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Miami Heat Roundtable: So many questions to be answered

By Allana Tachauer

MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 24: Tyler Johnson #8 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the New York Knicks on October 24, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 24: Tyler Johnson #8 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the New York Knicks on October 24, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 24: Rodney McGruder #17 of the Miami Heat in action against the New York Knicks during the second half at American Airlines Arena on October 24, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 24: Rodney McGruder #17 of the Miami Heat in action against the New York Knicks during the second half at American Airlines Arena on October 24, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

If he can keep it up, is Rodney McGruder a candidate for the league’s Most Improved Player award?

Rahming: A candidate? Yes. A contender? No. Besides being stuck under the shadow of Richardson, let’s look at the past five winners of that award. There is no doubt that these players had phenomenal seasons that altered the course of their franchise for seasons to come. Victor Oladipo (Pacers), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks), C.J. McCollum (Trailblazers), Butler (Bulls), and our very own Dragic (but with the Suns). Even without being stuck behind Richardson in terms of consideration, I just don’t see McGruder having the skill set at this point in his career to grasp that award.

Eyrich: I absolutely think he could be, yes. Those who have watched Miami the past few years knew that McGruder showed total potential. And even those people still couldn’t have expected to see this type of performance and improvement from McGruder. He has a way to go obviously, but he deserves to be looked at as Most Improved Player.

Gewirtz: McGruder could certainly be a good candidate if he keeps up this level of play. He is playing extremely well currently and if he continues to do so, more eyes will be on him and it will become a conversation worth having, league-wide.

Nurse: If McGruder is able to keep up his impressive play, I think he will definitely be in the running for the league’s Most Improved Player award. However, with that said, although all of his stats have taken a bump, right now, Zach LaVine is the bigger name making a comeback. That may be his biggest competition.

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