Top 5 Potential NBA MIP's for 2018-19

#1 Pascal Siakam

Toronto Raptors v Boston Celtics

Siakam is probably the likely winner in this category. He was a late first round pick in 2016 by the Toronto Raptors. Siakam has risen in the depth charts on a good Toronto team and is starting this season. His meteoric improvement is likely why Raptors general manager Bobby Webster felt comfortable including Jacob Poeltl in the deal for Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard.

Siakam is a tireless runner, rebounds his position well and for a 6’9 power forward he is often leading the Raptors' break. Whether finishing himself coast to coast or distributing to open teammates for good shot opportunities, Siakam is a reliable ball handler.

The stats reinforce just how much Siakam has improved. His scoring average is nearly double what it was in his sophomore season at 14.4 points per game. He averages 6.2 rebounds a game and has a high 60.4% field goal average. Also impressive and a major improvement in Siakam’s game is his three-point shooting. He is averaging 36.7% from behind the arc which is a 15% increase from last year’s 22%.

Siakam is currently listed as day to day with a lower back strain but has played 31 games for the Raptors this season. While much of the Raptors success is assigned to Kyle Lowry, Kawhi Leonard, Serge Ibaka, Danny Green and Jonas Valanciunas, Siakam has made himself an important piece to the puzzle for the Raptors’ championship aspirations.

The player that claims the Most Improved Player award this year will most likely surprise us all. The names mentioned on this list could change between now and June. In the meantime, its fun to watch from year to year which players will break through their own limitations or those placed upon them and reach a level of success previously unexpected.