The
last six of the NBA’s Most Improved Player award recipients have included stars
that have changed the fortunes of their respective franchises. Victor Oladipo,
Giannis Antetokounmpo, CJ McCollum, Jimmy Butler, Paul George, and even 2014’s
award winner Goran Dragic make up an impressive list of athletes who have all
taken their franchise and completely elevated their team’s potential. The bar
is set incredibly high for the MIP award winner for the 2018-2019 season,
though there are a handful of players who are primed to breakout and help their
squad become contenders.
Nikola
Mirotic, of the New Orleans Pelicans, has an opportunity to be a driving force
for his team to take the leap they hinted they were capable of during the
second half of last season, and the postseason. A midseason acquisition for New
Orleans after turbulent half season in Chicago, Mirotic has now had a few
months and postseason play along with a full offseason to see how he fits
alongside franchise centerpiece Anthony Davis. He may not be as purely talented
as Davis’ former running mate Demarcus Cousins, but he is capable of playing
much faster at the 4.
This
allows Davis to switch back to the 5 where he excels and gives New Orleans a
more versatile lineup. As sharpshooting big, if Mirotic can play stingy defense
and take some of the pressure off Davis on that end, he’ll unlock New Orleans defensive
and offensive potential as the perfect frontcourt partner to Davis. Expect his
numbers to take a jump with all the attention on Davis.
Last
season, Khris Middleton was quietly excellent for Milwaukee averaging 20 points
per game next to the Greek Freak and playing his typical staunch defense. This
season, he should remain excellent for the Bucks, but it won’t be quiet. He
showed out against the Celtics in the postseason, helping Giannis take Boston
seven games in a tightly contested series with his scorching outside jumper
complimenting Antetokounmpo’s overall dominance inside. He is a defensive stopper capable of guarding 1-4 with
a lights out perimeter game, fitting a similar mold as Klay Thompson, and he is
the perfect second fiddle to a player like Giannis and should be on everyone’s
radar this season. The Bucks will be a team to reckon with thanks in large part
to Middleton.
D’Angelo
Russell’s young career has been an absolute rollercoaster to date. From his
rookie season being overshadowed by Kobe’s farewell tour and the Nick Young
cellphone fiasco, to Magic Johnson choosing Lonzo Ball over him and sending him
to Brooklyn, Russell finds himself as a young leader on a Nets team desperately
trying to find an identity. Russell is talented player with smooth handles with
a nice lefty jump shot, and he has the skeleton of reigning MVP James Harden’s
skillset. A point guard with 6’5” frame, Russell has loads of defensive
potential with his size at his position and with the Net’s gritty play style,
he can be their focal point on both sides of the ball. Russell, the second pick
in the 2015, is now in his contract year and it is in the best interest of both
him and Brooklyn that he finally breaks out and has a career year. If Russell
can average around 22 points per game and 6 assists he should get a nice
contract, and Brooklyn will have their franchise point guard.
A
fellow member of Russell’s 2015 draft class, Myles Turner, finds himself in an
interesting position with the Indiana Pacers. Turner was primed to be the focal
point of the Pacers after Paul George’s exodus, though the meteoric rise of
Victor Oladipo reduced the Pacer’s big to an afterthought on a surprisingly
well-rounded team. A talented 7-footer with shot blocking prowess in the paint
and a solid jumper, Turner has the tools to be one of the most impactful 5’s in
the game today. With the opposing teams attention squarely on Oladipo and newly
acquired Tyreke Evans, Turner has an opportunity to take a good Pacers offense
and make them one of the league’s best, with shooters and playmakers everywhere
around him.
Prediction
for the top vote getter is Russell, though all four of them should tightly
compete in the race.