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Milwaukee Bucks: Predicting NBA Awards

By Brian Sampson

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 04: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after a slam dunk against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 04, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Bucks 114-105. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 04: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after a slam dunk against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 04, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Bucks 114-105. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Pascal Sia kam #43 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Pascal Sia kam #43 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Most Improved Player

Giannis Antetokounmpo was the 2016-17 Most Improved Player of the Year, and there’s sort of a case to be made for him every season. Antetokounmpo’s continued growth in every single area of the game has been astonishing to watch. However, we won’t try to make that case here.

Similar to the Rookie of the Year race, this is a two-man contest. Pascal Siakam and D’Angelo Russell are at the top of the list and deservedly so.

Russell made his first All-Star game this season and is on the cusp of leading the Brooklyn Nets back to the playoffs. That’s an amazing feat for a franchise that hasn’t had their own first round pick in what seems like a decade. Russell has improved his averages in points, assists and effective field goal percentage in 2018-19.

However, Pascal Siakam is my winner at this point. Despite Russell being the better overall player, Siakam has taken the biggest jump. After only averaging 7.3 points per game last season, that number has jumped all the way to 16.9 this year. He’s also improved his assists, rebounds, steals and effective field goal percentage.

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