NBA: Who Are The Most Improved Player Candidates This Year?

We all know that the NBA is composed of the best players in the world. But for these competitive athletes, they will always believe that there is room for improvement.

Basketball fans have witnessed several players make a huge jump in their careers – whether they’re given additional playing time or their roles get changed due to necessity.

As we continue to wait for our 2019/20 season to resume, let’s take a look back and acknowledge the players who have caught SBOBET fans’ attention with their strong individual campaigns.

Markelle Fultz

The point guard out of Washington has been one of the surprising packages this season. After falling out of the radar because of his injury-filled stint with the Philadelphia Sixers, the 22-year-old Fultz had made the most out of his time playing for the Orlando Magic.

He has been the key for the eighth-seeded Magic as they try to make another postseason push. Fultz posted much-improved averages of 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in 64 games, which included a breakout performance against the Brooklyn Nets to where he registered 25 points.

With him fully healthy, Fultz can now live up to his full potential which was the main reason why he got drafted first overall in the 2017 NBA draft.

Devonte Graham

Another point guard makes it in the list with Devonte Graham, who is having quite a career year for the Charlotte Hornets.

The former Kansas Jayhawk has seen his scoring jump from merely 4.7 points to a whopping 18.2 points per game in his second year with the league.

Devonte Graham is one of the bright young pieces for the Hornets alongside the likes of Terry Rozier, Miles Bridges, and PJ Washington.

Although his individual campaign has yet to translate to more team wins for the Hornets this season, Graham’s journey from being just a 34^th overall pick to a borderline All-Star talent is quite unprecedented.

Brandon Ingram

Brandon Ingram was part of the huge three-team trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers just a year ago.

Now playing without the pressure of the bright lights of Los Angeles, that has translated to a much better showing from the wiry forward who has emerged as an All-Star for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Ingram has been the most consistent Pelican for this season with norms of 24.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.

He, along with his young teammates of Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and super rookie Zion Williamson have put the Pelicans at the precipice of the eighth spot in the tough Western Conference while creating some memorable NBA 2020 highlights.

New Orleans have a decent shot of making it to the final playoff spot in the West according to our NBA 2020 odds since they have one of the lighter schedules ahead with their remaining games this season.

Bam Adebayo

The Miami Heat’s investment on Bam Adebayo has been paying off especially with his performance this season. The former Kentucky Wildcat has been the team’s main man on the middle with Hassan Whiteside moving on to the Blazers last summer.

Adebayo relished in his starting role with Miami, posting healthy averages of 16.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game this term.

Despite being undersized for his position, Adebayo makes up for it with his versatility on both ends of the floor. He can score and facilitate for his teammates and he can virtually guard all positions in the basketball court.

Add his versatile skillset along with his boundless energy and hustle, it’s no fluke as to why Bam Adebayo was named as an All-Star this season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder were expected to have a rebuilding season given the departure of Russell Westbrook and Paul George. But so far it has been the opposite and a huge reason for that is the improvement of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The reed-thin combo guard is having an outstanding season for OKC with norms of 19.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. But more importantly, he has been relishing the opportunity to be mentored by a future Hall of Famer in Chris Paul.

With a rag-tag group of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chris Paul, Steven Adams, and Dennis Schroder, the Thunder have defied expectations as they are currently fifth in the Western Conference standings.

The Canadian native is oozing with potential and he is only 21 years old. Gilgeous-Alexander has become one of the league’s underrated two-way players and his improved outside shooting will only serve him better for the long run.

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE BASKETBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.