Ever since Jaylen Brown shined in the summer league alongside rookie Jayson Tatum, there was a mumbling about Brown’s chances at winning the 2018 Most Improved Player award.
Now, the University of California product has proven to be one of the front-runners in the wake of his 14 additional minutes compared to last year.
Brown has made the most of his opportunity, and has elevated his game in every major category. Most notably, he has increased his average points per game from 6.6 to 14.5. Furthermore, the Sophomore is now averaging nearly 40 percent from behind the arc after shooting just 34 percent in his rookie year.
Some of my other favorites to win the award are Brandon Ingram, Giannis Antetokoumpo, and Victor Oladipo. One of the most impressive parts of the NBA this season has been the “Greek Freak” and now he has potential to repeat and win the M.I.P award yet again.
20-year-old Brandon Ingram is also in the process of having an extraordinary season, and bumped his scoring output from 9.4 to 16.2 points per game. Amidst all the drama going on with the Ball family and Kyle Kuzma in Los Angeles, Ingram has handled a large portion of the offense and could be a challenger to the competition.
Thirdly, the player who I think has the highest chance, if he can sustain his career year, is the Indiana Pacer guard Victor Oladipo. He was the main piece that Oklahoma City gave up for all-star Paul George, and Oladipo is now shining in Indiana. He is incredibly clutch and consistent, and is also averaging just shy of nine more points than the previous year. Should the 25-year-old be able to keep this pace, he will undoubtedly be a favorite.
Overall, I predict Brown bringing home M.I.P for his trophy case. He has been one of the more valuable all around players for the Boston Celtics, and is a vital part to their title hopes at such a young age.
Everything from his shooting, to athleticism, to making electric plays will concoct a case strong enough to surpass anyone else.
