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We are now almost a quarter of the way into the 2019-20 NBA season, and the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Boston Celtics, and Milwaukee Bucks are set to be in contention come April following excellent starts to the season. Meanwhile, plenty of players around the league have impressed during the first six weeks of the season, and there is a number of individuals making a case to be named Most Improved Player.
Pascal Siakam took home the award last year, and the accolade has long been viewed as a launchpad for greater things. So, as we head towards December, here we will take a look at the five leading contenders to be named this season's Most Improved Player.
#5 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Oklahoma City Thunder
A sophomore hasn't been named Most Improved Player since 2007, although several Year 2 players have taken a huge jump so far this season - and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is among those to make a huge impression. During his rookie season with the LA Clippers, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game - and the organization was extremely reluctant to include him in the blockbuster trade for Paul George.
Nevertheless, the Thunder were adamant that the 21-year-old was included in the trade, and Gilgeous-Alexander has made an excellent start to life in Oklahoma City. Billy Donovan has made the young point guard the focal point of OKC's offense, and over 16 appearances, Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 18.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. The Toronto native is also shooting 40 percent from three-point range, and Gilgeous-Alexander has managed to improve every aspect of his game since his rookie season with the Clippers.
#4 Bam Adebayo - Miami Heat
After failing to land a second All-Star to play alongside Jimmy Butler, Miami's young roster has been given the opportunity to impress during the early weeks of the season, and Bam Adebayo is among the individuals that have made a significant impact. Heading into the season, Adebayo had started just 37 times during his two years in the NBA, although the 22-year-old has now established himself as a guaranteed starter on Erik Spoelstra's team.
Adebayo is averaging 14.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per contest, while also shooting 60 percent from the field. The Heat can rely on the center to post a double-double on almost a nightly basis, and Adebayo's performances have been so impressive that the Heat will now hesitate to include him in a potential trade for a second star.
#3 Devonte' Graham - Charlotte Hornets
After being selected 34th overall in the 2018 Draft, Devonte' Graham made little impact during his rookie season. The 24-year-old averaged just 4.7 points in 14.7 minutes over 46 appearances, and it appeared that he could be let be go over the summer. However, Graham has taken full advantage of Kemba Walker's departure and is so far this season averaging 18.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in 33.1 minutes.
Graham's form has been enough to elevate him into the starting lineup alongside Terry Rozier, and he recorded a career-high 15 assists during Charlotte's win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. Ultimately, the Hornets signed Rozier to a huge contract this summer, although it appears that Graham could turn out to be the long-term successor to Walker.
#2 Jayson Tatum - Boston Celtics
Following an excellent rookie season, Jayson Tatum took a step back during his sophomore year as he struggled for consistency. However, the 21-year-old has benefited from the departure of Kyrie Irving and is now serving as the focal point Boston's offense. Over 16 appearances, Tatum has averaged career highs in points (20.2), rebounds (7.1), assists (2.6) and steals (1.3), and his field goal percentage is also improving following a rough first week of the season.
Tatum has also further elevated his game during Gordon Hayward's injury absence, and last week dropped a season-high 30 points on the Los Angeles Lakers. A first All-Star appearance appears likely for Tatum, and the forward will also be in the running to be named MIP.
#1 Pascal Siakam - Toronto Raptors
Pascal Siakam took home the 2019 Most Improved Player Award, and it appeared that the 25-year-old was nearing his prime. However, Siakam has been able to further elevate his performances during the first month of the season, and he is now the frontrunner to be named as MIP player for a second consecutive season.
Siakam averaged 16.9 points during the 2018-19 season, although the Cameroonian has managed to increase his tally to 26. He is also averaging career highs in rebounds (8.0) and assists (3.9) - while his three-point shooting is close to 40 percent. Siakam has also managed to guide the Toronto Raptors to a 13-4 record despite injuries to Serge Ibaka and Kyle Lowry - and he is on the way to becoming the first individual to win the Most Improved Player award twice.
Guess the Lakers players!
