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At the conclusion of every season, the NBA awards the Most Improved Player Award to the individual that has shown the most development throughout the season.
Pascal Siakam was named Most Improved Player back in June following a terrific breakout season with the Toronto Raptors, although the 25-year-old is unlikely to win again next season as no player in NBA history has won the award twice.
Instead, the MIP title often leads to bigger things, and huge names such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, CJ McCollum, Jimmy Butler, and Paul George are among the recent winners. So, as we quickly approach the new season, here are five early predictions for Most Improved Player Award in 2019-20 season.
#5 Jayson Tatum
After entering the league back in 2017, Jayson Tatum enjoyed a stunning rookie season. The small forward quickly established himself as one of the best wings in the Eastern Conference, and his performances during the playoffs only increased expectations.
However, the small forward's second year was underwhelming as he struggled to play alongside the ball-dominant Kyrie Irving.
Nevertheless, with Irving heading to Brooklyn, Tatum's development seems set to take a huge jump in Year 3 as the incoming Kemba Walker will be willing to take a backseat when Tatum wants to lead the offense.
Boston Celtics is also no longer among the favorites in the East after losing Irving and Al Horford, and Tatum may thrive after struggling with lofty expectations last season. Consistency and three-point shooting will be important if Tatum wants to take home the MIP award, and a stellar season could also yield a first All-Star appearance for the 21-year-old.
#4 Lonzo Ball
Upon bring drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017, Magic Johnson declared Lonzo Ball as the future face of the franchise. However, after two injury-hit seasons, the young point guard finds himself with a new opportunity in New Orleans.
The move ensures that Ball will no longer have to worry about being benched down the stretch, and the 21-year-old will be afforded plenty of responsibility on a young Pelicans roster.
Ball will need to continue to improve his jump shot, and staying fit will be vital as the guard has missed 40% of games during his two seasons in the league.
Nevertheless, it is worth remembering that he averaged 10.2 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.9 rebounds before LeBron James showed up in LA, and it is possible that he could near a triple-double with the Pelicans.
#3 Andrew Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins was selected first in the 2014 NBA draft and the Toronto native looked set for superstardom after taking home the Rookie of the Year award in his debut season. Wiggins continued to improve over the next two seasons, and by the 16-17 season, the young star was averaging 23.6 points per game.
However, the Timberwolves man has since lost his way and has been widely criticized for his lack of interest and effort while on the court. Wiggins' shot selection has also been scrutinized, as he shot just 41% from the field last season - and endured a 0-for-12 shooting night back in November.
Nevertheless, Wiggins' natural talent remains, and the Wolves have stated that their revamped coaching team is focused on getting the best out of their inconsistent star. If Wiggins can improve his defense while rediscovering his scoring touch then he will be among the frontrunners to pick up the award next June.
#2 Steven Adams
Steven Adams could still be traded by the Oklahoma City Thunder ahead of the trade deadline, although if the Kiwi sticks around, he will be among the frontrunners to take home Most Improved Player next summer.
Adams has been on the verge of becoming an All-Star since bursting onto the scene during the 2016 playoffs, and the Kiwi will benefit from the departure of Russell Westbrook.
While Adams enjoyed a fruitful partnership with the dynamic point guard, the center often sacrificed his own game to aid Westbrook's efforts to secure a triple-double. However, the 26-year-old could now be the focal point of OKC's offense, and a huge season beckons.
Adams has never averaged a double-double for the season, although that seems certain to change this season. If the New Zealander can increase his averages to 20 points and 12 rebounds he will prove difficult to beat.
#1 Kyle Kuzma
Before the 2017 draft, Kyle Kuzma had been projected by some experts to go undrafted. Nevertheless, the Flint native was taken 27th overall and enjoyed a successful first season in the NBA.
Playing on a young Lakers roster, Kuzma outperformed the likes of Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram and finished his rookie year averaging 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds. However, Kuzma's progress during the 18-19 season stalled, and many view the forthcoming campaign as pivotal to the power forwards career.
Kuzma will start the season playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and the 24-year-old has expressed his desire to become Los Angeles' third-star. Evidently, Kuzma has the perfect platform to enjoy the best season of his career, although he will need to improve his shooting percentage while also increasing his effort on the defensive end.
Ultimately, if Kuzma averages 20+ points and the Lakers manage to pull it together, the Flint native will be the man to beat.
