Most Improved Player: Ja Morant — Memphis Grizzlies
Odds: +390
While his knee injury is definitely a cause for concern right now, Ja Morant has been this season’s Most Improved Player thus far in what may be the tightest race out of all the major awards right now.
Miles Bridges, Ja Morant, Dejounte Murray, Tyler Herro, LaMelo Ball, Jordan Poole and so many others have really stepped their games up this year and have helped their teams tremendously, but when you compare Ja Morant to the other favorite in Miles Bridges right now, Morant really stands out because of his star-like potential.
Now, this is not saying that Bridges will not be an All-Star, but he is not even the best player on his team. LaMelo Ball leads the way for the Hornets and as a result, Bridges may end up missing the All-Star game this season.
While being an All-Star/first-time All-Star should not really impact this award, five of the last seven recipients of the Most Improved Player award have made their first All-Star appearance the year in which they won the award.
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This is not a coincidence and could once again wind up being the case this year in regards to Morant.
Currently sidelined with a sprained left knee, Ja Morant is averaging 24.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.6 steals and is shooting 47.6% from the floor on the year.
One of the most explosive guards in the entire league, Ja Morant is a show himself for NBA fans across the globe and it always seems like he is going to do something special every night he takes the floor.
He currently ranks 5th in the league in 20-point performances and tied for 4th in 30-point performances, which is why Morant needs to be the favorite for Most Improved right now.
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Compared to last year, Ja Morant is +5.0 in points, +1.6 in rebounds, +0.7 in steals, +2.1 in made shots per game and has increased his field goal percentage by 2.7%. If the Grizzlies guard can return prior to the All-Star break, he should be a first-time All-Star this year and be well on his way to winning Most Improved Player for the season.
