New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis is coming off an awesome second season, full of accolades and an All-Star selection. Today, he finished third for an NBA award that in some ways, is a backhanded compliment.

One one hand, it's an honor to be voted as the NBA's most improved player. Phoenix Suns point guard Goran Dragic is absolutely deserving of the honor, and still has an argument that he was the biggest snub for the NBA All-Star game. However, to be most improved, you have to take a big leap from the previous year.

Anthony Davis took a big leap, no doubt, but he was also solid as a rookie, finishing 2nd in rookie of the year voting a season ago. Had he been considered a bust his rookie year, he probably would've won the NBA's MIP award today. That's not to say that Dragic was bad last season, but his elevated play this season certainly surprised many who follow the league closely.

Davis finished third in MIP voting. Finishing second was Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson. Dragic received 408 of a possible 1,134 points through voting. Stephenson finished with 158 points, while Davis acquired 155.

When considering a career arc, an All-Star selection this season is more notable than the MIP award. Dragic  would likely trade today's honor for that All-Star appearance he certainly deserved.

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