Matt Harpring is flattered to be the leading candidate for the NBA's Most Improved Player Award, but the Jazz small forward takes some issue with the designation.

Harpring doesn't think he's any better than he was last year -- he just thinks he's found a more suitable fit for his talent after a frustrating 2001-02 season with coach Larry Brown in Philadelphia. "I always knew I could play," says Harpring. "But you've got to have a coach who has confidence in you."

At week's end the 6'7", 230-pound Harpring was averaging 18.4 points per game and 50.7% shooting, both career highs, while helping the Jazz to a 31-21 record, sixth best in the West.