Axel Toupane of Raptors 905 has been named the D-League’s Most Improved Player for the 2015-16 season.
This is a huge accomplishment not only for Toupane, but for the entire Toronto Raptors organization. The D-League, quite obviously, is about development first, and having a player whose growth you helped foster win Most Improved Player speaks volumes about how a team’s player development is working. It really is the most important award in the D-League, even if the track record of past winners doesn’t include anyone who went on to make an NBA impact.
Quote from @Raptors905 GM Dan Tolzman on Axel Toupane being named the @nbadleague's Most Improved Player: pic.twitter.com/ctggJEhQWm
— Raptors905MR (@Raptors905MR) April 20, 2016
This is also evidence that the D-League voters have a good handle on what “most improved” means. Toupane doesn’t have a 2014-15 season to compare to, and so honoring him is indicative of his in-season growth. After coming over from France, Toupane struggled to start the season, primarily with his shot selection but also with the differences in the rules governing defenses. By the time the D-League Showcase rolled around in early January, though, Toupane was hitting his stride as a multi-position defender and a primary offensive weapon on the team’s second unit. He just kept growing and carving out a bigger role with the ball, averaging 16.7 points on 44.7 percent shooting, along with 5.1 rebounds and, most impressive, 4.2 assists from Dec. 31 on.
When March rolled around and brought 10-day contract season with it, Toupane had come so far at both ends that the Denver Nuggets picked him up. Then signed him to another 10-day deal. Then signed him for the remainder of the season, with a non-guaranteed second year tacked on the deal.
In 21 games with the Nuggets, Toupane averaged 14.5 minutes, and the Nuggets were 2.5 points per-100 possessions better with him on the floor. This, despite Toupane shooting just 35.7 percent overall and 32.5 percent on threes, putting up 3.6 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.7 assists. With the lateral quickness to switch onto guards, the size to bang with some power threes, and the length to contest against all types, Toupane has the makings of a very versatile defensive weapon, and his shooting from the corners has improved to where he could be labeled a “3-and-D” type. Obviously, the Nuggets like him enough to take a long look this summer, with that non-guaranteed minimum contract standing as a nice asset for them.
For Toupane to go from a D-Leaguer finding his way to a borderline All-Star to a contributor for an NBA team down the stretch is remarkable. Giving him the Most Improved Player award is recognition of that, and his growth is a testament to his own work ethic as well as the entire 905 program.
Now, if only they could have helped turn second-round pick Norman Powell into something…
