3 players who have shown tremendous improvements in the 2019-2020 season
The NBA season always has a surprise story like Pascal Siakam and Buddy Hield’s sudden emergence, who were expected to be below average NBA players but exceeded everyone’s expectations. There are a few projections to choose players like Lonzo Ball or Markelle Fultz but here’s a few selections to have seen some big improvements so far.
- Brandon Ingram-
Ingram, along with his other teammates, was involved in a blockbuster trade to bring Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers. Ingram is so far the key piece of the Pelican’s bright future alongside Zion Williamson. With Williams being out for a few weeks due to an ankle injury, Ingram was given the scoring priority and more possession of the ball and has proved doubters wrong. He has so far increased the main stats consisting of a 7 ppg boost to his .608 field goal percentage so far in the season. He’s showing flashes of the potential everyone expected of him a few years ago and being compared to Kevin Durant because of his play style and his body frame. The season is still young, but he has already suffered an injury to his right knee, although it is a day-to-day, it might affect his production. Although the Pelicans are currently 14th in the West, they may have a bright future with all the young talent within the franchise.
2. Andrew Wiggins-
Wiggins has been criticized and called a draft bust even though he has only 5 years of NBA experience. Last season, he averaged 18.1 ppg off of .461 field goal percentage for a 36 win Timberwolves squad that finished 11th in the Western Conference. He put up 34.8 minutes per game with a plus/minus of -0.9 for an atrocious Timberwolves squad being carried by Karl-Anthony Towns. This season, he has increased his scoring output by 7.8 ppg with career highs in assists, blocks, field goal percentage, and rebounds. This might be the season where he revitalizes his perception and get some help for Towns. Even though the Timbs’ are 8-6, they can still steal a playoff spot in the tough Western Conference. With the Golden State Warriors disbanding, the NBA championship is up for grabs now that the league is in balance. Any team can contend now, and maybe surprise fans with the many teams that contains many dynamic duos.
3. Luka Dončić-
The Dallas Mavericks so far have been off to a great start in the season being led by the MVP season of Luka Dončić. Dončić is coming off of his rookie season which saw him win the Kia Rookie Of The Year while averaging 21.2 ppg and 7 rpg.This year he has increased his totals with an 8.3 points to his average and has already 6 triple-doubles in 13 games. He has been playing on another level for his sophomore season. The record for the youngest MVP in NBA history is Derrick Rose, who was 22 years old when he received the award. Dončić might beat the record and win at an astonishing 21 years old. The Mavs can be another team to crash the postseason party if newly acquired Kristaps Porzingis can recover from his ACL injury.
Every year, a new surprise comes in any way, the Most Improved Player of the year is one way to commemorate this sudden development. The most recent recipient of the award is Pascal Siakam and he is dominating the league this season. This year’s contenders can maybe to the same thing and become a generational talent that can change an organization’s championship hopes or build a future dynasty.
