NBA: Handing out 2019-20 individual awards at the quarter mark

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 28: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives around Terrance Ferguson #23 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Toyota Center on October 28, 2019 in Houston, Texas.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 Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 28: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives around Terrance Ferguson #23 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Toyota Center on October 28, 2019 in Houston, Texas.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 Bob Levey/Getty Images)
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NBA
NBA New Orleans Pelicans Brandon Ingram (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Most Improved Player: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans 

This award to me is a no-brainer. Brandon Ingram has looked like an All-star player to start this NBA season. Last year Ingram averaged, 18.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. This year he is averaging 25.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game which is an enormous improvement in all areas.

While the Pelicans haven’t been winning a lot of games (currently sitting at 14th in the West), if they are able to get Zion Williamson back soon there is still a chance they could batter for the eighth seed.

Brandon Ingram this season is proving that he is a legitimate All-star caliber player and likely will be for years to come. It starts with most improved and only grows from there (see the last 5 MIP’s Jimmy Butler, CJ McCollum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Oladipo, and Pascal Siakam)

Other candidates: Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, Kelly Oubre Jr.