NBA: Top 10 candidates for 2018-19 Most Improved Player award

8. Otto Porter Jr., Washington Wizards

Otto Porter Jr. has already turned out to be a lot better than expected early in his career, when the “draft bust” label that seemed inevitable was buried under layers of year-over-year improvement. Last season, he posted career highs in scoring (14.7 points per game), rebounds (6.4 per game) and 3-point percentage (44.1 percent).

With that being said, he has yet to establish himself as the unquestioned third member of the Washington Wizards‘ Big 3. John Wall is one of the game’s best point guards and Bradley Beal is coming off a career year resulting in his first All-Star appearance, but even with Dwight Howard on board, the Wizards need Porter to reach a new level in 2018-19.

While the sixth-year forward could get there in his age-25 season, opportunities will be limited alongside Wall, Beal and Howard. If Porter becomes more than a 3-point threat and occasionally versatile defender by boosting the Wizards to a new level, however, he’ll wind up getting the credit with some MIP votes.