NBA Most Improved Player 2020: February Power Rankings

So far, the 2019-20 regular NBA season has been stuffed with numerous interesting story lines, many of which were possible because of injuries of major superstars. The absence of some of the big names created space for the rising stars to shine brighter than they ever have. No doubt the NBA is brimming with quality basketball talent. But it is only when that skill executes consistently, is when we witness the culmination of a breakout year.

The ongoing season has been a ride. The All-Star lineups saw a bunch of new faces as a plethora of players excelled in their newest roles. With the promise that his year has incorporated, it can be stated with firm belief that the NBA's future is in safe and steady hands.

Considering the numbers put forward by a select group of individuals thus far, we shall take a look at the front-runners for the 'Most Improved Player' award as the All-Star break gets weaving in full swing.

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#5 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai is 4th amongst all sophomores in points per game.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's breakout year has been instrumental to Oklahoma City Thunder's uncharacteristic success this year. While the Thunder (33-22) sit comfortably inside the playoff window, SGA is averaging career-high numbers in 19.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, while shooting 46% from the field.

Unlike most athletic second-year players, Shai uses crafty dribble moves to create unguardable angles on his way to the rim. The Canadian started for Team World in the 2020 Rising Stars challenge and is well on his way to elevating to an All-Star level as early as next year.

The 21-year-old has started in all 55 games for OKC this year, playing over 35 minutes per contest, and is recording 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game while commiting less than 2 turnovers on average.

#4 Domantas Sabonis

Sabonis bagged his first All-Star berth this year.

After averaging 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game last season, Domantas Sabonis leapfrogged his way to an elite campaign this year. His double-double averages of 18.3 points and 12.5 rebounds per game were good enough to make him an All-Star for the first time in his career.

He has been leading his team in both scoring and rebounding, while shooting over 54% from the field. Son of Arvydas Sabonis, Domas took the role of the Pacers franchise man while Victor Oladipo was out nursing his injury and made sure his squad landed a surefire playoff spot this year as well.

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#3 Jayson Tatum

Tatum is develping into a superstar right before our eyes.

After enduring an unexpected sophomore slump under Kyrie Irving last year, Jayson Tatum stepped up to his reputation this year in explosive fashion. Tatum's scoring average jumped from 15.7 ppg last year to 22.4 ppg (team-high) at the moment for the Celtics.

The 21-year-old power forward is also recording 6.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game, all of which are career-high averages. Shooting almost 39% from beyond the arc this season, the Duke product has been a lethal all-round weapon for the surging Celtics side.

He is clearly the top scoring option on a roster that is enroute to make a deep playoff run. And having excelled in a postseason atmosphere right in his rookie year, Tatum is ready to make the next big leap.

#2 Brandon Ingram

Ingram is set for a max contract extension in New Orleans.

While Brandon Ingram suffered terribly last year due to a blood clot issue, his dominance in a Pelicans uniform has just been top notch. His career-high averages of 24.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game are the highest of any player in the past two decades slated to become a restricted free agent.

The 22-year-old leads his new team in scoring by a fair margin, and is attempting a career-high 18 shots per game from the field. His confidence and poise are on a whole new level. Despite NOLA not being able to make a big splash this year, the young core holds immense potential and promise for a brisk rebuild in the near future.

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#1 Bam Adebayo

Bam won the Skills challenge on All-Star weekend.

Bam Adebayo's scoring average jumped from 8.9 ppg to a 15.8 ppg on a playoff-bound team. His all-round numbers in 10.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks per game have been nothing short of spectacular for Miami all year long.

He has broken out in a major way as a starting power forward for the franchise as his minutes have shot up to 34.5 per contest. The 22-year-old embodies the fighting spirit of the Heat franchise, and has fit just right in with their system.

Also, Adebayo is the second-youngest player (after Dwyane Wade) in the Heat franchise history to be named Player of the Week.

Bam Adebayo defeats Domantas Sabonis in the Finals to win the #TacoBellSkills challenge! #NBAAllStar WATCH #StateFarmSaturday on @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/jLtuRx0wSl

— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2020