Mavericks: Is Luka Doncic the favorite to win Most Improved Player?

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Dallas Mavericks Brandon Ingram (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

3. Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans

Brandon Ingram was the centerpiece returning to New Orleans in the Anthony Davis trade from the last offseason. Ingram showed promise in his first three years in Los Angeles, but he struggled with injuries as the Lakers lagged in the standings.

The 22-year-old took over as the leading scorer for the Pelicans this season. He is averaging 24.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.0 steal per game. Ingram has made an incredible improvement in his free throw shooting taking it up to 85.8 percent.

Must Read. Where does Luka Doncic stand in the MVP race?

He has made significant strides with his jump shot too. Ingram is taking 6.3 3-pointers per game this season. For context, he took 386 threes in his first three years combined. This season, he has attempted 354 in just 56 games played. Ingram increased 3-point percentage to 38.7 percent during his fourth year as well.

Ingram’s playmaking ability also took another step forward this season. It has rounded out his offensive game and made him a more dangerous weapon.

The return of Zion Williamson has taken some steam out of Ingram’s scoring, but the fourth-year forward has made an incredible leap. It allowed him to be a first-time All-Star this season and should garner him a max contract in the upcoming offseason.

Next: No. 2

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