The Sixer Sense
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Quarter-season NBA Awards ballot: Philadelphia 76ers earning consideration

By Christopher Kline

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

Most Improved Player: De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings

2. Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors

3. Josh Richardson, Miami Heat

While I don’t inherently agree with the philosophy, most people don’t award Most Improved Player to sophomores. De’Aaron Fox might present the rare exception, though, taking his game to another level for a much-improved Kings team.

Fox is averaging 17.3 points and 7.5 assists per game, showing shades of star potential as Sacramento’s offensive spark plug. He’s a wholly different player compared to last season, making more high-level passes, improving on defense, and knocking down threes.

During his lone season at Kentucky, Fox struggled to produce behind the three-point line. He did little to defuse those concerns as a rookie, hitting just 30.7 percent of his 2.1 attempts per game. Those numbers have jumped up to 37.3 and 3.0 this season, a massive boost in both efficiency and volume.

While not an elite shooter, adding that pull-up triple to his arsenal will elevate Fox even further. As someone with serious questions entering the draft, Fox is making the Kings’ front office look surprisingly competent right now. He’s the perfect blend of character and talent for a rebuilding team.