NBA: The top 7 candidates to win Most Improved Player of the Year

NBA Toronto Raptors Pascal Siakam (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
NBA Toronto Raptors Pascal Siakam (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
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Brooklyn Nets
NBA Brooklyn Nets D’Angelo Russell (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

6. D’Angelo Russell, Brooklyn Nets

2017-18 stats: 15.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 4.2 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.4 bpg, 41% fg, 32% 3 pt, 74% ft

2018-19 stats: 20.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 6.7 apg, 1.1 spg, 0.3 bpg, 43% fg, 37% 3 pt, 83% ft

D’Agnelo Russell has been on an absolute tear for the Brooklyn Nets this year and currently has them as a playoff team in the East Conference. That’s certainly not something that many expected to see this soon from the Nets.

After struggling with injuries in his first year in Brooklyn, he has managed to bounce back in a big way this year and is finally starting to live up to his potential in his fourth season. He was named to his first All-Star team this year, and he’s just getting started.

Russell’s game has shown dramatic improvements in almost every key area and he’s also matured into a leader for this young Nets team.