Every season of the NBA There are several players who, without having stood out much in the previous year, manage to make a leap in quality in their respective franchises and exploit their game in such a way that they begin to be considered stars of the North American basketball competition.
The award for Most Improved Player It is the recognition of the end of the season that rewards the one who has been the best in this aspect. In recent years, the winners have been Ja Morant (2022), Julius Randle (2021), Brandon Ingram (2020), Pascal Siakam (2019), Victor Oladipo (2018 and Giannis Antetokounmpo (2017). But who starts as favorites to win the next course?
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder
Although he is already considered the best player in OKC, the franchise is increasingly ready to compete in the NBA for playoff positions. In the previous season he averaged 24.5 points and 5.9 assists per game. While they’re already very good on their own, increasing those numbers and the Thunder getting better could lead to him winning the award.
4. Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons
In his rookie year, the No. 1 pick in the 2021 Draft failed to win the Rookie of the Year award. Averaging 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game after a somewhat shaky start to his NBA career, Cunningham is highly likely to be one of the best-progressing players next season.
3. Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks
In 2021/22 with the Dallas Mavericks he was one of the candidates until the end thanks to his explosion as Luka Doncic’s second sword. Now, facing his new stage as the Knicks’ starting point guard, Brunson can show that he is cut out to be an NBA star.
2. Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves
Being next to D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns did not discourage Edwards, who last season showed signs that he could perfectly become the franchise player in Minnesota, even with the arrival of Rudy Gobert. His scoring talent is undeniable. We will have to follow this team very closely because great moments are coming up with their player.
1. Tyrese Haliburton – Indiana Pacers
Malcolm Brogdon’s trade to the Boston Celtics has left Haliburton as the Pacers’ sole conductor. The non-arrival of DeAndre Ayton (after the Phoenix Suns matched Indiana’s offer) keeps the former Kings player as the absolute star of the new Indianapolis franchise project.
