Most Improved Player
Errol – Brandon Ingram
In what I believe has been the most interesting category for an individual award this season, the choices are numerous. However, I do believe that Brandon Ingram has shined well above the rest.
In year four, B.I. has grown into an offensive star in almost every area this season. He is up to 25.4 points per game on 40 percent shooting from the three-point line. Ironically, both currently stand as 7 point increases from last year’s averages of 18 points per and 33 percent from deep. He’s also improved drastically from the free-throw line going from a career average of 66 percent in three years with the Lakers to 85 percent in year one with the Pelicans.
Though he only appeared in 63 total games last season, he only managed to go over 30 points in a game three times and did not score 40 or more in any. This year, he’s more than doubled that total with eight in 43 games and has already scored 40 or more twice including a career-high 49 points not long ago.
His play up to the NBA midseason should hopefully reward him with an All-Star nod. Or he’ll be one of the first few names snubbed but there is no denying the improvement we’ve seen since he has been able to gain full control of his career with a fresh start in New Orleans.
Paul – Markelle Fultz
If we are truly going into what is a Most Improved Player, it would be a player that has taken a giant step from the past year. A player that reached a different level to his game. Although there are several players that come to mind only one popped up right away, Markelle Fultz of the Orlando Magic. There is not another player who was in a position of almost being out of the league, of people saying he was a bust.
Then he moves to a new team and BOOM, the Magic reappears in him and he ends up playing far above expectations. At the beginning of the season, he was not even starting, now he is bodying LeBron going to the hole. He has grown into what he was supposed to be as a number one pick. He is in a good place in Orlando and he likes being there.
But it is not just the roughly 12 points and 5 assists a game. It is the fact some said he would never play again and now he is the future of the Magic. Each game you see a star emerging. All of this and the fact that he is a great person is why I give him the edge.
Lamarr – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
I’m going with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as my most improved player. Last season he averaged 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. So far this season, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 19.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. He is shooting 47 percent from the field and is thriving playing off the ball next to Chris Paul.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a very athletic player, and he is growing into his NBA body. Playing next to Paul is definitely helping his game, learning from an NBA veteran. If Gilgeous-Alexander can keep this up, the Thunder can make the playoffs.
Andrew – Trae Young
While yes, the Hawks are currently the worst team in the East with a 10-33 record, there is no doubt that Trae Young is an emerging star in his second year. Trae Young’s 2020 campaign has resulted in a 29/5/9 stat line, up from 19/4/8. His overall shooting percentage is 46 percent and his three-point percentage is 37, up from 42 and 32 percent respectively. While there may be more substantial statistical improvements by the likes of Brandon Ingram, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and even Bam Adebayo, Trae Young is the only one that has really shown the potential to lead a team.
With his almost limitless range, Trae can literally beat you from anywhere across the logo, and he’s willing to take the shots to prove it. It’s like he turns the shot slider to the max and changes the difficulty to rookie. He is borderline unguardable at the NBA midseason point.
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