A recent ESPN panel made their predictions about the NBA awards, including the battle for Most Improved Player between Brandon Ingram and Bam Adebayo.
The New Orleans Pelicans have two players in the hunt for awards, according to a recent NBA panel. Brandon Ingram is in a dog fight for Most Improved Player, and Zion Williamson is trying to prove he’s the real Rookie of the Year.
In both cases, it may come down to whether the New Orleans Pelicans can battle their way into the playoffs.
The panel was asked about every award and listed their top three picks. They then answered the questions, who should win the award and who will win the award.
In the case of Most Improved Player, the panel thought there was a clear winner, though weren’t sure if he would actually win. According to ESPN:
Who should win?
Bam Adebayo | MIA (53% first-place votes): 106 points
Brandon Ingram | NOP (6%): 52 points
Luka Doncic | DAL (12%): 30 points
Devonte’ Graham | CHA (12%): 29 points
Pascal Siakam | TOR (9%): 25 points
Who will win?
Bam Adebayo: 35%
Brandon Ingram: 35%
Devonte’ Graham: 12%
Luka Doncic: 9%
This is an interesting breakdown, as the panel clearly thinks Adebayo is the man to beat, but think Ingram may end up taking the award anyway.
Both have had excellent seasons and an argument can be made for either. Ingram is the more high-profile player, having been on the Lakers, then made the key piece of the Anthony Davis trade.
Adebayo is not nearly as well known, but has quietly put together a fantastic season on a team that is definitely going to the playoffs.
This one might come down to how the season ends for the New Orleans Pelicans, as a playoff berth could sway some voters towards Ingram, especially if he carries the team down the stretch.
Let’s play lawyer and make a case for both.