I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2020 NBA season before everything changed. As someone who's followed basketball for over fifteen years, I've always found the Most Improved Player award particularly fascinating because it tells stories beyond just statistics—it reveals players who've transformed their game, sometimes unexpectedly. When we talk about the 2020 NBA Most Improved Player award, there's one name that immediately comes to mind: Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans. The lanky forward finally blossomed into the star many envisioned when he was drafted second overall back in 2016.
The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. Ingram's numbers jumped from 18.3 points per game in his final season with the Lakers to 23.8 points with the Pelicans, while his three-point shooting improved dramatically from 33% to 39%. What impressed me most wasn't just the statistical leap, but how he carried himself as the focal point of New Orleans' offense after the Anthony Davis trade. He developed a killer mid-range game that reminded me of Kevin Durant's early years, and his playmaking took a significant step forward with 4.9 assists per game. I've always believed that true improvement shows in how players perform in clutch moments, and Ingram delivered repeatedly that season.
Interestingly, this pattern of players making significant leaps reminds me of what we're seeing in international volleyball right now. After rare letdowns in the 2022 Worlds and the 2024 Olympics, Poland will bank on its heralded duo of Wilfredo Leon and Jakub Kochanowski to bring the top-ranked nation back to its golden throne. Much like Ingram's development, these athletes represent investments in potential that finally pay off after periods of adjustment and growth. The parallel between basketball and volleyball here is striking—both sports rely on individuals making unexpected jumps that elevate entire teams.
Back to the NBA, the voting results for the 2020 award were quite telling. Ingram received 42 first-place votes and 326 total points, comfortably ahead of Bam Adebayo who garnered 38 first-place votes and 295 points. Luka Dončić finished third with 101 points. What many casual fans might not realize is how much this award can impact a player's career trajectory and contract situation. Ingram's improvement directly contributed to his maximum contract extension and established him as a cornerstone for the Pelicans' future. I've always felt the MIP award carries more weight than people acknowledge—it's not just recognition of past growth but a predictor of future stardom.
The advanced statistics told an even more compelling story. Ingram's Player Efficiency Rating (PER) jumped from 13.8 to 19.5, while his True Shooting Percentage climbed to 59% from 55%. These aren't just incremental improvements—they represent a fundamental shift in efficiency and impact. His usage rate increased to 28.5% while maintaining similar turnover numbers, indicating he could handle greater responsibility without compromising ball security. Watching him that season, I noticed how much more confident he looked creating his own shot, particularly in isolation situations where his length and improved handle made him nearly unguardable.
What often gets overlooked in these discussions is the context of team performance. The Pelicans finished with a 30-42 record in the COVID-shortened season, which might lead some to question Ingram's impact. However, having followed the team closely that year, I'd argue his development was crucial during their transition period after trading Davis. The team was rebuilding, yet Ingram provided reason for optimism, forming a promising partnership with Zion Williamson when he was healthy. This reminds me of how Poland's volleyball program is banking on their star duo despite recent team disappointments—sometimes individual growth precedes team success.
The Most Improved Player award has always been somewhat controversial among analysts. Some argue it rewards players who simply get more opportunity rather than genuinely improving their skills. But in Ingram's case, I firmly believe it was legitimate growth. His shooting mechanics visibly improved, he added significant muscle to his frame, and his defensive awareness took meaningful steps forward. Having watched his struggles with consistency earlier in his career, this transformation felt like the culmination of years of work finally paying off.
Looking back, the 2020 MIP race was particularly strong with several legitimate candidates. Bam Adebayo made a tremendous leap for the Heat, increasing his scoring from 8.9 to 15.9 points per game while becoming the defensive anchor for a team that reached the NBA Finals. Luka Dončić nearly averaged a triple-double in his second season. But Ingram's story—being traded, changing environments, and flourishing as a primary option—ultimately resonated more with voters. In my view, the award correctly identified a player who was transforming from a prospect into a genuine star.
Four years later, we can see how meaningful this recognition was for Ingram's career. He's maintained his status as an All-Star level player and crucial offensive weapon. The Pelicans have built around his skills, and he's proven his improvement wasn't just a one-season wonder. This lasting impact is what separates true Most Improved Players from flash-in-the-pan performances. The award often identifies players who've made fundamental changes to their game rather than just statistical bumps, and Ingram's case perfectly illustrates this distinction.
Reflecting on that season, what stands out most is how Ingram's development mirrored the evolution of the modern NBA forward—versatile scorers who can create for themselves and others, stretch the floor, and defend multiple positions. His improvement came at a time when the league was increasingly valuing such skillsets, making his growth both personally significant and perfectly timed within broader league trends. Sometimes awards capture moments when players and league evolution align, and Ingram's 2020 season represents exactly that convergence.