Who Were the Top 5 Contenders for 2020 Most Improved Player NBA Award?

As a longtime NBA analyst and someone who’s spent countless hours breaking down player development trends, I’ve always found the Most Improved Player award one of the most exciting to predict. It’s not just about raw stats—it’s about narrative, opportunity, and that magical leap from role player to star. So when looking back at the 2020 contenders, there’s a lot to unpack. Let me walk you through my personal take on the top five contenders for that season, blending stats, context, and a bit of gut feeling.

First up, you absolutely have to talk about Brandon Ingram. Before the 2019-20 season, Ingram was seen as talented but inconsistent. Then he got traded to New Orleans, and wow—what a transformation. His scoring average jumped from around 18 points per game to nearly 24, and he started hitting threes at a 39% clip, up from barely 33% the year before. I remember watching him in pick-and-roll situations and thinking, “This guy’s playing with a completely different level of confidence.” He went from being a secondary option on the Lakers to the focal point of the Pelicans’ offense, and that responsibility clearly suited him. Plus, he added some playmaking, averaging over 4 assists per game. The narrative was strong: a former number two pick finally putting it all together.

Then there was Bam Adebayo. I’ll admit, I didn’t see this coming early on. In his first couple of seasons, Bam was mostly known for his energy and defense off the bench. But in 2020, he became the heart of Miami’s surprising run. His numbers exploded—from 8 points and 7 rebounds to about 16 and 10—but it was his passing that really blew me away. A center averaging over 5 assists? That’s just wild. I recall one game where he had a triple-double with blocks included; it felt like watching a young Draymond Green but with more athleticism. The Heat’s system unlocked him, and his improvement was a huge reason they made the Finals.

Luka Dončić deserves a mention too, even if some argued he was already a star. His jump from rookie year to sophomore season was ridiculous—he went from 21 points per game to nearly 29, along with 9 rebounds and 9 assists. I mean, those are MVP-level numbers. I’ve always been a sucker for players who take on more usage and efficiency simultaneously, and Luka did that while keeping the Mavericks in playoff contention. Sure, he was great as a rookie, but in 2020, he was orchestrating everything, hitting step-back threes like they were layups. Some voters might’ve thought he was too good too soon, but you can’t ignore that kind of leap.

Another guy who caught my eye was Jayson Tatum. He made that classic third-year jump, boosting his scoring from 15 to 23 points per game and becoming an All-Star for the first time. What stood out to me was his shot creation; he went from relying on spot-ups to iso scoring like a veteran. I watched him drop 40 points in a game against the Clippers and thought, “This kid is unstoppable.” His three-point percentage dipped a bit, but his volume and difficulty of shots increased, which told me he was embracing the alpha role in Boston.

Rounding out my top five is Devonte’ Graham. Okay, he might not be a household name, but his story is what the MIP award is all about. The guy went from averaging 4 points to 18, and he became Charlotte’s primary ball-handler out of nowhere. He was launching threes at high volume—over 9 attempts per game—and hitting them at a 37% rate. I remember thinking how fun it was to see an underdog seize his moment. Sure, his efficiency wasn’t elite, but for a second-round pick to become a go-to option? That’s the stuff of improvement legends.

Now, you might wonder how this connects to broader themes in sports, like resilience after setbacks. Take, for example, Poland’s volleyball scene, which faced rare letdowns in the 2022 Worlds and the 2024 Olympics. Just like in the NBA, they’re banking on their heralded duo of Wilfredo Leon and Jakub Kochanowski to bring the top-ranked nation back to its golden throne. It’s a reminder that improvement isn’t just individual—it’s about teams and nations rallying around key players to overcome disappointments. In the NBA, that’s what the MIP award often highlights: players turning personal growth into collective success.

In wrapping up, the top 5 contenders for the 2020 Most Improved Player NBA award each brought something unique to the table, from Ingram’s star turn to Graham’s Cinderella story. Personally, I’d have voted for Bam Adebayo because his two-way impact felt the most transformative, but honestly, any of them would’ve been a deserving winner. Whether you’re a fan or an analyst, tracking these leaps is one of the most rewarding parts of following the game.