OKC Thunder 2018-19 Awards Special -Predicting winners with a view to potential OKC contenders

Most Improved Player

Two players each got dual nods from our team, two OKC Thunder players made the list and two former Lakers make the cut.

Finalists in 2017-18: Victor Oladipo (Pacers), Clint Capela (Rockets), Spencer Dinwiddie (Nets)

Winner: Victor Oladipo (Pacers)

Tamberlyn Richardson – Pascal Siakam – Toronto Raptors

PSkills arrived in camp showcasing his growth and has Nurse’s confidence which preseason highlighted by Siakam frequently bringing the ball up court. If his 3-ball ever starts falling at league average he’ll vault into the upper echelon of players. Siakam reminds me of a pre-problematic Lamar Odom or Latrell Spreewell who were 2-way players capable of doing it all. Added bonus – next to Steven Adams he’s the best sound bite in the biz.

Lawrence George – Pascal Siakam – Toronto Raptors

Pascal Siakam. The Cameroonian big man out of Toronto is sporting a new strut along with improved ball handling and passing skills. As the surprise package last season, Siakam looks to take the next step forward as a play-making big man with a shiny new 3-point shot.

Rylan Stiles – Steven Adams – OKC Thunder

Steven Adams will be more involved offensively this year for the OKC Thunder. That should grab the attention of the votes.

Austin Sternlicht – D’Angelo Russell, Brooklyn Nets

After escaping the Lakers and Byron Scott, D’Angelo Russell was hurt for most of his first year with the Nets. That changes this year as the former second overall pick averages close to 20 points a game and keeps the Nets in playoff contention till the tail end of the season.

Jordan Buckamneer – Julius Randle, New Orleans Pelicans

If he doesn’t beat out Dennis Schroder for Sixth Man of the Year Award, he’s probably going to make a strong case for the most improved player. Like previous winners, Julius Randle won’t necessarily be an “improved” player, but he will be heavily leaned on in New Orleans behind Anthony Davis.

Asad Ali Jamal –  Brandon Ingram, LA Lakers

Brandon Ingram has been both a disappointment and a commodity. There’s no doubt that LeBron James will help the kid develop into the star many thought he would be already. I guess we can call it a delayed rise to stardom for Ingram.

Gideon Lim – Nerlens Noel, OKC Thunder

Our first OKC Thunder sighting among my picks! The logic is simple – OKC is the perfect tactical and mentorship fit for Nerlens Noel. Noel had an outstanding preseason, filling the team’s biggest need by being every part the perimeter defender and rim crusher Sam Presti signed up for. I get the hype around Markelle Fultz, but I say give it another year. His MIP campaign banks on him getting his jump shot back, and I say it’s still too early for that to propel his jump.

Alex Mcewen –  Brandon Ingram, LA Lakers

Despite the fact some players do not like playing with LeBron, it is undisputed he makes the players around him better. Hence, Ingram should benefit tremendously from playing with the King, thus competing for his first NBA award.