Dallas Mavericks: Best candidates for 2018-19 NBA awards

Most Improved Player: Dennis Smith Jr.

If it weren’t for the likes of some of his other fellow draft mates, Dennis Smith Jr. may have gotten some more recognition last season as one of the games best young stars.

He averaged 15.2 points and 5.2 assists per game last season, and while his efficiency could certainly use some work, that’s a great foundational year to build upon.

Entering his sophomore campaign, Smith’s role will be a little bit different, including more time spent off the ball as a result of Luka Doncic being brought into the fold.

Smith should naturally improve the way most youngsters do after getting acclimated to the league, and playing alongside someone with the on-court intelligence of Doncic should help create open looks.

Whether or not Smith’s circumstances will lead to a drastic improvement in the numbers category is something only time will tell, and while he may not be the odds-on favorite, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see him garner a few votes should everything play out nicely.