NBA Most Improved Player Rankings

RANK	PLAYER	RUNDOWN	LAST
1		PAUL GEORGE, F, INDIANA: His production hasn’t dropped off since Danny Granger returned to the Pacers’ lineup and then disappeared again. George went for 16 points and 7 boards in Wednesday’s loss to the Celtics and put up 25 in Friday’s win over the Magic. He’s a championship contender, baby!	1
2		NIKOLA VUCEVIC, C, ORLANDO: He’s baaack. Rebounded from his post-Sheridan Hoops interview slump by going all Khal Drogo (Game of Thrones reference) on foes. He scored 25 with 21 boards in Wednesday’s one-point loss to the Heat, then went for 14 and 17 boards in Sunday’s win over the Sixers.	–
3		GREIVIS VASQUEZ, G, NEW ORLEANS: It was a big week for Vasquez, who put up 15 points and 12 assists in that debacle against the Lakers on Wednesday, then scored 20 with 7 boards and 5 assists in a win over Portland on Sunday. He is quietly having one heck of a season.	4
4		OMER ASIK, C, HOUSTON: The best Turkish import since Bald Bull has become a rebounding machine, having put up 15-plus boards in each of his past three games. He seems to be taking his loss in one of the greatest upsets in MIP Tourney history pretty well, although you know he’s hurting on the inside.	–
5		JRUE HOLIDAY, G, PHILADELPHIA: It’s been a special season for the Jruth, who has done everything but wipe Doug Collins’ tears for listless Philadelphia. Holiday scored 15 and dished out 11 assists in Monday’s win over the Nets, almost single-handedly snapping a five-game skid. But Philly is still 2-12 in its last 14 games.	2

DROPOUTS: Larry Sanders (5).

FIVE TO WATCH: Kemba Walker, G, Charlotte; Chandler Parsons, F, Houston; J.J. Hickson, F, Portland; David Lee, F, Golden State; Stephen Curry, G, Golden State.

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.