In this third NBA season, Larry Sanders has emerged as one of the league's most impactful young centers. After seeing inconsistent playing time under the now-departed Scott Skiles, Sanders is thriving with consistent minutes under Jim Boylan.

“With Jim, it’s a lot more comfortable,” Sanders told RealGM. “You don’t have to really look over your shoulder too much. You know things are kind of set in stone and you don’t have to worry about too many changes and that’s good as a player. Jim is a good communicator also. If he’s going to do something, he’s going to communicate and let us know. It helps a lot with making your players comfortable.”

Without the fear of a quick hook from Skiles and the renewed confidence boost from Boylan, Sanders has become the league’s best shot blocker in his third season. Sanders leads the league in blocks per game (3.12) and block percentage (8.8).

Sanders explained the main reason behind his improved shot blocking ability.

“I would just say my pace,” Sanders told RealGM. “I kind of found my pace a little bit this year. The game has slowed down a lot for me, especially on the defensive end, my timing and things like that. It really did a lot for my confidence.”

Since becoming Milwaukee’s starting center, Sanders has come into his own and averaged career-highs across the board in every statistical category.

Sanders has nearly doubled his previous career-high for minutes per game (25.9) and blocks (3.12). 

The 6-foot-11 center credits his breakout season to his training and altered mindset dating back to the summer.

“I’d say I had a really good summer and it’s paying off,” Sanders told RealGM. “I’m just keeping my mindset on the defensive end, keeping the game simple, and letting it come to me.”

Sanders’ defensive mindset has become infectious with his teammates. Milwaukee ranks second in the league in blocks per game (7.36) and block percentage (11.11).

Milwaukee’s defensive tenacity is the biggest reason they are currently in the playoff picture

As good as Milwaukee has played on the defensive end, the offensive end has not yielded similar results. 

Milwaukee ranks at the bottom of many offensive categories. 

Despite the imbalance on both sides of the floor, the third-year center expects the Bucks to maintain a playoff spot with one-third of the season remaining.

“I feel good,” Sanders told RealGM. “As long as we keep fighting, we don’t bow our heads and give up despite any situation that may occur, I think that we’ll be in the playoffs.”