Staff Roundtable: 2020-21 NBA Season Predictions
![LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts with his MVP trophy and Finals trophy after winning the 2020 NBA Championship over the Miami Heat in Game Six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts with his MVP trophy and Finals trophy after winning the 2020 NBA Championship over the Miami Heat in Game Six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/fc802cedac689ac9a72b06c9d0a4369847b67e84107d12becd0fda41a6f81a75.jpg)
Most Improved Player
DJ: Troy Brown, Washington Wizards
Troy Brown was the Wizards best player in the Orlando bubble, and if he is able to improve on his performance there, he might be able to put up the numbers to justify the award. Brown was much improved as a shooter and passer this past season, and considering most players have their most significant jump from their second to third year, Brown has a better chance than most.
JT: Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Murray had one of the best showings in the bubble averaging 24.4 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 23 games. Putting up those numbers over a season will lock up the Most Improved award.
MO: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors
I think OG has really made improvements on his jumper which really help his scoring output. If he can make a scoring jump from 10 to like 15-17 points per game in addition to his great defense, he will be a worthy candidate for this award. He will have a lot of opportunities in Toronto and they have a great development system.
PF: DeAndre Ayton, Phoenix Suns
The top pick in the 2018 NBA Draft has had a solid start to his NBA career. In two seasons Ayton has put up respectable numbers and proven that he has the talent to take the next step. With Chris Paul in the mix in Phoenix this year, Ayton will have no excuses not to vastly improve his game. Paul is one of the best point guards of all-time and has spent the last 15 years making players better. In his second year, Ayton began to improve his defense, which will be the aspect of his game that will potentially hold him back. With Paul and Booker spacing the floor, Ayton could put up a giant stateline and actually help play winning basketball.
PL: Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Murray had a pretty good regular season last season, but it was in the bubble where he really shined. He scored over 30 points in 6 of the 19 games he played in the bubble and scored over 50 twice. These stats are a good sign for Nuggets fans as it possibly means he will continue to perform at this level. He acted as a leader during these 19 games and will continue to improve this upcoming season.
Final count: Jamal Murray 2, Troy Brown 1, OG Anunoby 1, DeAndre Ayton 1