NBA 2019/20: Top 5 non-sophomore candidates to win MIP

The NBA 2019-20 season is just a couple of days away and we're all excited about it, given the fact we just witnessed one of the heaviest trades.

NBA fans love to predict things and see how they pan out when the campaign comes to an end. With the season this close to starting, we should start looking at the awards and predict their winners.

Some players are expected to play better this season based on their new roles, new teams or new expectations. In this piece, we will be predicting the top 5 non-sophomore candidates to win the most improved player next season.

Why non-sophomore you ask? Because they are supposed to get better, just coming after their rookie years and we don't agree with the logic of awarding MIP to them.

With all that being said, let's dive into our list.

Missed the Cut:

Jamal Murray, Bam Adebayo, Jayson Tatum, John Collins Kyle, Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Thomas Bryant, Myles Turner, Malcolm Brogdon, Lauri Markkanen, OG Anunoby

5. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

Can Jaylen finally justify his talent?

Fifth spot was a tough decision between Jaylen and his teammate Tatum. It was like Sophie's Choice but we went with Jaylen eventually based on him having more experience. Jaylen's passing, dribbling and body control all looked better in the preseason games. His minutes decreased from 30.7 minutes in 2017-18 to 25.9 minutes in 2018-19 and subsequently, his role was diminished too.

This year, it seems he will be playing 30+ minutes again and his role could be bigger. If he plays like he did in 2017-18 playoffs , the Boston Celtics can be better than they already are this year and Jaylen will be a prime candidate to win the prestigious MIP award.

4: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors

In absence of Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam can very well win the award back-to-back.

No one in the history of the NBA has ever won multiple most improved player awards but that might change this year. Pascal Siakam averaged 16.9 ppg, 6.9 rpg last year in regular season and 19 ppg, 7.1 rpg(with only 28% from threes) in the playoffs for the Toronto Raptors.

With no Kawhi Leonard this season, his role will be bigger and if improves his shooting beyond the arc, he can very well average 22/8 this season. If he takes the Raptors to a top three seed, he could very well land the MIP award.

3: Caris Levert, Brooklyn Nets

Caris Levert is expected to have a breakout season with the Nets.

Caris Levert was one of the MIP favorites last year until he got injured. Last year, he was averaging 18 points before the injury and finished the year with only 13.7 ppg. Then he scored 21ppg against 76ers in the playoffs. This year he is coming fresh and healthy, and is expected to have a breakout season with the Brooklyn Nets.

If Kevin Durant was healthy, then the chance of Levert winning MIP would have been considerably less.With Durant out for almost the entire season, Levert has the perfect chance to be the Robin to Kyrie Irving's Batman.

2: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets

Rozier's young teammates will rely on him heavily this term

Although he has been inefficient in the past few seasons, it feels like Terry Rozier might have a big campaign this time for the Hornets, solely based on his heavily increased role. He might not be as efficient as one would like but he is expected to increase his numbers by a fair margin.

Last year he ended with 9ppg, and with this young team who will have to rely on him heavily, he might finish the year doubling his ppg. If he can rekindle his 2017-18 playoffs form and boost his numbers whilst maintaining efficiency, then he might be the frontrunner for the award.

1: Lonzo Ball, New Orleans Pelicans

Lonzo Ball will have a fresh start this season.

Lonzo Ball can't be in a better place right now. He doesn't have any heavy pressure over him, he finally got away from his toxic father, he has a much smoother looking jumper and he is on a fast paced team. He anyway was great defensively last year and this year it feels like he can have a decently productive offensive season.

Lonzo might not give big numbers, but one can easily see his impact on the court. Last season he averaged 9.9ppg, 5.4 apg. This season with the Pelicans, those numbers are expected to rise to 14ppg, 7.5 apg with an all-defensive team selection which makes him one to watch for the MIP award.