NBA Most Improved Player: 3 leading contenders to be named the NBA's MIP

#1 D'Angelo Russell

D'Angelo is finally living up to his lofty potential with the Brooklyn Nets

D'Angelo Russell was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the second overall pick in the 2015 draft, however, up until this season, many had accused the young point guard of failing to live up to his considerable talent.

Despite being earmarked as the future of the Lakers organization, Russell lasted just two seasons in Los Angeles, with the team opting to replace him with Lonzo Ball. Russell's debut season in Brooklyn was also considered underwhelming, although the 23-year-old has been resurgent during the current campaign.

Russell has averaged 21 points, 7.0 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game, while also shooting a career high from the field. During a terrific season, the guard also received his first All-Star selection -- and he posted a career-high 44 points against the Kings.

Russell's development has been one of the NBA's biggest surprises, and it is hard to make an argument that any individual has made more progress over the course of the 18/19 season.