3 players who shouldn't be considered for NBA's 2019 Most Improved Player Award

The NBA introduced the Most Improved Player of the Year Award way back in 1985, and after years of being widely ignored, the trophy has started to gain traction in recent years. The MIP award is annually presented to the individual that makes the most progress over a 12-month span, and a number of huge names have recently taken home the title.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, a leading candidate for this 2019's Most Valuable Player accolade, won the award in 2017, while other notable recent winners also include C.J. McCollum and Jimmy Butler. Victor Oladipo is the most recent winner thanks to his form with the Indiana Pacers last season.

Due to the award's increase in prestige, the race to be named 2019's Most Improved Player is expected to be one of the most competitive in league history. Up to ten players are expected to compete for the title, although some of the frontrunners are questionable choices for a number of reasons, and here are three individuals who should be overlooked for this year's award.

#3 Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls)

Zach LaVine has been the Bulls' most reliable performer

Despite the Chicago Bulls' ongoing struggles, Zach LaVine has enjoyed a fine season. The 23-year-old has recorded career highs in both points (23.7), assists (4.5) and rebounds (4.7), while also establishing himself as the focal point of the Chicago offense.

Nevertheless, while there is no doubting that LaVine is continuing to develop into in an All-Star calibre player, his improved stat-line has much to do with him playing 34.5 minutes per game.

When examining LaVine's stats per 36 minutes, his totals for the 18/19 season totals are pretty consistent to last year, and the guard continues to shoot at his career average from three. Ultimately, LaVine is continuing to improve but his huge jump this season has been widely exaggerated.

#2 De'Aaron Fox (Sacramento Kings)

De'Aaron Fox has developed immensely during his second year in the NBA

After enjoying an impressive but somewhat muted rookie season, De'Aaron Fox has this year announced himself as one of the NBA's most exciting young players. While the Sacramento Kings are set to once again miss out on the playoffs, the 6ft 3in point guard has led them to their best win percentage for more than a decade.

Through 76 games, Fox is averaging 17.5 points and 7.3 assists, although it remains questionable whether second-year players should be eligible for the award.

Just like Fox has experienced this season, many young players around the league often start to make huge strides after having an initial 12 months to get familiar with the demands of the NBA. If Fox was to once again improve into his third year then he would be the leading candidate for the 2020 award, however, the Most Improved Player award should go to someone other than a year two player.

#1 Paul George

Paul George during the 2019 NBA All-Star Game

Paul George has been one of the best players of the 18/19 NBA season. After surprisingly extending his stay in Oklahoma City last summer, the 28-year-old has played an instrumental role in guiding the Thunder to the playoffs. With only a handful of games remaining, George is averaging 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game and the small forward has arguably surpassed Russell Westbrook as the Thunder's main man.

However, while George has been touted by some as the frontrunner to win the MIP award, there are some serious flaws in suggesting George is eligible for the award. After all, PG13 won the award back in 2013, and while he has enjoyed the best season of his career, George has been an established All-Star for more than half-a-decade.

Ultimately, George was already widely regarded as one of the NBA's best players heading into the season, so it is incredibly difficult to make the argument that he has improved more than any other player.