NBA: 2019-20 dark horse award predictions

Most Improved Player of the Year: Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard had seemingly fallen from NBA grace. He had spent the past three seasons on three different NBA teams. Last year, he played just nine games for the Washington Wizards. The league is much different than it was when he was a rising star for the Orlando Magic. The pace of the game is much faster than it was when Howard played in the 2009 NBA Finals. While his second go-round with the Lakers seemed improbable, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year is making the most of the opportunity.

Howard has adjusted to the fact that the game is much different. He no longer expects to get the ball in the post every time down the court. That is a major adjustment to make for a player that was the first offensive option for so many years.

Howard is much slimmer than he’s ever been during his NBA career. He’s running the floor and looking to contribute with his hustle. He still has the ability to block shots, and he can finish at the rim after receiving passes in traffic. With DeMarcus Cousins being out for the season, Howard can thrive as a premier big man for the Lakers this season.