NBA Most Improved Player 2020: November Power Rankings
We are now almost a quarter of the way into the 2019-20 NBA season, and the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Boston Celtics, and Milwaukee Bucks are set to be in contention come April following excellent starts to the season. Meanwhile, plenty of players around the league have impressed during the first six weeks of the season, and there is a number of individuals making a case to be named Most Improved Player.
Pascal Siakam took home the award last year, and the accolade has long been viewed as a launchpad for greater things. So, as we head towards December, here we will take a look at the five leading contenders to be named this season's Most Improved Player.
#5 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Oklahoma City Thunder
A sophomore hasn't been named Most Improved Player since 2007, although several Year 2 players have taken a huge jump so far this season - and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is among those to make a huge impression. During his rookie season with the LA Clippers, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game - and the organization was extremely reluctant to include him in the blockbuster trade for Paul George.
Nevertheless, the Thunder were adamant that the 21-year-old was included in the trade, and Gilgeous-Alexander has made an excellent start to life in Oklahoma City. Billy Donovan has made the young point guard the focal point of OKC's offense, and over 16 appearances, Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 18.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. The Toronto native is also shooting 40 percent from three-point range, and Gilgeous-Alexander has managed to improve every aspect of his game since his rookie season with the Clippers.