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Siakam, Russell, Fox named finalists for NBA Most Improved Player award

Vivek Jacob
·Contributing Writer
Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) tries to keep Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) at bay during the first half in Game 1 of the NBA basketball playoffs Eastern Conference final in Milwaukee on Wednesday, May 15, 2019. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam has been named along with Brooklyn Nets guard D’Angelo Russell and Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox as the finalists for the NBA’s 2018-19 Most Improved Player award.

Siakam, who impressed as a member of the Raptors’ stellar bench last year, took a major leap forward this season as a borderline all-star, averaging 16.9 points (more than double his scoring output last year), 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists while shooting 54.9 percent from the field and 36.9 percent from three-point range.

Russell had quite an impressive year for the Nets as well, leading them to the playoffs with 21.1 points and seven assists per game over the regular season while Fox cast aside criticism from his rookie season with 17.3 points, 7.3 assists and 1.6 steals in his second year.

The winner will be announced at the 2019 NBA Awards, set to take place Monday, June 24.

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