In his first season as a full-time starter, Greivis Vasquez has had a truly breakout season. Vasquez leads all point guards with 24 double-doubles. At 6-foot-6, Vasquez has become one of the top playmakers and rebounders at his position. Vasquez ranks second amongst point guards in assist percentage (46.28) and third in assists per game (9.41) and rebounds (4.48).

“In my opinion, he’s by far the most improved player in the NBA,” Monty Williams told RealGM. “I don’t like to talk about that stuff during the season, but I don’t know anybody who has carried the load the way that Greivis has for us. He’s been able to not only carry our team, he’s had a triple-double, he’s had game-winning shots, and he has the toughest assignment every single night at the point guard position. I don’t know anybody else who’s done that.”

According to Vasquez, his height is one of the keys to his success.

“It’s a huge advantage,” Vasquez told RealGM. “To throw lobs and just to pick the defense apart because I can see over people is just a blessing. Being taller than the other point guards is always going to be good for me. They can use their speed against me, but I can use my strength and my height so I can take them to the post. If you want to go by me then I’ve got to take you to the post and you’ll have to play defense too. My height’s been good to me, that’s one thing that got me in the league.”

Vasquez has also made the most of consistent minutes for the first time in his career, a transition that was challenging.

“I think my transition hasn’t been as easy as people think,” Vasquez told RealGM. “When I was a rookie I didn’t play much, then I played in the playoffs, then I was a backup last year and I did a solid job. Now, being a starter, things just switched. The whole role is just different, the whole approach.”

After adjusting to his role as a starter, Vasquez has found a comfort level with more experience.

“I think when you play that many minutes you get used to the league and players’ tendencies,” Vasquez told RealGM. “I know when to score, when to pass, and I’ve still got so much room to get better.”

As the Hornets enter a new era as the Pelicans next season, Williams feels confident in Vasquez’s ability to run the offense and improve in the near future.

“(Vasquez) knows this is his shot and he’s proven that he can run a team,” Williams told RealGM. “We’re going to upgrade talent this year, put better players around him, and our young guys are going to get more experienced. That means Greivis is going to get better in the years to come.”

Vasquez hopes to mirror the play of his idol as he continues to develop. 

“I love Jason Kidd,” Vasquez told RealGM. “Jason Kidd is one of those guys I identify myself with because he can rebound and read the defense pretty well. He can do so many different things on the court and I’m trying to be that guy too. Eventually, I expect myself to be on that level.”

Vasquez also echoed Williams’ excitement for the future and looks forward to becoming a Pelican next season.

“I think next year is really going to be a fresh start for us,” Vasquez told RealGM. “New jerseys, new everything, a new practice facility, we need that. We just have to finish the season strong, but our foundation is getting close to be ready.”