As teams are approaching the 15-game mark, it’s becoming clearer every day who’s here to stay, and who the flukes are. As expected, organizations and individuals have improved to keep up with the ever-changing league, but there have been an overwhelming amount of surprise-stories so far.
Teams who had horrendous records last year are now inside playoff pictures, whereas former title-contenders are now resting at the bottom of the league. Every year a handful of players break out, putting themselves in contention for the Most Improved Player Award. Who’s at the top of the list for MIP contenders?
All stats and standings are as of November 13.
Zach LaVine
The two-time Slam Dunk Champion has quickly shown us he’s one of the elite young talents in the league, averaging 27 points in 14 games so far. The 23-year-old is putting up career bests in virtually every category, and he’s shown no sign of slowing down. Although the Bulls have been struggling this season, Zach has emerged as a leader to this young team and is the only reason Chicago isn’t dead last in the league.
LaVine has battled the injury bug on multiple occasions during his young career, but this seems to have only driven him to improve. Not only have Zach’s offensive numbers improved, but his defensive ability has gone through the roof. The only argument against Zach’s MIP case is that he leads the league in Field Goals Missed, which although it isn’t a positive stat, is understandable due to the fact he’s the first option on a struggling team. Zach LaVine is easily the front-runner for Most Improved Player, and as long as he stays healthy, he’s a lock for the award.
Kemba Walker
Kemba is known throughout the NBA for his offensive skill. More specifically, he’s known for his scoring. Fans are accustomed to the occasional 40-point night here and there, but this year Kemba has really stepped up his game. Not only is he averaging 28 PPG on a career-best 46% FG%, but Kemba has also carried the Hornets to the middle of the Eastern Conference. The 28-year-old already has five 30+ point games in only 13 starts.
For years Kemba has been known for putting up pointless numbers. He’d go off for huge games a few times a year, but Walker’s teams never performed well. This year, it appears that Kemba has not only improved his individual game, but he’s also stepped up as a leader in Charlotte. His points are now winning the Hornets games, which is why Kemba Walker is a candidate for MIP.
Pascal Siakam
Pascal Siakam spent his summer working on his game, just as every other player in the league. But as most players started the season relatively the same as last year, Siakam entered his third year as a new beast. Not only has his PPG average almost doubled, but he’s also shown himself to be among the most efficient players in the NBA, leading the league in two-point field goal percentage. The Cameroonian has improved literally everything, and he recently won Eastern Conference Player of the Week due to his outstanding play.
Siakam is now invaluable to the Raptors system, and his defensive versatility has been key to their success. He’s matched up with superstars like Anthony Davis and LeBron James and is starting to make a name for himself. In the past five games, he’s averaged 20 PPG, which is incredible for someone who only discovered the game eight years ago. Pascal Siakam has quickly become one of the most efficient players in the league, and his massive improvements may result in him winning MIP.
Honorable Mentions: Joel Embiid, Caris LeVert (Injured), Nikola Mirotic, and Buddy Hield.