NBA: Way-too-early individual award predictions for 2021-22

NBA Most Improved Player of the Year – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Another Jalen Green situation is that the Oklahoma City Thunder have little to nobody else. The OKC Tank of the decade is up and running smoothly as Australian star Josh Giddey was just recently selected sixth overall by the team.

However, with the state the team is currently in, there is no telling how quickly GM Sam Presti and head coach Mark Daigneault intend on moving any of their newly acquired assets into the starting lineup. For now, it’s Shai’s team; and Shai’s opportunity to shine out however much he’d like to and can. Although he’s only been on the team for two seasons, the Canadian Kentucky Alum has shown steady growth in his game.

Dropping career highs in PPG (23.7), APG (5.9), and 3P% (.418), he is everything a team can count on to develop into a franchise cornerstone; and next year will be the year he proves it. Shai’s shown us the only way for him to go is up and he’s not slowing down. It wouldn’t be outlandish to say he could be averaging 26 points and six assists a game next season.

These are all-star caliber numbers that any fan would be happy to see from their franchise player. OKC’s market is lackluster which could result in SGA slipping under the radar, but his elevated game will keep him under the spotlight.