Portland Trail Blazers: Player most likely to win each major NBA award

4. MIP – Nassir Little

Nassir Little should have an easy case for Most Improved Player, as he’ll have plenty of room to improve on his resume from last season.

The MIP award is mostly bred from opportunity. Little should be the recipient of plenty of increased opportunity in his third year.

The Blazers need another defensive wing, as well as another player who can put his head down and pressure the rim. Little is their best chance to fill both of those holes.

Last season, Nas finished with modest averages of 4.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game, while playing 13 minutes per contest. If he can become a regular contributor and put up double-digit points off the pine, it’d be hard to argue that he doesn’t have a strong case for the Most Improved Player of the Year next season.

4. ROTY – Greg Brown III

This nomination goes to Greg Brown III by default, as he’s the only rookie on the team with a guaranteed deal.

If all goes well next season, Brown shouldn’t see the floor very often, as he should only receive significant playing time in blowouts or in the case of injuries.

Still, Brown was a steal in the second-round of the draft and showed off some of the spectacular athleticism in Summer League that made the Blazers trade for him.

If there is a major injury among the frontcourt of the team, Brown seems more than ready to step up. Here’s hoping he won’t have to.