Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

NBA: Predicting the 2018-19 regular season award winners

By Colin Cann

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 4: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 4, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Bucks 111-100. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 4: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 4, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Bucks 111-100. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 14
Next
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 30: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after dunking against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on March 30, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 30: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after dunking against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on March 30, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Most Improved Player

Honorable Mentions:

Caris LeVert, Brooklyn Nets 

After struggling with injuries in his first year LeVert bounced back to have a solid season in year two. Averaging a respectable 12/4/4 on 44% shooting with 1.2 steals while playing only 26 minutes a game.

LeVert should be starting over DeMarre Carroll, the front office may ultimately keep him on the bench to start the season but before long he should earn the starting gig and take full advantage to showcase his scoring and facilitating as a second ball handler in the starting unit. His numbers should go way up if he gets the 30+ minutes he deserves.

Markelle Fultz, Philadelphia 76ers 

Rarely do you see a sophomore win the MIP award. After all, second-year players are supposed to improve. Yet, here is Fultz. That is how drastically he will improve this season. To be fair, the bar was low after one of the all-time worst seasons for a number one pick.

The shoulder appears to be back to normal, though, as does his jump shot. With Fultz being inserted into the starting line up expect big things from the dynamic young guard.

Rodney Hood, Cleveland Cavaliers 

The aforementioned gap left by Lebron James will benefit several players on the Cavaliers, Hood should be one of those players. As one of only a few guys who can consistently create his own shot, he should have plenty of scoring opportunities whether he starts or comes off the bench.

Scoring may be hard to come by in Cleveland so Hood could get heavy minutes and a green light to fire away. Leading to a big uptick in points. He was a scoring machine when he was away from Lebron James, he should have his biggest scoring responsibility in his career this season, if he takes advantage he could walk away with the award.

Home/NBA News