BROOKLYN NETS

D’ANGELO RUSSELL, MOST IMPROVED PLAYER

Prior to getting hurt last year, D’Angelo Russell looked well on his way to turning the corner. Over the first 12 games of 2017-18, the Brooklyn Nets guard was averaging 20.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists per contest, showing the potential that led the Los Angeles Lakers to draft him No. 2 overall in 2015. Then he injured his knee, missed a bunch of time and wasn’t able to regain that form once he did return in January. Nevertheless, playing for a greatly under-appreciated head coach in Kenny Atkinson, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Russell find that early 2017-18 magic and make a push for Most Improved Player. He’s got all the talent; it’s just about putting it together over the course of a full season.