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#4 Devonte’ Graham - Charlotte Hornets
After being selected in the second round of the 2018 NBA draft, Devonte' Graham struggled to make much of an impact while playing in Kemba Walker's shadow during his rookie season with the Charlotte Hornets. Graham managed just 4.7 points and 2.6 assists over 46 appearances, although, the 24-year-old has benefited from the All-Star point guards' departure and has been able to force himself into Charlotte's starting five following a strong to the season.
Through 34 appearances this season (24 starts) Graham is averaging 19.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game - and the guard is also shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc. His transformation has been among the biggest surprises of the season so far, and while sophomores are often overlooked for the MIP award, Graham's huge leap in Year 2 should be enough to put him into contention.
#3 Jayson Tatum - Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum demonstrated flashes of brilliance during his first two seasons in the league with the Boston Celtics, and the 21-year-old has added consistency to his game during the early months of the 2019-20 season to emerge as one of the best young players in the NBA. Tatum has appeared 30 times for the Celtics during the first two months of the campaign, averaging career highs in points (21.2), rebounds (7.0), assists (2.9), and steals (1.3).
Tatum's shooting accuracy has taken a slight hit as he attempts a team-high 18.3 field goal attempts per game, although the forward has often delivered as Boston's closer in big games. Tatum has also delivered a number of huge scoring performances, including 39 points in 36 minutes against the Hornets last week, and the Duke product will continue to improve over the coming months.
