NBA Awards Watch: Frontrunners for MVP, ROY and more through November
Most Improved Player of the Year: Kristaps Porzingis
In any other year, what Victor Oladipo and Aaron Gordon are doing for their respective teams would make for an enticing Most Improved Player of the Year race. Jaylen Brown has come out of nowhere to be a superb two-way player for a title contender, Enes Kanter‘s improvement in the Big Apple has been stirring, and Jeremy Lamb‘s career year continues to fly under the radar.
But much like Giannis Antetokounmpo ran away with it last year, the best MIP candidate is so obvious he might be overlooked.
After averaging 18.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game on .450/.357/.786 shooting splits last season, Kristaps Porzingis has ascended into another realm of unicornly mysticism, posting 25.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game on .467/.402/.841 shooting splits.
He’s improved his efficiency from every area of the game, bumping up his scoring numbers to help carry a New York Knicks team that’s off to a surprising 11-10 start…despite trading away Carmelo Anthony over the summer.
The playoffs are within reach with KP’s best teammates being Tim Hardaway Jr. and Kanter, and while Oladipo and Gordon are enjoying coming-out parties in their own right, neither one compares to the breakout year Porzingis is having.
Honorable Mentions:
- Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers
- Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic
- Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
- Enes Kanter, New York Knicks
- Jeremy Lamb, Charlotte Hornets