How do you recognize a Most Improved Player? Beyond the stats that make a serious leap forward, it is often a player who becomes an All-Star for the first time in the season. This has been the case for the past two years with Brandon Ingram in 2020 and Julius Randle in 2021, but also Paul George (2013), Jimmy Butler (2015), Giannis Antetokounmpo (2017) and Victor Oladipo (2018). And when the chosen one is not All-Star the year of his coronation, he is the following season like Pascal Siakam, best progression in 2019 before being All-Star in 2020.
As we can see, this trophy often rewards big names, and some have even become “franchise players”! This year, two names stand out among our votes, but not sure whether they will be All-Stars in February …
1 – Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies) | 40 points (sur 100)
Like Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Deandre Ayton or Michael Porter Jr, Jaren Jackson Jr is part of the exceptional 2018 vintage. Like them, the interior of Memphis has the potential to be a leader of its formation and a future All- Star. Except that he is fragile, and that he has spent most of the season in the infirmary.
Obviously, if he is at 100% of his means, he will explode his stats, and it is a logical favorite for the trophy of the best progression. Especially since the Grizzlies have separated from Jonas Valancinuas, and he will evolve alongside a less offensive interior with Steven Adams. During his second season, “JJJ” had shown all his potential with in particular a good address at 3-points. If he decides to focus on the rebound, he has the potential to turn every night to 20 points and 10 rebounds.
2- Kevin Porter Jr. (Houston Rockets) | 20 points (out of 100)
He calls himself “miraculous” and he bluntly believes that the Rockets saved his life. From the turbulent Cavaliers joker, Kevin Porter Jr. has become the Rockets’ playmaker squarely.
Twenty matches have allowed him to prove that he had the talent to be a holder and one of the faces of the future of the franchise. Left-handed, he obviously reminds a little of James Harden by his technical ease. John Wall shelved, Kevin Porter Jr. has free rein to explode. Especially if his bond with Jalen Green pulls the team up, and they form one of the best young duos in the NBA.
Mentions : Jordan Poole (Warriors), Mikal Bridges et Deandre Ayton (Suns), Bam Adebayo (Heat).
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