2023 NBA Most Improved Player Predictions, Betting Odds, Picks

• Get the most recent 2023 NBA Most Improved Player odds
• Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards is the favorite to win the Most Improved Player Award
• View stats and trends that will help you beat the sportsbooks

The 2022-2023 NBA season is getting nearer and every single player is looking to improve on their performance from last year. We’re going to take a look at some of the players that will be in the running for the Most Improved Player of the Year award!

2023 NBA Most Improved Player Odds

Odds taken from PointsBet, odds taken on 30 Aug 2023

Let’s answer some of the most important questions about the NBA Most Improved Player Award.

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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 take into account scoring contributions, but production across the board and impact on success.

Winners of the Most Improved Player tend to be highlighted as some of the league’s rising stars. Many winners have gone on to become All-Stars, NBA Champions, and even members of the Basketball Hall of Fame!

Let’s take a look at some of the most important questions about the Most Improved Player award!

Who is the Favorite to Win NBA Most Improved Player in 2023?

(G) Tyrese Haliburton – 6-5, 185 lb (196 cm, 83 kg) – Iowa State

Tyrese Haliburton is one of the most under-discussed and talented young players in NBA. He ranked 7th in assists (8.2) and adjusted assists (9.6) while ranking 4th in passes made at 63.4. Elite playmaking. pic.twitter.com/csu1aVe454

— And One Analysis (@analysis_one) August 2, 2022

Incoming third-year guard Tyrese Haliburton was openly disappointed with his trade from the Sacramento Kings to the Indiana Pacers, but he made the most of his opportunity. After joining the All-Rookie Team in 2021, he’s been on an upward trend and is the sportsbooks favorite to be Most Improved Player.

Haliburton put in an excellent sophomore season, averaging 15.3 points, 8.2 assists, and 1.7 steals on 47.3% shooting from the field and 41.4% shooting from three. But he upped his game after joining Sacramento, averaging 17.5 points, 9.6 assists, and 1.8 steals on 50.2% shooting from the field and 41.6% from three.

After Indiana traded away All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis and lead guard Malcolm Brogdon, it’s been made clear that the future of the franchise lies with Haliburton. Already playing a massive role, Haliburton’s place as Indiana’s first option makes him an easy favorite for Most Improved Player.

Who are the contenders to win 2023 NBA Most Improved Player?

(G) Anthony Edwards – 6-4, 225 lb (193 cm, 102 kg) – Georgia

One of the most disrespectful dunks I ever seen 🤮 HBD ANTMAN 🤞@theantedwards_ (via @jnglert) pic.twitter.com/qhO4mOVug9

— Overtime (@overtime) August 5, 2022

Anthony Edwards is already one of the league’s most exciting young stars. With another season in the books, Edwards is expected to make another jump. With a defensive stalwart added to the Timberwolves in Rudy Gobert, Edwards focus on offence should be even greater.

In his sophomore campaign, Edwards posted 21.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on 44.1% shooting from the field and 35.7% from three. He didn’t add much more to his statistics, but his improved efficiency was impressive for such a young player.

With the additional threat of their new center Rudy Gobert, Edwards’ offensive potential should be unlocked to another level. If he can remain efficient while surrounded by the strongest team he’s ever had, Edwards can make a serious run at the Most Improved Player Award.

(G) Jalen Brunson – 6-1, 190 lb (185 cm, 86 kg) – Villanova

“That’s what you do!”

Dirk was HYPED as Jalen Brunson sealed the @dallasmavs win. 💯 pic.twitter.com/wnd3kiGKJf

— NBA (@NBA) December 22, 2021

After putting in the most impressive season of his young career, Jalen Brunson has signed on to be the lead playmaker for the New York Knicks. Despite his short stature, Brunson has proven to be an efficient scorer.

The New York Knicks have been missing leadership at the point guard position. Ranking 30th in assists per game, Brunson has the chance to drastically improve a Knicks team with high expectations.

(F) Zion Williamson – 6-6, 284 lb (198 cm, 128 kg) – Duke

Zion Williamson was an all-star last season averaging 27/7/4 on 61% FG.

Healthy Zion is a generational talent pic.twitter.com/ynyqnfxBIa

— Hilltop Hoops (@HilltopNBA) March 5, 2022

The NBA is waiting for Zion Williamson to make his return. He did not play during the 2021-22 NBA season due to injury, which makes many forget his 27.0 point, 7.2 rebound, All-Star worthy season in 2021. If he can get back to his pre-injury level with the Pelicans, there’s no question that he’ll be a Most Improved candidate.

Who was the 2022 NBA Most Improved Player?

2022 #NBAAllStar @JaMorant drops 30 PTS, 10 REB and 10 AST to lift the @memgrizz to the win and put up the highest-scoring triple-double in Grizzlies history! pic.twitter.com/3ZYw7vHI9x

— NBA (@NBA) January 29, 2022

Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies won the 2022 Most Improved Player award. Playing in just his third professional season, Morant led his Grizzlies to the Western Conference Semifinals. Averaging almost a triple-double through the NBA Playoffs surely improved his stock.

Despite playing just 57 games through the 2021-22 NBA season, Morant averaged 27.4 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds in 33.1 minutes per game. He improved his shooting across the board, averaging 49.3% from the field and 34.4% from three.

Morant accumulated 38 first place votes for the Most Improved Player award. It was one of the most competitive years for the prize, as he beat out Dejounte Murray of the Spurs who won 20 first place votes, and Darius Garland of the Cavaliers who won 11 first place votes.

When Will the NBA Most Improved Player be Announced?

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 airing of Inside the NBA.

NBA Most Improved Player by Year

Does the NBA Most Improved Player Receive A Prize?

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.

Have any Most Improved Player Winners Become All-Stars?

There have been 20 Most Improved Player winners who have gone on to 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 an All-Star in the same season.

Dale Ellis, Kevin Duckworth, Kevin Johnson, Gilbert Arenas, Zach Randolph, Goran Dragic, and Pascal Siakam went on to become All-Stars in subsequent seasons after winning the award.

Boris Diaw, Kevin Love, Pascal Siakam, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are the only winners who went on to become NBA Champions!

Tracy McGrady is the only Most Improved Player winner to be named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame!

Is the NBA Most Improved Player Determined by Fan Vote?

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 points respectively. The player with the highest point total wins the award.

Has There Ever Been a Unanimous Most Improved Player?

There has never been a unanimous winner of the Most Improved Player award. Victor Oladipo and Julius Randle are the closest to having been named unanimous winners, earning 99 and 98 first place votes respectively.

Have There Ever Been Joint Most Improved Player Winners?

There have never been joint Most Improved Player winners, nor have any players won the award multiple times.

Has an International Player Ever Won Most Improved Player?

👀 PASCAL SIAKAM’s 2018/19 Most Improved Player highlights! 🌶 pic.twitter.com/h9gNpBYa3l

— NBA Canada (@NBACanada) June 25, 2019

By nature of the NBA being an American league, the United States have dominated the Most Improved Player award. However, there have been six different non-American winners of the Most Improved Player award.

• Pascal Siakam – Cameroon (2019)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo – Greece (2017)
• Goran Dragic – Slovenia (2014)
• Hedo Turkoglu – Turkey (2008)
• Boris Diaw – France (2006)
• Gheroghe Muresan – Romania (1996)

Who Won the First NBA Most Improved Player Award?

“He would make your life miserable. He’s who I modeled my defense after.” – G. Payton

Alvin Robertson turns 58. DPOY, 4 x All-Star & one of the toughest defenders in NBA history

20 PTS, 11 REB, 10 AST, 10 STL
30 PTS, 10 STL, 6 AST
20 PTS, 10 STL, 7 AST
16 PTS, 10 STL, 9 AST pic.twitter.com/yRQ01QiwDc

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 23, 2020

The first ever winner of the Most Improved Player Award was Alvin Robertson of the San Antonio Spurs. In just his second season, Robertson went on to average 17.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 3.7 steals per game after playing in all 82 games.

Robertson went on to become the 1986 Defensive Player of the Year, six-time All-Defensive Team member, a four-time All-Star, and three-time steals champion.

Which Position Has Won the Most Most Improved Player Awards?

Guard (14)

Guards tend to have a great impact on the game, but the speed of the NBA tends to keep players from making an immediate impact.

Playmakers and defenders like Scott Skiles and Alvin Robertson just needed a few years to find their comfort and impact. However, pure scorers like Gilbert Arenas and Aaron Brooks needed to hone their skills as well as find the right fit for their game.

Forward (18)

The forward position has seen the most growth through the history of the NBA, so it shouldn’t be a surprise to see so many winners of the Most Improved Player award.

Some players undergo an entire positional change like Boris Diaw and Giannis Antetokounmpo and almost reinvent their game. Others like Hedo Turkoglu and Pascal Siakam took a few years to realize their potential as unique talents.

Center (5)

Centers seem to be the least likely to win the Most Improved Player award. Through history they’ve been players dependent on their teammates to generate offence, especially if they don’t have immediate offensive talent.

There are rarely large jumps in skill or production amongst centers, but don’t count out the defensive and efficiency growth of centers as seen through Gheorghe Muresan and Kevin Duckworth.

Who is the Youngest Ever NBA Most Improved Player?

By nature of the Most Improved Player Award, the player pool for the award are at least in their sophomore season. Sometimes, one year is all it takes for a player to find their ground in the league.

In order, the five youngest winners of the Most Improved Player Award are:

Who is the Oldest Ever NBA Most Improved Player?

The Most Improved Player Award celebrates the work ethic of some of the NBA’s most notable players. Growth is not limited to age, as shown by a number of winners.

In order, the five oldest winners of the Most Improved Player Award are:

Which NBA Franchises Have Produced the Most NBA Most Improved Player Winners?

Which NBA Franchises Have Never Produced a Most Improved Player?

There are 10 teams that haven’t produced a Most Improved Player winner:

• Boston Celtics
• Brooklyn Nets
• Charlotte Hornets
• Cleveland Cavaliers
• Dallas Mavericks
• Detroit Pistons
• Los Angeles Lakers
• Oklahoma City Thunder
• Utah Jazz

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