NBA 2013-14: Lance Stephenson so far top candidate for Most Improved Player award

The little things

These might not be remembered as important things when you look back at games the Pacers have won but Stephenson is the player who does all the little things to make 23-5 record Pacers who they are.

He can up the tempo on offense if the team’s half court set gets to stagnant. He can take the defensive responsibilities of the opponent’s best player to allow George to save energy late in the game on the other end of the floor.

His stats do not dominate any category. He is no condition to make a challenge to Chris Paul in the assists leaders category, his position on the floor does not require him to put up big rebounding numbers and he is not a go to offensive player for the Pacers in the closing moments yet the numbers he has recorded simply cannot be overlooked.

Players with his level of intensity have always had chemistry among their issues but Stephenson is a key and integral part of the Pacers roster and most importantly his team respect and understand his importance.

His teammates agree that it is hard to ignore the effect his production has on the team’s performance each night however Stephenson is unfazed by the fame and the talks of a possible All-Star nod this season.

“I’m just playing hard. I’m not really worried about that,” Stephenson said. “My goal is to just win games and help my teammates do that.”

Rate of Growth

Given his height and 230 pound frame work, defense is a category Stephenson can surely improve in.

The biggest reason behind Stephenson being a top candidate for M.I.P award is the rate at which he has grown over the first 30 odd games for the Pacers.

The increase in scoring, rebounding and assists averages is a huge proof to his growth but another huge change in his game less talked about has been his consistency. His performance is no more erratic, the Pacers a certain level of meaningful basketball every time he steps on the floor.

Whether he gets the All-Star nod or receives the individual honor, the scary thing about him is that there is only one way from him here on-upwards.

Although his numbers are showing a great jump there is a chance of much more as the season progresses especially on the defensive end.

He still gambles on a few steals and lacks the right amount of awareness on the court but after seeing signs of maturity in his game this season, it can be passed around in writing that he will be a better defender at the start of the post-season in April.