as Byron Mullens’ armpits in triple overtime, but Walker is not getting enough respect. He’s one of only a handful of players averaging nearly 18 points and 6 assists.	–
4		GREIVIS VASQUEZ, G, NEW ORLEANS: Before we talk about Greivis, I’d just like to mention that Jrue Holiday has been knocked off the list this week, even after hanging 30 on the Knicks. That’s how tough the competition for this award is. Vasquez stays after putting up double-digit assists in three of five games.	5
5		LARRY SANDERS, F, MILWAUKEE : Ahh, good old Nappy Gilmore. It’s nice to have him back on the list. Sanders returned from injury and immediately found his happy place, putting up 14 points, 8 rebounds and 6 blocks Tuesday vs. the Nets. Then he went for 12 points and 19 boards in Saturday’s loss to the Hawks.	–

DROPOUTS: Jrue Holiday, G, Philadelphia (3); Omer Asik, C, Houston (4).

FIVE TO WATCH: Omer Asik, C, Houston; J.J. Hickson, F, Portland; Jrue Holiday, G, Philadelphia; David Lee, F, Golden State; Chandler Parsons, F, Houston.

PREVIOUS RANKINGS: Most Improved | MVP | Rookie | Heisler’s Power Rankings | Sixth Man

Kels Dayton is a freelance writer whose work has also appeared in SLAM Magazine. You can check out more of his work at RoundballDaily.com. Follow him on Twitter @RoundballDaily.