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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

NBA Most Improved Player by Year

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?