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Way too early predictions for each NBA Award for the 2023–24 season

By Rob Greene

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after making a three-point basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after making a three-point basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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NBA Awards.
Mikal Bridges (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

NBA Most Improved Player: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets

The NBA’s Most Improved Player award can be really exciting. Breakouts and explosions escalate in sudden formations that mostly come very unexpectedly, hence, Lauri Markkanen last season. Similar to his Euro Cup play last summer, the long wing brought an array of art to the scene that was never witnessed before.

This is one of the more difficult awards to not only predict but declare a winner. Many young, blossoming talents continue to grow and display performances of certain skillsets that they attempt to master throughout the work.

We have also seen many players in prime-years or later show improvements through development with everyone going through different instances and stages. A likely, strong contestant when it comes to many voters this season, Mikal Bridges utterly hatched out of his shell and evolved once became a Brooklyn Net in February.

The 26-year-old had already shown improvements offensively through the 56 contests with the Suns. Bridges averaged 17.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists shooting 38.7 percent from three. Suddenly dealt to the Nets for Kevin Durant at 1 a.m. the day of the trade deadline, Bridges entered a whole new world and never looked back.

His limited offense was put to sleep as he became the focal point of a rebuilding Brooklyn squad. In one of his first few Nets’ outings, Bridges had a career-high 45 on Miami Heat shooting over 70%. He averaged 26.1 PPG and 4.5 RPG shooting 47.5 FG/37.6 3P/60.7 TS% in 27 contests with Brooklyn.

Something to maybe highlight towards Bridges’ chances, he insanely has never been inactive through his five-year campaign on top of college. He has even battled through certain wounds to remain in games.

The Nets will be an improving playoff team and beyond amongst the development of their two-way swingman. A high-chance we get exhibits of Bridge’s growth come October, expect him to make his first All-Star game and be in the most-improved conversation.