The NBA’s Most Improved Players of 2020
Contents
- Who are the NBA’s most improved players of 2020?
- Why these players have seen the biggest improvement this season
- How these players have transformed their game
- What areas of their game have seen the biggest improvement
- How their improved play has helped their team
- What challenges these players still need to overcome
- How they can continue to improve next season
- What other players have shown improvement this season
- Who are the biggest disappointments of 2020
- How can players improve their game
We take a look at the NBA’s most improved players of 2020 and how they made such significant strides.
Who are the NBA’s most improved players of 2020?
The NBA season is well underway and there have been some impressive performances so far. Some players have taken their game to a new level and have emerged as genuine stars of the league. Here, we take a look at five players who have made the biggest improvement this season.
1. Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)
Zion Williamson was the number one pick in the 2019 NBA draft and he was always going to be a player of huge interest. He didn’t disappoint in his rookie season, averaging 22.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game but he has taken things to a whole new level this year. Williamson is now averaging 26.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game and he looks set to be one of the league’s best players for many years to come.
2. Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
Ja Morant was the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and he has also made a big impact in his second season. Morant is averaging 24.5 points and 7.6 assists per game this year, up from 17.6 points and 3.9 assists per game last year, and he has quickly established himself as one of the best young point guards in the league.
3. Devonte’ Graham (Charlotte Hornets)
Devonte’ Graham took something of a Step Back last season after a breakout 2018-19 campaign, but he has Bounce Back in a big way this year. Graham is averaging 19.8 points and 7.5 assists per game up from 10.8 points and 4 assists per game last year, and he has been one of the driving forces behind the Charlotte Hornets’ surprise push for playoff contention this season.
4. Fred VanVleet (Toronto Raptors)
Fred VanVleet is another player who has taken his game to new heights this season after somewhat disappointing last year by his own high standards. VanVleet is now averaging 20 points per game up from 11 points per game last year, and he has been one of the most consistent performers for the defending champion Toronto Raptors so far this season . 5 . Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat) Bam Adebayo made his first All-Star appearance last season but he has taken his game to an even higher level this year . Adebayo is now averaging 19 . 9 points , 9 . 4 rebounds , 5 . 4 assists , 1 . 3 steals , and 1 . 3 blocks per game , up from 15 . 9 points , 10 . 5 rebounds , 5 assists , 1 steal , and 1 block per game last year , and he is one of the leading contenders for the NBA ‘ s Most Valuable Player Award .
Why these players have seen the biggest improvement this season
Every season, a handful of players make noticeable improvements to their game and emerge as breakout stars. These are the NBA’s most improved players of 2020.
Jimmy Butler (Miami Heat)
After being traded to the Miami Heat last season, Jimmy Butler has taken his game to new heights. He’s averaging a career-high 20.2 points per game while also leading the Heat in assists (6.1) and steals (2.3). Butler has been a key reason why the Heat have been one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference this season.
Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat)
Bam Adebayo has shown tremendous growth in his third NBA season He’s averaging 15.9 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 58 percent from the field. Adebayo has also developed into one of the best Defensive Players in the league, averaging 1.5 blocks per game. He’s been a key part of the Miami Heat’s success this season.
Spencer Dinwiddie (Brooklyn Nets)
Spencer Dinwiddie has seen a major increase in his scoring average this season, going from 12.6 points per game last season to 20.8 Points per game this season. He’s also averaging 6.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game for the Brooklyn Nets Dinwiddie has been one of the best point guards in the Eastern Conference this season and is a big reason why the Nets have been one of the top teams in the conference.
How these players have transformed their game
Each year, a handful of players make a leap forward and take their game to the next level. Some players improve their shooting, some become better defenders, and others fill new roles on their team. No matter how they do it, these players are the ones who have made the biggest improvements from the previous season.
This year’s most improved players are a diverse group, with players coming from all over the league and from all different kinds of backgrounds. Some are young players just starting to find their place in the league, while others are vets who have been around for a while but are finally starting to get recognition for their hard work
No matter their story, each of these players have one thing in common: they’re much better than they were last year, and they’ve helped their teams in a big way as a result. Here’s a look at the NBA’s most improved players of 2020.
What areas of their game have seen the biggest improvement
During the 2019-20 season there were a Number of players who made huge strides in their development. Here are the most improved players in the NBA this season based on an improvement index that factors in various offensive and defensive stats.
Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz)
Topping the list is Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz who has made huge strides in his game since coming into the league just two years ago. The youngster has improved his scoring average from 20.5 points per game last season to 24.0 this season, while also increasing his assists (4.2 to 4.9) and rebounds (3.7 to 4.4) per game. His shooting percentages have also climbed across the board, as he’s now knocking down 46.3% of his field goal attempts and 38.0% of his three-point attempts.
De’Aaron Fox (Sacramento Kings)
De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings makes a big jump up the list this year after seeing significant improvements in every area of his game. The third-year point guard is averaging career-highs in points (20.4), assists (6.8), rebounds (3.8) and steals (1.6) per game while shooting a career-best 49.7% from the field and 38.1% from three-point range He’s been particularly impressive down the stretch of games, averaging 8.4 points and 5.0 assists in fourth quarters this season, which are both tops among all players in the NBA
How their improved play has helped their team
In the 2020 NBA season many players have stepped up their game and become some of the most important players on their respective teams. Here are the most improved players of 2020 and how their play has helped their team so far this season.
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum has made huge strides in his game since last season and has become one of the best players in the league. He is averaging 22.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 45.0% from the field and 39.8% from three-point range. He has been a huge part of the Celtics’ success this season and has helped them to the best record in the Eastern Conference
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken his game to another level in his second season in the league. He is averaging 19.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 47.6% from the field and 42.6% from three-point range. He has been a key player for the Thunder this season and has helped them to a surprising start to the season.
Devonte’ Graham, Charlotte Hornets
Devonte’ Graham has had a breakout season for the Hornets and is averaging 18.7 points, 7.5 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 41.8% from the field and 40.8% from three-point range . He has been a revelation for Charlotte this season and has helped them to stay competitive despite losing Kemba Walker in Free agency .
What challenges these players still need to overcome
The NBA’s Most Improved Player Award is given to the player who has shown the biggest improvement from the previous season. The 2020 season was full of challenges, so it’s no surprise that there are a few players who rose to the occasion and are still overcoming some challenges. Here are a few of those players and what challenges they still need to overcome.
Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors
Siakam was one of the best players on a contending team this season, but he still has some challenges to overcome. First, he needs to continue to develop his outside shot. He shot just 32 percent from three-point range this season, which is not good enough for a player who is often asked to play Power Forward Second, he needs to become a better playmaker. He averaged just 2.9 assists per game this season, which is not enough for a player who is often asked to create offense for others. Third, he needs to improve his defense. He was often beaten off the dribble by opposing players this season and struggled at times against bigger players in the post.
Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Murray took a big step forward this season, but he still has some things to work on. First, he needs to be more consistent from three-point range. He shot just 33 percent from three-point range this season, which is not good enough for a player who takes so many threes (5.7 per game). Second, he needs to be better at finishing around the rim. He shot just 48 percent from inside the three-point line this season, which is not good enough for a player with his athleticism and finishing ability. Third, he needs to cut down on his turnovers. He averaged 2.9 turnovers per game this season, which is too high for a player who is often asked to handle the ball so much (5.0 per game).
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Gilgeous-Alexander took a big step forward this season and became one of the best players on a playoff team. However, there are still some things he needs to work on if he wants to take another step forward next season. First, he needs to improve his outside shot. He shot just 31 percent from three-point range this season and only took 1.6 threes per game (compared to 5.0 per game last season). Second, he needs toBecome more of a playmaker for others when he’s on the court offensively Zion instead of alwayslooki scoring himself Williamson . Zion scored Williamson 22 points 22 points more than did Shai Shai per 100 possessions , but Shai assisted assisted Zion Williamson about about as much as Zion Williamson assisted Shai . Thirdly Fourth , , Shai also also need needed s Zion ‘s complimentary complimentary scoring scoring when when playing playing alongside alongside him him ; ; without without Zion Williamson , Shai Gilgeous Alexander Alexander averaged averaged only only 19 19 points points per 100 possessions .
How they can continue to improve next season
The 2020 NBA season was full of surprises. After a short offseason and training camp many players stepped up their game and had career-best seasons. Some players who had been good in the past took their game to the next level, while others who had been role players became stars.
In this article, we will take a look at the most Improved Player in each conference and discuss how they can continue to improve next season.
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1) Luka Doncic The young Slovenian superstar took the league by storm last season, averaging 28.8 points, 9.4 assists, and 8.8 rebounds per game. He was also named to the All-NBA First Team and led the Mavericks to their first playoff berth since 2016. While it seems like there is nothing Doncic can’t do on a basketball court there are still a few things he can work on next season. Firstly, he needs to improve his defense. Doncic has the potential to be one of the best defenders in the league but he has yet to reach that level on a consistent basis. Secondly, he needs to be more efficient from three-point range. Last season, Doncic shot 32% from three-point range which is not bad but he is capable of doing better. If he can improve those two aspects of his game, there is no limit to what he can achieve in the future.
2) Jayson Tatum The 22-year-old forward took a big step forward last season, averaging 23.4 points and 7 rebounds per game while shooting 45% from three-point range. He was also named to his first All-Star team and led the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals Tatum has already established himself as one of the best young players in the league but there are still a few areas of his game that he can improve on next season. Firstly, he needs to become more consistent on a night-to-night basis. There were too many times last season where Tatum would have a great game followed by a few games where he would disappear offensively. Secondly, he needs to become a better playmaker for his teammates. Tatum is capable of making plays for others but he too often looks for his own shot first when other options are available. If he can improve those two areas of his game, sky is the limit for him moving forward.
3) Brandon Ingram The 23-year old forward averaged career highs in points (24), rebounds (6), and assists (4) per game last season while shooting 39% from three-point range. He was also named Most Improved Player of the Year and led the Pelicans to their first playoff berth since 2015. Ingram has shown that he is capable of being one of the best players in the league but there are still a couple things he can work on next season if he wants to take another step forward in his development. Firstly, Ingram needs to become more assertive on offense and look for his shot more often instead of deferring to his teammates. Secondly, Ingram needs to work on his defense as he has shown that he is capable of being a good defender when locked in but too often loses focus on that end of the floor which leads to lapses defensively for him and his teamatesers.. If Ingram can figure out how to be more consistent with those two things, then there is no reason why he can’t take another step forward next season and establish himself as one oofgdfgfdf fdgdfg gfdg gfd dggd gdgd gdfgd gfgf fdgfg fd dfgd gdh dfh dfhd ffgh fdh dfhd dfh dgh dh dfh dh dahlksj lkjlk lkj lsadkj askjdl kasjdl kasdj Learnalllllllllllllll asdlkjalksdjalksdjalksdj laskdjalksdjalksjdkl asdlkjalksdj alskdjalksjdLKJASD
What other players have shown improvement this season
Heading: What other players have shown improvement this season
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have taken big steps forward for the Boston Celtics leading them to the best record in the Eastern Conference But they’re not the only youngsters making noise around the NBA.
Zach LaVine has been on a tear for the Chicago Bulls averaging nearly 25 points per game while shooting over 45 percent from 3-point range. He’s been even better since the all-star break averaging 28.7 points while leading the Bulls to a 9-4 record.
Trae Young has also been on fire for the Atlanta Hawks averaging 29.6 points and 9.3 assists per game since the break. He’s helped the Hawks climb to fifth place in the East standings and put them in position to make a run at a playoff spot.
Who are the biggest disappointments of 2020
The NBA’s Most improved player of 2020 is a tough award to predict. Every year, there are a few players who greatly exceed expectations and emerge as key contributors on their team. The 2020 season was no different, with several players making big leaps to help their teams contend for a playoff spot.
However, there are also always a few players who fail to live up to the hype and end up being major disappointments. Here are the biggest disappointments of the 2020 NBA season
1. Hassan Whiteside After signing a massive contract with the Portland Trail Blazers Whiteside failed to live up to expectations. He averaged just 12 points and 9 rebounds per game, well below his career averages.
2. Luol Deng- Deng was expected to be a key contributor for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, but he was largely invisible on the court. He averaged just 4 points and 2 rebounds in limited minutes off the bench.
3. Joakim Noah- After signing with the Los Angeles Clippers Noah barely saw any playing time and averaged just 1 point and 2 rebounds per game when he did see action.
How can players improve their game
In order to improve their game, players must work hard and consistently to hone their skills. They must also be willing to accept constructive criticism from coaches and peers in order to learn where they need to improve. Players at all levels of the game can always find ways to get better, whether it’s by studying film, practicing specific drills, or adding new moves to their repertoire.
The most Improved Player is usually the one who has made the biggest strides in terms of honing their skills and expanding their game. However, there are a number of factors that can contribute to a player’s improvement, including changes in coaching, increased playing time, better health, or simply maturing as a player.
improved health, understanding of the game/opposition,better coaching/strategy