New Orleans Pelicans: Is Brandon Ingram a Lock for Most Improved Player?

With the NBA and New Orleans Pelicans bracing for a possible lost season, it is not too early to wonder if the Most Improved Player Award is already decided.

It now appears that resuming play in June is the best-case scenario for the New Orleans Pelicans, and with the Center for Disease Control recommending no gatherings of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks, it is possible the season will be cancelled entirely, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

With 64 games already played for the New Orleans Pelicans, it is fair to wonder if All-Star forwards Brandon Ingram is already a lock to win the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award.

When Brandon Ingram was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of a package for Anthony Davis, it looked like a fair trade. The Lakers got their All-NBA power forward and the Pelicans got a treasure trove of young players and picks for their superstar.

Now it looks like the Pelicans may have won the trade.

This is largely due to the play of Brandon Ingram, who has not only made his case as the most improved player in the league, but will also get some consideration for the All-NBA team and most certainly a max contract.

Ingram has been playing like an All-NBA forward, but there are several other players who have made a case for the Most Improved Player award in what could be a shortened season.

Here are the top five most improved players in the NBA this season. Does Ingram have it locked up? Let’s take a look.

With the recent news that Christian Wood has tested positive for the coronavirus, let’s first say that we hope the Pistons’ young center makes a safe and speedy recovery.

Now is also a good time to mention that if you need additional information about COVID-19, please visit the World Health Organization Website. Be smart and be prepared.

Wood’s unfortunate diagnosis ruined what was turning into a fairytale season. After going undrafted in 2015, Wood bounced around the league and was eventually waived by the New Orleans Pelicans before being claimed by Detroit.

With Detroit suffering myriad injuries and eventually trading Andre Drummond, Wood has gotten a chance to show what he can do in extended minutes and has made the most of it.

Wood has raised his career averages from 9.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game to 13.1 and 6.3, but it is what he has done since the Drummond trade that has opened eyes.

Wood is averaging 22.7 points and 9.9 rebounds since taking over at center for the Pistons, numbers that have Detroit going from wondering if they should re-sign Wood to if they’ll be able to.

Wood is set to be an unrestricted free agent and may have played himself into a big contract.

Let’s hope Wood recovers soon, as his electrifying dunks make him one of the most entertaining young players in the NBA. Take care, Christian!