With the threat of tampering no longer a case for concern, Magic Johnson is back to tweeting his opinions about today’s NBA players.
After sharing his list for the early contenders for the Most Valuable Player of the Year award, the 60-year-old all-time great said New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram and Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine are the top two candidates for the Most Improved Player of the Year honor.
Most Improved number one Zach LaVine and number two Brandon Ingram.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) November 25, 2019
Magic’s assumptions, of course, are way too early since we’re just a month into the 2019-20 NBA regular season. However, it’s hard to deny Ingram and LaVine merit after their scintillating start this year — emerging as the go-to scorers for their respective teams.
Johnson knows Ingram first-hand from their days with the Los Angeles Lakers, as the former once even claimed that the lanky forward is the only “untouchable” Laker during their disastrous run last year. Johnson relinquished his position as the team’s President for Basketball Operations last April, while Ingram was traded in the blockbuster Anthony Davis deal over the summer.
Since moving away from Hollywood, Ingram is averaging 26.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 12 games for the Pelicans. The 22-year-old Duke product is also averaging career highs in field goal percentage (51.6) and 3-point shooting (46.3).
LaVine, meanwhile, continues to be the most consistent player in the Bulls roster, with norms of 21.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.2 steals. He recently tied the NBA record for the second-most triples made in the game (13) in the Bulls 116-115 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.
Follow Us
Subscribe