Top 5 NBA Most Improved Player candidates this season

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 19: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers brings the ball up court around Dejounte Murray #5 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 19, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 25: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after dunking against the Boston Celtics during the first half of their game at Spectrum Center on October 25, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

NBA Most Improved Player candidates: Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets

2020-2021 Stats: 12.7 Pts, 2.2 Ast, 6.0 Reb, 0.7 Stl, 0.8 Blk, 50% FG, 40% 3pt, 87% FT

2021-2022 Stats: 20.0 Pts, 3.9 Ast, 7.0 Reb, 1.0 Stl, 0.9 Blk, 49% FG, 32% 3pt, 81% FT

Miles Bridges took the league by storm at the start of the NBA season, averaging 24.6 points per game, on 50.8 percent from the field and 37.0 percent from deep. He has since cooled off and has regressed to the mean, especially in regard to his three-point shooting. Nonetheless, his game has taken an impressive leap this season.

The fourth-year Michigan State product was known for his elite athleticism, and as one of the best in-game dunkers in the game. This year, he has solidified himself as a core piece of the Hornets’ future, and as one of the best young wings in the league. Averaging just over 20 points per game this season, Bridges is knocking on the door of stardom. The main thing holding him back is his inconsistent three-point shooting.

He’s had stretches where he has shot the three-ball really well. In the months of October and March, which amounts to a 20-game sample, Bridges shot over 37 percent on threes (38.3 percent in March).

But he’s been unable to sustain it, shooting just 32 percent from three on the year. Even so, his improvement from last year has been substantial and he has played a crucial part in the Hornets’ success this year.