NBA Most Improved Player: 3 leading contenders to be named the NBA's MIP

As we approach the end of the NBA regular season, all eyes are on the MVP race. Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden are the two leading contenders to take home the 2019 award, although the NBA will also recognize a number of other players -- including the individual who has shown the most improvement over the last 12 months.

Last year's MIP award went to the Indiana Pacers' Victor Oladipo, and notable recent winners include the Greek Freak, Jimmy Butler, and Paul George. Evidently, this year's winner will be in good company and the award is likely to not only go to the most improved -- but also one of the season's most impressive players.

So, as we near the conclusion of the 18/19 season, here are three players that have a shot at being named the 2019 Kia Most Improved Player.

#3 Nikola Vucevic

Nikola Vucevic entered the 18/19 season with a huge cloud over his future in Orlando. During the 2018 offseason, the Magic drafted the exciting Mo Bamba, and the young center was expected to slot straight into the team's starting lineup.

This left many to speculate that Vucevic would be traded, however, the Montenegrin remained in Orlando, and he has since established himself as one of the East's best players.

So far this season, Vucevic is averaging career highs in both points (20.7) and rebounds (12.0), and he has also developed into a credible threat from beyond the arc (36%). His form was enough to draw interest from the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the February trade deadline and also yielded a first All-Star appearance.

Vucevic's 60 double-doubles have also ensured that the Magic will compete in the postseason for the first time since 2012, capping a remarkable season for the 28-year-old.

#2 Julius Randle

Randle has excelled since leaving the Lakers

After spending four seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Julius Randle headed to the New Orleans Pelicans ahead of the 18/19 season. Randle was coming off a year in which he was the only Laker to appear in all 82 games, although he had been in and out of the starting lineup, and Los Angeles ultimately opted to renounce his rights.

However, the 24-year-old quickly set out to prove his former employers wrong, and while the Lakers have lacked a reliable big man all season long, Randle has improved immensely -- becoming a player who is widely touted as a future All-Star.

In 30.4 minutes per game, Randle has averaged 21.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, also developing a shot from beyond the arc. Randle's rapid development is also likely to be recognized this summer, as the big is expected to re-test his value via free-agency.

#1 D'Angelo Russell

D'Angelo is finally living up to his lofty potential with the Brooklyn Nets

D'Angelo Russell was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the second overall pick in the 2015 draft, however, up until this season, many had accused the young point guard of failing to live up to his considerable talent.

Despite being earmarked as the future of the Lakers organization, Russell lasted just two seasons in Los Angeles, with the team opting to replace him with Lonzo Ball. Russell's debut season in Brooklyn was also considered underwhelming, although the 23-year-old has been resurgent during the current campaign.

Russell has averaged 21 points, 7.0 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game, while also shooting a career high from the field. During a terrific season, the guard also received his first All-Star selection -- and he posted a career-high 44 points against the Kings.

Russell's development has been one of the NBA's biggest surprises, and it is hard to make an argument that any individual has made more progress over the course of the 18/19 season.