1. Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors
2017-18 stats: 7.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.0 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.5 bpg, 51% fg, 22% 3 pt, 62% ft
2018-19 stats: 16.1 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.7 bpg, 55% fg, 35% 3 pt, 79% ft
Pascal Siakam’s third-year leap has not only come out of nowhere but is also the biggest leap any player has made in the league this year.
He’s gone from an afterthought his first year to a serviceable backup in year two and has now become a rising star in year three. He’s made improvements in almost every key area, the most notable of which is his outside shooting. Last season, Siakam shot a putrid 22 percent on 3’s while taking 1.6 per game. This year, his percentage is up to a respectable 34 percent on 2.4 attempts per game.
Going from bench warmer to integral piece on a championship contender is quite the feat to accomplish. And to do it in just one season? That’s deserving of the NBA most improved player award!