Luka Doncic has to accept the next defeat after the playoff exit of his Mavs. In the Most Improved Player poll, the Dallas star only finishes third.
Despite outstanding statistics and improvements in all important categories, Luka Doncic came away empty-handed in the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award.
In the media representatives’ vote, the All-Star received only twelve of 100 possible first votes and finished third with a total of 101 points. One place ahead of the Slovenian was taken by Heat-Center Bam Adebayo with 39 first votes and a total of 295 points.
This season’s winner of the award is Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans. The forward not only received the most first votes (42) from media representatives, but also the most points (326).
Zion steals the spotlight from Ingram
Ingram had come to New Orleans last summer as part of Anthony Davis’ trade. After three promising years with the Los Angeles Lakers, the second pick in the 2016 draft made its breakthrough last season.
In the Pelicans, the 22-year-old took on more responsibility in the attack and was the best pitcher of his team with 23.8 points per game. His point average thus increased by 5.5 points (previously 18.3) compared to the previous year. With 6.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists Ingram also set further career records.
In the shadow of NBA phenomenon Zion Williamson, Ingram became the first option in the Pelicans’ attack. This is also proven by his figures. In the regular season Ingram took more litters than ever before in his career (17.7).
With about 39 percent from downtown, the forward also developed into a dangerous triple shooter. He increased his triple attempts from 1.8 to 6.2 attempts per game. Ingram also made a particularly big leap in his free-throw rate, which he increased from around 67 percent to a strong 85 percent.
Ingram on the trail of Giannis, Butler and George
Due to his top performances Ingram was voted All-Star for the first time this year.
Despite his performance explosion, the 23-year-old missed the playoffs with the Pelicans. The offensive all-purpose weapon played a total of 62 games in the regular season.
Among the most famous winners of the MIP Award in the recent past are Giannis Antetokounmpo (MVP of 2019), Paul George and Jimmy Butler. Last year Raptors forward Pascal Siakam snatched the trophy.