NBA Roundtable: Lakers or Sixers, the MIP and the next disgruntled star

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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 11: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls drives against Taurean Prince #12 of the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on March 11, 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) /

This year’s Most Improved Player will be…

Cann: Zach LaVine is the front runner in my eyes. He was rusty after his return from injury but that’s to be expected after so much time off. He’ll be 100% to start the season and should be the number one scoring option for the first time in his career, depending on how the Chicago coaching staff decide to use their new $20 million dollar man, Jabari Parker.

Either way there will be plenty of shots to go around for the rebuilding Bulls and LaVine will take advantage. Shaking any lingering injuries from last season should be instrumental for the high flier. Even though he did struggle with efficiency after his return, when he played games in which he had 3+ days of rest his scoring soared to 24.0 points per game while putting up a 47/53/75 shooting split.

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The sample size was small, but it could be a sign of things to come when LaVine is healthy and rested. He’s in for a big year.

Kotsifis: The Most Improved Player award usually favors players who can put up big numbers in scoring andrebounding from one year to another. The player I am about to push for the 2018-19 award is Jarrett Allen of the Brooklyn Nets.

Everything works for him this upcoming season. A solid team, competent but not great teammates, a coach who believes in him and no pressure for immediate success.In addition, a quick look at the team’s roster reveals no competition for a spot in the starting 5, unless you count journeyman Ed Davis or undersized Kenneth Faried as such.

Allen, the 22nd pick of the 2017 Draft will enjoy plenty of time on the floor and will be the focal point of the Nets inside the paint area where he can put his tremendous size and mobility to good use. Furthermore, Allen showed a nice shooting stroke from downtown, adding another weapon to his arsenal. On defense, he is an excellent rim protector and a solid rebounder. All thinghs considered, I fully expect Jarrett Allen to shine in a Brooklyn Nets uniform this year.

Patel: Brandon Ingram, hands down. Anytime you get a generational talent–much less a top 2 player of all-time in LeBron James, the entire team improves. LeBron needs a number 2 and Ingram is ready. Hailed as KD-lite, Ingram will have a monster season on both ends while benefitting from LeBron’s playmaking and offensive acumen.

Allen: Markelle Fultz is going to prove why he was the number one overall pick in the 2017 draft. After an injury-plagued debut season last year, Fultz is ready to take the step and be an important part of the Sixers this year. He has the ability to be an elite scorer and with Simmons alongside him, they could be dangerous together. JJ Reddick could start over Fultz come opening night, but if Fultz can get his jump shot back to where it used to be when the Sixers drafted him, he will have the chance to really shine this year.

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