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Way too early predictions for the 2024 Most Improved Player Award

By Thomas J. Brown

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 15: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after a made basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 15, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Nets 121-101. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 15: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after a made basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 15, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Nets 121-101. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Mikal Bridge (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Mikal Bridge (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Mikal Bridges- Brooklyn Nets

In just his third game after being acquired by the Brooklyn Nets from the Phoenix Suns, fifth-year forward Mikal Bridges erupted for 45 points. Despite their best efforts, the visiting Miami Heat had no answer for Bridges who scored 17 points in the fourth quarter to lead his team to an eleven-point victory.

After trading away both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant in the same season, early optimism could have easily turned to pessimism for Brooklyn’s fanbase. Instead, the 2023 season revealed some positive aspects of the team’s future. Jacque Vaughn appears to be the right Head Coach to guide the young ballclub for the next several years. In addition, Bridges has emerged as an All-Star level talent who can be a consistent first option and single-handedly take over a game at crunch time. Due to these developments, the team achieved sixth seed in the Eastern Conference and was able to experience a playoff birth without having to participate in the play-in tournament.

Next season, Bridges could be in the race for the league’s leading scorer. That may sound absurd for a guy who’s never been a primary option for a full season but it’s not unrealistic for Bridges. Through a 27-game sample size as a Net, Bridges averaged 26.1 points per game. While opposing teams will be aware of him next season, he has earned the faith and trust of his teammates. They are more than willing to play through him and allow him to be the focal point of the offense.

The NBA’s Most Improved Player Award is a hotly debated topic each and every season. There are many different criteria that can go into who should or should not qualify as a finalist for the award. Over the years, the award has included defensive specialists, ball-handling guards, and rim-protecting centers. Based on last year’s performances and the developments within their franchises, these five players have set themselves apart as the most likely finalists for the award next season.

Next. 5 Former free agents who will thrive with new teams in 2023-24. dark

As always, watching them improve their games individually while impacting their teams’ success will be a joy. May the best man win.