As said already, Johnson has crazy potential. If he accomplishes the first two goals, Johnson can seriously go after this award.

Johnson averaged 8.7 points a game last year on 37 percent from the field. There really should only be room for improvement stat wise, and we all know that is what wins this award.

With Reggie Jackson questionable due to injury and ability to sustain a level of play, the Pistons drastically need someone to step up and help their two big men. If Johnson wins the starting small forward spot, it’ll be because he’s shown improvement and given coaches reason to believe he’ll be much better this year.

Johnson already is the guy who guards the opposing teams best wing player, and even sometimes the power forward if he’s causing too much damage. Turning into an elite defender, when already being a  really good defender, will make Johnson even more valuable; without even considering his offensive game.

Raising his points per game average to 15 a game would be ideal as well. Averaging 15 points a game on effecient shooting should be Johnson’s goal. Shooting under or hovering right around 40 percent ain’t gonna cut it in this league. If he can get that percentage up to around 45 percent, averaging 15 points a game, while also achieving the first two goals, on a Pistons team that’s winning and in the playoffs, will put Johnson in the Most Improved Player of the Year conversation.