Who Won the 2020 Most Improved Player NBA Award and How They Achieved It

As I sit here reflecting on the most remarkable NBA career transformations, my mind keeps drifting back to that extraordinary 2020 season when Brandon Ingram completely reinvented his game. I remember watching his early days with the Lakers and thinking he had potential, but what he accomplished during his first season with the New Orleans Pelicans absolutely stunned me. The way he evolved from a promising young player to the NBA's Most Improved Player remains one of the most compelling career transformations I've witnessed in modern basketball.

When the NBA announced the 2020 Most Improved Player award, it wasn't just another routine announcement - it represented the culmination of a journey that began when Ingram was traded from the Lakers to the Pelicans as part of the Anthony Davis deal. I've always been fascinated by how players respond to being traded, and Ingram's response was nothing short of spectacular. His scoring average jumped from 18.3 points per game to 23.8, but the numbers only tell part of the story. What impressed me most was how he transformed his entire approach to the game - his three-point percentage skyrocketed from 33% to 39%, and his playmaking evolved dramatically with his assists climbing from 3.0 to 4.9 per game. These aren't just incremental improvements - they represent a fundamental reshaping of a player's identity.

The transformation reminds me of how athletes in other sports face similar turning points in their careers. Thinking about Poland's volleyball situation after their recent disappointments, I can't help but see parallels. After those 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. This mirrors how the Pelicans built around Ingram, trusting him to elevate his game and carry the team forward. Both scenarios demonstrate how organizations identify key talents and build systems around them, expecting transformative performances when it matters most.

What many casual observers miss about Ingram's improvement is how systematic the process was. I've studied enough player development cases to recognize when improvement is random versus when it's methodical. Ingram worked extensively with Pelicans shooting coach Fred Vinson, completely retooling his shooting mechanics. They focused on everything from his footwork to his release point, spending countless hours after practice. I remember reading that Ingram took approximately 500 extra shots daily throughout the offseason - that level of dedication separates true professionals from the rest. His ball-handling improved through similar rigorous training, with reports indicating he spent at least two hours daily working on dribbling drills and court vision exercises.

The mental aspect of Ingram's transformation often gets overlooked, but in my view, it's just as crucial as the physical improvements. Moving from the Lakers' shadow to becoming the focal point in New Orleans required complete psychological rewiring. He had to shift from being a complementary piece to embracing leadership responsibilities. I've spoken with several sports psychologists who've worked with NBA players, and they emphasize how this mental transition often proves more challenging than the physical adjustments. Ingram had to develop what they call "alpha mentality" - that unshakable belief that you're the best player on the court every single night.

Looking at the voting results, Ingram received 42 first-place votes out of 100, edging out Bam Adebayo by a significant margin. The margin of victory surprised me at the time, but watching his games throughout that season, the improvement was undeniable. He didn't just put up better numbers on a bad team - he elevated his efficiency while taking on greater responsibility. His Player Efficiency Rating (PER) jumped from 13.7 to 19.5, and his Win Shares per 48 minutes increased from .068 to .135. These advanced metrics confirm what my eyes told me watching him play - he transformed from a promising talent into a legitimate star.

The context of that season makes his achievement even more impressive. Remember, this was the COVID-affected season with the bubble restart in Orlando. Many players struggled with the unusual circumstances, but Ingram thrived. His performance in the bubble, particularly his clutch shooting and improved defense, demonstrated that his improvement wasn't just a flash in the pan. I watched every Pelicans bubble game, and what struck me was his poise in critical moments - something we rarely saw during his Lakers tenure.

Comparing Ingram's transformation to other Most Improved Player winners throughout history, I'd rank his season among the top five most significant improvements I've witnessed. The award typically goes to players who make substantial leaps, but Ingram's case was special because he changed the nature of his game rather than just improving statistically. He developed a reliable three-point shot, became a primary playmaker, and embraced defensive challenges he previously avoided.

Reflecting on this achievement years later, what stands out to me is how Ingram's story represents the perfect storm of opportunity, dedication, and proper coaching. The trade provided the fresh start, his work ethic created the foundation, and the Pelicans' development staff provided the roadmap. This combination reminds me of the challenge facing Poland's volleyball program - they have the talent in Leon and Kochanowski, similar to how the Pelicans had Ingram, but transforming individual talent into team success requires that same alignment of opportunity, dedication, and systematic development.

The lasting impact of winning the Most Improved Player award extends beyond the immediate recognition. In Ingram's case, it cemented his status as a franchise cornerstone and led to his first All-Star selection the following season. More importantly, it demonstrated that strategic player development can yield extraordinary results. As someone who's followed NBA player development for over fifteen years, I consider Ingram's transformation a masterclass in how organizations should approach nurturing young talent. His journey from lanky prospect to complete offensive weapon continues to inspire how I evaluate player potential and development trajectories across all sports.