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For the last few years, the race for Most Improved Player Award (MIP) has been predominantly a one-horse race, with a clear-cut player elevating themselves into the star status. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best example of the unanimity that has been present in the recent MIP award races, with the Greek Freak leading the Bucks in every major statistical category during the 2016-2017 season.
This season, however, with a strong start for many teams that had low expectations, emerged multiple players worthy of consideration for MIP. While there are many players that have been playing above expectations, this article will consider the 5 most unexpectedly in-form players through the first month of the season.
However, before we dive into the list I have to give props to some honorable mentions who have elevated their game this season including Tobias Harris, TJ Warren, and Dennis Schroder.
#5 Victor Oladipo - Indiana Pacers
Before the start of the 2017-2018, not only was Oladipo traded, it was commonly thought that he was involved in one of the more lopsided trades in recent seasons. It is hard for any team to recoup fair value for a player of Paul George's caliber. Oladipo's value at the start of the 2017-2018 season was at an all-time low after four seasons in the NBA and not much to show for it.
However, his starting low value ultimately helps his case for MIP as no one among Pacers fans or basketballs experts predicted his offensive explosion to start the season off. Through 14 games, Oladipo is averaging 23.4 ppg, 4.3 rebounds and 3.6 assets shooting solid 48 percent from the field and an amazing 44 percent from three.
His increase in almost every statistical category begs the question, why he isn't first on this list? Oladipo at number 5 is not a dig at him, but rather a reflection of the thick competition for the award this year. While his numbers are impeccable there are other players who have improved their statistics equally while guiding their teams to more wins. It is only early, however, expect Oladipo to continue to thrive in his new role on the Indiana Pacers.
#4 D'Angelo Russell - Brooklyn Nets
Once upon a time, D'Angelo Russell was the chosen one to usher in the new era of the Post-Kobe Lakers, however, that fantasy faded quickly with Lakers management losing patience in Russell after just 2 seasons. While reasons for his departure are debatable, his ascension as an All-Star Caliber NBA player is undoubted.
Through the first 12 games of the current NBA season, Russell has averaged 20.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists while shooting career-high 46 percent from the field. All of these statistical categories are vast improvements from his previous two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. Russell seems to be thriving in his new role running the point guard position with freedom.
This freedom to push the pace has resulted in the Nets being first in pace. Most importantly, Russell has been a catalyst in Nets 5-8 record to start the season. While, 5-8 seems like a poor record, compared to past seasons the Nets are off to a flying start. If D-lo can keep up these statistics, he will certainly book his ticket back to LA for the 2018 All-Star Game. For a player that was traded due to lack of leadership to then make the All-Star Game the next year it would be difficult to deny him the MIP award
#3 Evan Fournier - Orlando Magic
If your friend tells you they prophesied the come up of Evan Fournier they're probably lying. I first heard of Fournier last season as he averaged 17 ppg on an awful Orlando Magic team. He seemed like he had the qualities to become a decent role player in the NBA as he was never able to eclipse more than 30 points. However, this season the Orlando Magic have been one of the biggest surprises, starting the season 8-6 including a big win over the struggling Cleveland Cavaliers.
Much of the credit can be given to Fournier's improvement of his overall offensive game. Fournier, similar to the other contenders has improved his statistical output drastically over his career. He is averaging 19.6 ppg with 3.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting light outs from deep on 43 percent and 51 percent from the field overall.
This is a vast improvement from his 12 ppg career average. Whats more important is that Fournier has found a role in Orlando that has helped the team translate talent into wins. Fournier has thrived in a role similar to that of Klay Thompson in Golden State as the Magic have shifted their offensive tactics towards a run and gun 3 point shooting team. If the Magic can keep up their winning pace, Fournier's ascension from zero to hero should be enough to help lift the MIP at the end of the season.
#2 Aaron Gordon - Orlando Magic
Next up is Evan Fournier’s more popular teammate, Aaron Gordon. Gordon first burst onto the NBA scene during the epic battle with Zach LaVine at the 2016 Dunk Contest. For the first 3 seasons of Gordon’s career he was known mainly as an average player but a highlight reel dunker, essentially a poor man’s Blake Griffin.
Through three seasons, Gordon boasted career averages of 10.1 ppg, 5.4 rebounds while shooting 31 percent from three and 46 from the field overall. In the offseason as all players do, Gordon was working on fining certain elements of his game, however, he was not involved in summer league, or publicizing his workouts on social media like Carmelo Anthony did.
Instead, Gordon stayed quiet and put in the work on his three-point shooting and ability to create his own shot. Through his first 12 games, a definitive improvement can be seen with Gordon averaging 18.3 ppg, 7.9 rebounds shooting an astonishing 51.9 percent from 3 and 53.7 percent from the field. Gordon’s position on this list is not only based on his statistical output but because of team success and his imperative role in the Orlando Magic.
If you watch the Magic play you can see that Gordon is becoming a player that can get you a basket when the shot clock is winding down, making him an indispensable player to their offense. If Gordon can keep up these mindboggling shooting percentage while getting wins for the Magic, expect him to be a top 2 candidate for MIP.
#1 Kristaps Porzingis - New York Knicks
The first place player on this list shouldn't come as a shock to many fans out there. Kristaps Porzingis has been on fire to start the NBA season this year averaging 29.5 ppg, up 11 points from his average of 17.2 ppg during the 2016-2017 season. His improvement can be likened to the season Giannis Antetokounmpo had last year, with both players drastically improving their statistics while proving their leadership by translating statistical dominance into wins.
However, the roster surrounding Porzingis is far worse than the team Giannis had last year, making the Knicks winning start even more impressive. With Porzingis given the keys to the franchise this off-season there has been a change in the mentality of the Knicks, from perpetual bottom feeders to playoff hopefuls. In a season where so many peoples have elevated their game, Porzingis has elevated even higher. Look for a playoff berth for the Knicks as an indicator that Porzingis will win the MIP because if he keeps these numbers up the award his definitely his.
