Monta Ellis Named 2006-07 Most Improved Player

http://www.nba.com/warriors/news/Mon..._Improved.html

Monta Ellis Named 2006-07 Most Improved Player
Closest Race Ever as Ellis Edges Sacramento’s Martin for Honor



Monta Ellis increased his scoring average by nearly 10 points from his rookie to his sophomore season.
Monta Ellis of the Golden State Warriors was named the winner of the 2006-07 NBA Most Improved Player Award, the NBA announced today. The annual award is presented to a player who has made a dramatic improvement from the previous season or seasons.
Ellis received a total of 352 points, including 47 first-place votes, from a panel of 129 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. The Sacramento Kings’ Kevin Martin finished second with 349 points (44 first-place votes) followed by the Utah Jazz’s Deron Williams with 101 points (13 first-place votes). Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third place vote received. This is the closest finish in the history of the award since 1990-91 when Scott Skiles of Orlando edged out Kevin Gamble of Boston by four votes

After averaging 6.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists and .415 shooting for the Warriors in 2005-06, Ellis increased his scoring by 9.7 points (16.5 ppg) – the largest increase in the NBA this season -- to go along with his averages of 3.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.71 steals. Starting 53 of the 77 games he appeared in, Ellis reached double figures in scoring 68 times, including 24 games of 20 or more points. The 6-3 guard recorded three or more steals 20 times and had at least five steals three times, including a career-high six at Seattle (March 17).

[GoRapz]

cpngrats to Monta, well deserved

[yobore]

Gj Ellis

[warriors23]

[SirPresident]

Was Anthony Parker even allowed to be in the runnin for this?

[John Starks]

I'm not wild about this award - it should not go to a guy who suddenly plays a ton more minutes and starts to produce. It should go to a player who - in the same minutes - somehow just made himself better.

Its a little harder to find -- which is why it should be praise worthy.

[ForceOfNature]

WOW, I'm shocked that David Lee of NY wasn't even among the top 9 in those results . Pitiable.

[hotsizzle]

glad to see Monta gettin some love

[Comedy Central]

Had the warriors not make the playoffs the award would probably go to Kevin Martin. The media has gone way too far in overrating team achievement when comparing individual players.

Originally Posted by ForceOfNature

WOW, I'm shocked that David Lee of NY wasn't even among the top 9 in those results . Pitiable.

Well he did average a double double coming off the bench.

[ElPigto]

Originally Posted by Comedy Central

Had the warriors not make the playoffs the award would probably go to Kevin Martin. The media has gone way too far in overrating team achievement when comparing individual players.

Monta is not a bad choice. I know Kevin Martin had a better season, but it's not as if were like really ages ahead of Monta's season.

You could go either which is why the voting was so close.

[DoubleTech]

Originally Posted by SirPresident

Was Anthony Parker even allowed to be in the runnin for this?

ehhh, i don't think he was allowed in the competition... and even so, his season averages weren't as impressive as monta's

[GOBB]

Not a bad decision...props to the kid who came out of HS was basically unknown or forgotton about his rookie season them blossomed his 2nd year.

Lots of candidates deserving.

[Fatal_Flaw]

I love when 2nd rounders come up in the league. Congrats, Monta.

[SoulMattic]

Congrats Monta!! just get your handles down and stop with the turnovers... see you live game 3 in Oakland!!!