Runner up: Bam Adebayo
After trading away Hassan Whiteside, the Miami Heat trusted 3rd year center Bam Adebayo to take over the starting center position. When looking at Adebayo, he is what the future of the center position might look like. Adebayo’s list of skills is longer than a grocery list for a family of 7. He made a strong case for Defensive Player of the Year, using his quick feet, long arms, and strength to power the Heat’s stellar defensive efficiency this season. His versatility also allows him to guard positions 1-5, making him every coach’s dream considering the direction that the NBA is headed towards. Paired with his elite motor, his skillset will make him an elite defensive anchor for years. Adebayo also excels on the offensive side of the ball, averaging 5.1 assists on the year as the Heat’s primary distributor. He also has shown his ability to dribble on a fastbreak, a skillset highlighted during his winning effort in the NBA Skills Challenge during the All-Star break. However, despite his countless skills, there is a candidate more worthy of the award.
Most Improved Player: Luka Doncic
Many already knew of Doncic’s potential when he entered the league in 2018 and won Rookie of the Year. This year, however, Doncic has distinctively made himself an offensive juggernaut. The Mavericks have clearly risen with their superstar player, boasting the league’s highest offensive rating at 115.8. Doncic was already a great passer, but his passing ability has clearly grown with the addition of star players such as Kristaps Porzingis and bench pieces. His work over the past season hasn’t just been limited to his passing game as his scoring ability has exploded as well. Averaging over 28 points per game and 8 assists per game, Doncic is the engine that powers the Dallas offense. This season, Doncic added a powerful new weapon to his arsenal of tricks: the stepback jumpshot. At 6’7”, Doncic uses his above average size at the guard position to improve his finishing inside the paint, also allowing him to draw more fouls. He averages a little more than nine free throw attempts per game, placing him tied for fourth most in the NBA. Doncic’s meteoric personal rise has also translated to team success, with the Mavericks going from the 14th seed the year prior to the 7th seed before the suspension of the 2019-2020 season. It is truly amazing to witness how Doncic has powered a league-leading offense in just his second season, transitioning Dallas from a lottery team into a deadly offensive machine in just one season.
Data courtesy of Basketball Reference and NBA