Why Jalen Williams could be frontrunner to win major NBA award

With the Oklahoma City Thunder placing two preseason games under their belt, many of the players are showing off their improved skill sets and overall games. Even though these games consist of players being in a 'preparation' mode as opposed to full-go, some players are showing flashes of how good they can truly become.

One such player for the Thunder that is appearing to be taking a bigger leap is Jalen Williams. In just two preseason games, JDub has averaged 16.5 points with nearly four rebounds and two assists, as well as shooting 60% from three. Not to mention, all of this in roughly 16 minutes of playing time per game.

Can Williams win the NBA's Most Improved Player Award?

For the Thunder, this should look incredibly promising. If Williams is able to keep up this consistent play and put up great numbers alongside stacked teammates like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, Williams will be in a great position to win the Most Improved Player Award this coming season.

Playing 71 games last season, Williams averaged 19 points, four rebounds and almost five assists per game while also improving his three-point percentage from 36% to 43%. Such a jump from his rookie season placed him in fourth for the MIP award as well as 12th in Clutch Player of the Year.

Not to mention, last season Williams was second in pull-up effective field goal percentage where he displayed his ability to create his own shots and make them under a ton of pressure. With that, Williams also showed he could be the main threat when SGA was not playing.

As of right now, Williams has the sixth best odds to win the MIP award at +1800, according to BetMGM . Of course, the official season has yet to begin, so anything can happen. But if the rising OKC star can keep on improving his game as he has done in every other season, Williams will be in great position to become the 38th MIP recipient.

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