Greg Monroe earns misdseason rookie Most Improved Player recognition

ESPN’s David Thorpe gave out his midseason rookie awards, and he named Greg Monroe Most Improved Player:

"He looked lethargic playing 18 minutes a game for a bad team in November. Now he flirts with double-doubles most nights in 30-plus minutes a game for an improved team. His 1.9 steals per game in January tells us he’s fighting to make winning plays. He’s starting to look like a long-term starter as well — gold for the Pistons."

Monroe also moved up to No. 4 in Thorpe’s Rookie Rankings – behind Blake Griffin, John Wall and Landry Fields.