NBA: Individual player awards at the one-month mark of the season

Stephen Curry (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Stephen Curry (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Memphis Grizzlies
NBA Memphis Grizzlies Ja Morant (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)

NBA MIP – Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

While the NBA’s Most Improved Player award is always a controversial award, I feel Ja Morant is currently an easy choice. While the Grizzlies have had a bit of an up and down season so far, losing to the worst team in the NBA in the Pelicans, while also handing the best team in the NBA, the Warriors, their only loss, Ja has been nothing but up.

After averaging 18 and 19 points the last two seasons, Ja has upped his game to a near MVP level, averaging 27 points, seven assists, and six rebounds on 49/33/77 shooting splits. While outside shooting has always been his biggest downfall, Ja has increased his 3-point attempts this season and maintained a solid percentage from deep.

If he can keep that up along with his elite inside scoring, Ja should easily win the MIP award when the end of the season rolls around.

I believe Ja will continue this high level of play and take home the MIP award at the end of the season.