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With the 2021-22 season around the corner, the time for some early-season NBA Predictions is upon us. With the official dates for all the games released, the excitement of what the league and the teams have in store for us is palpable.
Other than the obvious predictions regarding who wins the title and who wins the NBA MVP award, another interesting accolade this year might just be the Most Improved Player Award.
Julius Randle won the award last season with the New York Knicks. Randle recorded a career-best average of 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and six assists during the regular season.
After leading them to a 41-31 record with head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks also secured a playoff berth in the fourth seed. He was also selected as an All-Star.
With so much young talent in the league on the brink of a breakout season, we take a look at the top five candidates for the 2021-22 Most Improved Player Award.
#5 Kyle Kuzma
Coming into his fifth season in the NBA, Kyle Kuzma spent his first four years with the LA Lakers. Being an important member of the 2019-20 championship squad there were great expectations of Kuzma establishing himself as a key player going into the 2020-21 season.
However, after an underwhelming display, Kuzma's time with the Purple and Gold came to an end. In a blockbuster trade for Russell Westbrook, Kuzma was sent to the Washington Wizards as part of a trade package.
After averaging 12.9 points and 6.1 rebounds last season, Kuzma's inconsistency was the biggest concern. But if the trade can prove to be any kind of motivator, Kuzma could have a comeback season reminiscent of his rookie and sophomore season.
With the potential to score with the free-flowing offense of the Wizards, Kuzma also has defensive upside, which he developed with the Lakers. However, it does seem more likely that he'll come off the bench due to the starting spot being occupied by Rui Hachimura.
#4 Michael Porter Jr.
Coming off of his sophomore season with the Denver Nuggets, Michael Porter Jr. has shown himself to be an important asset on the Nuggets roster. Having averaged 19 points and 7.3 rebounds for the season, we may see him improve further in the 2021-22 season.
His ability to cut to the basket makes him the perfect running mate for a skilled point-center like Nikola Jokic. Additionally, Porter Jr.'s athleticism and long frame helps him rebound and finish over defenders.
He has shown skill in shooting from downtown as well. He shot 44.5% from beyond the arc in the 2020-21 season. Most of his shots were off the catch, but he has the ball handling ability to create shots off the dribble as well.
His ability to take tough shots also gives Denver a massive advantage as it presents him as an option for closing out games for the Nuggets.
Michael Porter Jr. will find himself in the starting lineup for the Nuggets. Should he live up to his potential from the previous season, he seems like a good candidate for the Most Improved Player Award.
#3 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
After finishing his second season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is emerging as a star quality player for the franchise. Although he only played 35 games in the 2020-21 season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 23.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists.
His game features a shifty dribbling technique to get defenders out of position. His field goal percentage from last season was an efficient 50.8%. He also set a career-high of 42 against the Spurs.
Gilgeous-Alexander also shows the potential to be a threat from behind the three-point line after averaging 41.8% from downtown for the 2020-21 season.
Having suffered a tear in his plantar fascia which sidelined him for the rest of the season, the key to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 2021-22 season will be how well he can bounce back from recovery.
It is extremely unlikely that the Thunder will make the playoffs. But with Shai making a full recovery, he will find himself in a position to carry the franchise on his shoulders. This situation could force him into recording career-bests as a follow-up to last season.
#2 Zion Williamson
Entering his third year in the NBA, Zion Williamson had a dominant sophomore season. Zion averaged 27 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the 2020-21 season. While he did make the All-Star team, the New Orleans Pelicans finished the season in 11th place in the Western Conference.
Having missed the play-in tournament because of a streak of losses nearing the end of the season, the Pelicans made a lot of changes to their lineup and coaching staff. With new coach, Willie Green, a newer system might benefit Zion.
However, the Pelicans' problems lie in the fundamental issues between the frontcourt duo of Zion and Brandon Ingram. If the Pelicans duo can find a way to blend better, there is a greater chance of them becoming a competitive side in the West.
Zion Williamson will see an improvement in his numbers in the upcoming season with the additional inside presence of Jonas Valanciunas. However, he must also stay healthy to get the Pelicans into the playoff picture.
#1 Zach LaVine
Coming off of his first All-Star selection in the 2020-21 season and an Olympic gold medal with Team USA, Zach LaVine also emerges as a leading candidate for the Most Improved Player Award for the 2021-22 season. Playing for the Chicago Bulls, LaVine averaged 27.4 points, five rebounds and 4.9 assists.
Since being drafted in 2014 and being selected in the All-Rookie team, Zach LaVine's development trends upwards. With each following season he improves upon his scoring numbers.
After recording five games in which he scored 40+ points last season, LaVine's ability as an offensive player isn't under question anymore.
LaVine has always been an extraordinary athlete but the most recent development in his game is his shooting from downtown. LaVine used to be a streaky shooter but shooting 41.9% from beyond the arc last season makes him a consistent threat to defenders.
LaVine may see a rise in his touches this season after the Chicago Bulls acquired Lonzo Ball in a trade with the Pelicans. The natural fastbreak style of play that suits Ball will come into fruition with a guard who can run the floor and rise for lobs like Zach LaVine.
If LaVine can improve upon the Bulls' record and lead them to the playoffs, there is a better than even chance for LaVine to win the Most Improved Player.
Guess the Bulls players in this quiz and it's not going to be easy!
