Most Improved Player
2020 Finalists
Bam Adebayo
Luka Dončić
Brandon Ingram
Sean: Bam Adebayo
I expect Luka to win MIP for the 2020 NBA Awards but I really like the strides Bam has made this season so I’m going with him. Last year, Bam proved to Miami that he could be a piece they build around and he’s rewarded their faith by increasing his productivity in every way this season. His scoring went up from 8.9 to 15.9; he’s averaging 3 more assists and rebounds per game (5.1apg/10.2rpg) and he’s one of the best defenders on the Heat. He’s capable of switching onto perimeter players and banging bodies inside while also being an offensive focal point. I did not see him becoming this good, this quickly and he deserves this award.
Brandon: Brandon Ingram
BI is my GUY! As much as I miss him in a Laker uniform, I am so happy to see him ball out in the big easy. Now, I did show my hand by announcing my Laker fandom, but don’t let that take away from the great season BI had. This is just Ingram’s 3rd season and he’s already averaging 24-6-3, while shooting 46-39-85. Ingram’s game improved drastically. From 2018 to 2019, Ingram’s scoring average jumped up 5 points, he shot the ball much better from three, drastically improved his free throw shooting, averaged more steals, blocks, rebounds, and assists. Overall, Ingram just grew as a player and an All-Star. I know Bam is great and Luka might still get this, but BI deserves it. Also, shoutout to all Brandon’s out there!
Rami: Bam Adebayo
I agree with Sean here. Luka and BI are phenomenal players without a doubt. However, in terms of pure improvement, Bam takes the cake. He has gone from simply an “upside” project type of young player to an interior force. He has proven that he can go head to head with guys like Embiid and KAT, not to mention that he is also the second most gifted passing big man in the game. Adebayo is crucial to his team’s gameplan and is extremely versatile. If he shows any level of growth near to what he experienced this year, he looks to be a perennial all-star for the foreseeable future.
Big Bird nailed it except for MVP…. I’d give the MVP to LeBron as he lifted and carried a team flawed in shooting the three.
Big Bird’s picks…
MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo – easy pick, has taken a subpar Bucks team from 4 years ago to a strong championship contender this season – without him they would be an average team.
ROTY: Ja Morant – easily the most exciting rookie to watch this season as well as helping to lead his team to the playoffs (sorta)
DPOY: Giannis Antetokounmpo – I promise I’m not wet on this guy, but his length, speed, quickness and court IQ makes him a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end!
Sixth Man: Lou Williams – the seasoned veteran knows his role and embraces it every season…that role being a scoring machine and a tough defender.
MIP: Bam Adebayo – easy pick here, going from a little known player to a household name among nba fans with his versatile playing style and role playing on the Heat. He’s been helping them go up 3-0 on the Pacers!
COTY: Nick Nurse – the NBA champion last year hasn’t missed a beat this season and has put his team in a strong position to repeat with Leonard