'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Every year, there are a bunch of players who step up their performances but only one guy takes the NBA's Most Improved Player of the Year award home.
Some of the top five frontrunners at the moment have led their team to a good record. Meanwhile, others, despite not having a great season collectively, are putting up stunning individual numbers game in and game out.
Christian Wood of the Houston Rockets was the favorite until now, but the All-Star hopeful suffered an ankle injury in his last game against the Memphis Grizzlies. However, he could be back leading the race for the Most Improved Player of the Year Award as in when he makes his return. Wood will be re-evaluated within the next few weeks, according to the Rockets' management.
5 frontrunners for the NBA Most Improved Player of the Year Award
This list is dominated by a number of young superstars who have the potential to be the next big thing in the NBA. They have all taken an exceptional leap in their production, showing all of the NBA exactly why they deserve to be in conversation for the Most Improved Player of the Year this season.
Below is the list of the top five players who are favorites to win the Most Improved Player of the Year award for the 2020-21 season ranked in reverse order.
#5 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC Thunder)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's form this season has been an absolute boost for the rebuilding Oklahoma City Thunder. The former LA Clippers guard has been the best player on the Thunder roster and is currently leading their scoring and assists charts by some distance.
Compared to his previous season's average of 19.0 points and 3.3 assists per game, the 22-year-old guard is averaging 22.6 points and 6.5 assists per game this term. He has made valuable contributions in all of the 10 wins claimed by the Thunder and head coach Mike Daigneault will be hoping his star player this season continues to shine.
#4 Chris Boucher (Toronto Raptors)
Chris Boucher is sitting at 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. He has doubled up from last season's totals of 6.6, 4.5, and 1.0 respectively.
The big man from Montreal has been solid in his last three games. He dropped 17 points, two blocks, and claimed nine boards in the win against Harden and Irving's Nets. He then managed a career-night performance in the defeat to the Hawks, scoring 29 points.
Boucher then recorded a double-double in Toronto's win against Memphis. These strong performances have given the oddsmakers additional reason to list him high in the rankings for Most Improved Player of the Year.
#3 Collin Sexton (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Collin Sexton has balled his heart out for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season. He is leading the scoring charts for his team at the moment with 23.6 ppg to his name, showing a significant rise by 3 points on last year's average of 20.8 ppg.
His intensity and determination to dominate opponents make him a very valuable member of the Cavs squad. His 42-point game during the OT classic on January 20th against the Nets was a treat to watch.
#2 Jerami Grant (Detroit Pistons)
Jerami Grant is the only player who's been really good on the Detroit Pistons' roster this season. The 26-year-old forward, who is now a regular starter, has amassed 24 ppg, double the 12 ppg that he was able to achieve last season for the Nuggets.
Grant's surge in the NBA is truly something that should be taken note of as he has performed way above what was expected of him this season. His performances against teams such as the LA Lakers have made his claim for the Most Improved Player Award even stronger. He will be hoping his team's poor performances don't affect his individual form this season, which could hamper his chances of winning the award.
#1 Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
Jaylen Brown has been in the form of his life this season. He showed glimpses of what he was capable of last term but this year it's all about showing his full potential and helping the Boston Celtics achieve their team goals.
Brown has been in top-notch form but a knee injury against the Sacramento Kings has kept him out of action in the last two Boston games. He'll be hoping to maintain his momentum once he returns to the court.
The third overall pick from the 2016 NBA Draft is averaging 26.4 ppg this season as compared to 20.3 ppg from the previous term, showing his significant rise as a scorer. He's averaging career-highs in shooting accuracy in all three departments (field, three-point, and free throw) making him one of the most lethal offensive guys in the league this year.
