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The 2023-24 NBA season is on its way, and a few players already have great expectations going into their next campaign. We'll look at some of the players that will be in the running for the Most Improved Player of the Year award!
Odds taken from PointsBet, odds taken on 21 July 2023
| Player | Team | Odds |
| Mikal Bridges | Brooklyn Nets | +650 BET HERE |
| Cade Cunningham | Detroit Pistons | +1200 BET HERE |
| Tyrese Maxey | Philadelphia 76ers | +1300 BET HERE |
| Austin Reaves | Los Angeles Lakers | +1400 BET HERE |
| Alperen Sengun | Houston Rockets | +1400 BET HERE |
| Evan Mobley | Cleveland Cavaliers | +1400 BET HERE |
The NBA's Most Improved Player award is given to the player who has displayed the most impressive individual growth from their last season. The prize doesn't just consider scoring contributions but production across the board and impact on success.
Winners of the Most Improved Player are highlighted as some of the league's rising stars. Many winners have become All-Stars, NBA Champions, and even the Basketball Hall of Fame members!
Let's examine some of the most critical questions about the Most Improved Player award!
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| Season | Team | Age | Games | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% |
| 2022-23 | PHO-BKN | 26 | 79 | 36.1 | 20.2 | 4.4 | 3.3 | 1.1 | 0.7 | .475 | .399 |
When the Brooklyn Nets moved Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns, wing player Mikal Bridges was the key piece returning for them. Bridges showcased his scoring ability upon joining the Nets as an All-Defense level talent. With an entire season in a Brooklyn uniform as the number one option, expectations for Bridges are high.
Bridges was an impressive player for the Phoenix Suns last season, averaging 17.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 46.3% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range. Upon joining the Nets for 27 games, Bridges averaged 26.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists on 47.5% from the field and 37.6% from three on 2.5 made per game. While the Nets were swept in four games through the NBA Playoffs, Bridges still averaged an impressive 23.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists on 42.9% from the field and 40.0% from three.
The Brooklyn Nets will be building around Mikal Bridges in the near future. With that will come a massive opportunity to expand his game on top of his already stellar defensive quality. Expect Bridges to be in the running for Most Improved Player all season.
| Season | Team | Age | Games | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% |
| 2022-23 | DET | 21 | 12 | 33.3 | 19.9 | 6.2 | 6.0 | 0.8 | 0.6 | .415 | .279 |
After an impressive rookie campaign, a devastating injury left Cade Cunningham with the Detroit Pistons short a year of development. Now entering his third professional season, expectations are high with Cade Cunningham leading a new-look Pistons team managed by former Coach of the Year Monty Williams.
While the sample size is small, Cunningham's sophomore season began impressively. Through 12 games, Cunningham averaged 19.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists on 41.5% from the field and 27.9% from three-point range. While he didn't improve his three-point shooting efficiency, Cunningham's first season as a full-time point guard was filled with potential.
After recovering from surgery on an injured shin, many expect Cunningham to return as one of the NBA's top young talents. The Detroit Pistons are filled with impressive young players, but Cunningham's role as a playmaker and first scoring option will be critical to their overall success. After a near-full season off, it's easy to see why Cunningham is an early favorite to win Most Improved Player of the Year.
| Season | Team | Age | Games | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% |
| 2022-23 | PHI | 22 | 60 | 33.6 | 20.3 | 2.9 | 3.5 | 0.8 | 0.1 | .481 | .434 |
In his third season with the Philadelphia 76ers, Maxey showed why he is among the most exciting young talents in the NBA. While his Sixers disappointed in the NBA Playoffs for another season, Maxey retained his place as the youthful cornerstone of the Philadelphia 76ers team. With uncertainty around who will lead the Sixers' backcourt this coming season, the opportunity is ripe for a breakout season from Maxey.
Maxey's third NBA season saw him, once again, improve his scoring ability. He averaged 20.3 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.6 rebounds on 48.1% from the field and 43.4% from three on 2.7 made per game. He didn't falter in the post-season either, averaging 20.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 11 playoff appearances.
With rumors swirling around James Harden's future with the Philadelphia 76ers, Maxey may have the opportunity to be Philadelphia's lead guard. While not a pure point guard by any means, Maxey's pace and scoring ability has proven to be a great stepping-off point for his playmaking. Keep an eye on Maxey's growth this season.
| Season | Team | Age | Games | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% |
| 2022-23 | LAL | 24 | 64 | 28.8 | 13.0 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 0.5 | 0.3 | .529 | .398 |
Austin Reaves shocked many through the 2022-23 campaign. After a solid rookie season that saw him as a reliable role player for the Los Angeles Lakers, Reaves' sophomore campaign saw him become a vital piece of the Lakers' gameplan besides Anthony Davis and LeBron James. After signing a four-year $56 million extension, Reaves is expected to be one of the Lakers' most important pieces moving forward.
Reaves' 2022-23 campaign saw him improve drastically from his rookie season. He averaged 23.0 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds on 52.9% shooting from the field and 39.8% from three-point range. His most significant contributions came in the playoffs, though, where Reaves averaged 16.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds on 46.4% from the field and 44.3% from three on 2.4 made per game.
The Los Angeles Lakers have chosen to invest in Reaves as a centerpiece of their future while still aiming to compete for championships under the leadership of LeBron James. If Reaves can maintain his shooting efficiency in a more prominent role, he'll be a clear competitor for Most Improved Player of the Year.
Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz won the 2023 Most Improved Player Award. In his sixth professional season, Markkanen led his Utah Jazz to unprecedented success before faltering late and failing to qualify for the NBA Playoffs. The 7'0 Finn established himself as one of the most talented scorers in the NBA.In 66 regular season appearances, his most since his rookie season, Markkanen posted averages of 25.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists on 49.9% from the field and 39.1% from three on 3.0 made per game.Markkanen was the clear favorite to win the Most Improved Player Award in 2023, accumulating 69 first-place votes. He beat out runner-up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who came second with 24 first-place votes but was later rewarded with a First Team All-NBA selection. Third was New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, who earned four first-place votes.
The winner of the NBA's Most Improved Player Award is expected to be announced following the conclusion of the NBA regular season and the NBA Play-In tournament. It was previously announced at the NBA Awards show until its cancellation after the COVID-19 pandemic.Last year's Most Improved Player Award was announced by the winner's team while also being broadcast during an episode of Inside the NBA.
The winner of the NBA’s Most Improved Player does not receive a prize per se. In commemoration of their accomplishment, the award winner is written into NBA history as one of its most notable players.The Most Improved Player Award tends to signal the growth of a player and who to expect more from as their career moves forward.
There have been 20 Most Improved Player winners who have become NBA All-Stars. Alvin Robertson, Dana Barros, Tracy McGrady, Jermaine O'Neal, Danny Granger, Kevin Love, Paul George, Jimmy Butler, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Oladipo, Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle, and Ja Morant won the award and became All-Star in the same season.Dale Ellis, Kevin Duckworth, Kevin Johnson, Gilbert Arenas, Zach Randolph, Goran Dragic, and Pascal Siakam became All-Stars in subsequent seasons after winning the award.Boris Diaw, Kevin Love, Pascal Siakam, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are the only winners who became NBA Champions!Tracy McGrady is the only Most Improved Player winner to be named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame!
The NBA Most Improved Player Award is determined by a panel of sportswriters across the United States and Canada. Each panel member is allowed a first-, second-, and third-place vote worth 5, 3, and 1 point(s), respectively. The player with the highest point total wins the award.
There has never been a unanimous winner of the Most Improved Player award. Victor Oladipo and Julius Randle are the closest to being named unanimous winners, earning 99 and 98 first-place votes, respectively.
There have never been joint Most Improved Player winners, nor have any players won the award multiple times.
By nature, the NBA is an American league, and the United States has dominated the Most Improved Player award. However, six non-American players have been named the league's Most Improved Player.Lauri Markkanen - Finland (2023)Pascal Siakam - Cameroon (2019)Giannis Antetokounmpo - Greece (2017)Goran Dragic - Slovenia (2014)Hedo Turkoglu - Turkey (2008)Boris Diaw - France (2006)Gheroghe Muresan - Romania (1996)
Alvin Robertson of the San Antonio Spurs was the first-ever Most Improved Player Award winner. In his second season, Robertson averaged 17.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 3.7 steals per game after playing 82 games.Robertson became the 1986 Defensive Player of the Year, a six-time All-Defensive Team member, a four-time All-Star, and a three-time steals champion.
Most Improved Player of the Year Award winners have been distributed relatively evenly between guards and forwards, but forwards have the slight edge all-time. Forwards have won Most Improved Player of the Year 19 times, compared to guards, who have won 14 times, and centers, who have won just five times.
Three players have tied as the youngest Most Improved Player Award winner. Monta Ellis of the Golden State Warriors, Tracy McGrady of the Orlando Magic, and Gilbert Arenas of the Golden State Warriors all won the award at 21.In 2007, Ellis won the award by averaging 16.5 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.2 rebounds - increasing his scoring average by almost ten points per game.In 2001, McGrady took on the role of the first option and averaged 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists while earning his first All-Star berth and leading the Orlando Magic back to the NBA Playoffs.In 2003, Arenas averaged 18.3 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game while starting all 82 games for the Golden State Warriors.
Darrell Armstrong of the Orlando Magic was the oldest player to win the Most Improved Player award.At 30 years old, Armstrong won the award in 1999 and cleared the next oldest winner by two years. Armstong averaged 16.2 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in a lockout-shortened season in his Most Improved Player winning season.
The Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic have won the Most Improved Player of the Year award more than any other team in NBA history. With five winners in franchise history, the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic have provided an excellent opportunity for players to flourish.The players that have won Most Improved Player for the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic were:Indiana PacersVictor Oladipo (2018)Paul George (2013)Danny Granger (2009)Jermaine O'Neal (2002)Jalen Rose (2000)Orlando MagicRyan Anderson (2012)Hedo Turkoglu (2008)Tracy McGrady (2001)Darrell Armstrong (1999)Scott Skiles (1991)
Ten teams haven't produced a Most Improved Player winner:Boston CelticsBrooklyn NetsCharlotte HornetsCleveland CavaliersDallas MavericksDetroit PistonsLos Angeles LakersOklahoma City ThunderUtah JazzMost Improved Player isn't just about what the team presents for a player but how a player can step up and change their season stats and career trajectory. It's just a matter of time before these franchises develop a Most Improved Player of the Year on their own.
AUTHOR
Christian Jope
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Christian Jope is a writer, social media strategist, and data analyst. A Queen’s University Alumni, Christian is an author and social media strategist with Raptors Cage, while also working closely with MLSE and Canada Basketball through community-driven events.
Email: [email protected]
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