The NBA’s Most Improved Player Award sounds within reach for many, but there’s more. It’s not about comeback stories; it’s about players having their best season yet. The award highlights those showing significant development in a single year.
To be eligible, players must appear in at least 65 games during the 2024-25 season, ensuring the honor goes to someone who has been consistent, not just a one-hit wonder. It’s about a consistent effect.
So who has the best chance to take home the hardware this season?
It helps if we start by breaking down key trends from the past 20 seasons. For starters, scoring carries significant weight, with 24 of the last 25 MIP winners increasing by at least 5.0 PPG. Also, 10 of the past 11 winners averaged 20.0 PPG during their MIP season.
It’s also worth noting that five straight winners, and seven of the last eight, made the All-Star team the same year they won MIP. Being on a team projected to make the playoffs helps, as 13 of the last 20 winners have come from such teams. Diving deeper, 11 of the 20 MIP winners played for teams that won more games than the previous season.
While this used to be an award dominated by second-year players, 12 of the last 16 winners were in their third or fourth year.
Main contenders
Jalen Williams, PF/SF/C, Oklahoma City Thunder (+450)
Williams is making a strong case for Most Improved Player this season with significant growth in all — PPG, RPG, APG, SPG and BPG. With Chet Holmgren sidelined by injury, Williams’ role expanded even further. His versatility stands out, because he is not only a forward or forward but also started in the center. He is an elite defender and also averages 32.3 MPG. Expect the third-year player to continue to fill the box.
What works in his favor: Williams is a key piece on a playoff-contending team, and with Holmgren out, he’s now Oklahoma City’s second-best player behind MVP hopeful Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Earning an All-Star spot would boost Williams’ MIP bid.
What works against him: Williams finished fourth in MIP voting last year, so he will need to improve on his current averages of 19.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG and 4.5 APG to stay in the race. That’s how fierce the competition is this season.
Jalen Johnson, PF, Atlanta Hawks (+650)
Johnson was one of the best young players in the league. After averaging just 5.6 PPG and 4.0 RPG in 2022-23, he followed it up with 16.0 PPG and 8.7 RPG last season, but injuries limited him to 56 games, making him ineligible for MIP. This year, Johnson has been a force, averaging 19.4 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.4 SPG and 1.1 BPG in 36.6 MPG. Those numbers mark significant improvements from previous seasons.
What works in his favor: Johnson’s all-around stats put him on track to join an exclusive club. Only five players — Oscar Robertson, Nikola Jokic, Kevin Garnett, Domantas Sabonis and Sidney Wicks — have averaged 18+ points, 10+ rebounds and 5+ assists in a single season. Despite playing for a rebuilding Hawks team, hitting those marks could give him the edge for MIP.
What works against him: Hawks teammate Dyson Daniels makes a case for MIP with strong defensive stats (3.4 SPG, 1.1 BPG) even if his other per-game averages (14.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.1 APG) aren’t as eye-popping. If he maintains 4.5 shares per game, he could surpass Michael Jordan’s historic 1988 season where he averaged a higher per game average. This could split MIP votes between Daniels’ defense and Johnson’s offensive improvement.
Franz Wagner, SF/PF, Orlando Magic (+850)
Wagner is making waves as one of the NBA’s most versatile players. He just recorded his fourth straight game with 25+ points — a best streak. It was also Wagner’s 13th career game with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Offensively skilled and defensively sharp, Orlando’s defensive rating is better with him on the floor. The only other team with a better defensive rating than Orlando is Oklahoma City. Wagner’s per-game averages improve year after year, making him a leading contender for this award.
What works in his favor: Paolo Banchero’s absence due to a torn right oblique afforded Wagner an opportunity to showcase his basketball IQ and playmaking ability. His MPG also increased significantly with Banchero out.
What works against him: Banchero’s return will reduce Wagner’s usage, and while he can still thrive, it won’t be as easy to get the numbers necessary to beat the others in this hotly contested race.
Long shots to consider
RJ Barrett, SG/SF/PF, Toronto Raptors (+1500)
Barrett has been a different player since joining the Raptors. He’s averaging 23.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG and 6.5 APG this season — nearly identical numbers to his 32-game stint with Toronto last year after the trade from New York. He attacks the basket, creating in the paint and finishing at the rim with efficiency. With Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley out, the Raptors needed Barrett to fill a bigger role, and he has done so in a big way, keeping defenses on their heels.
What works in his favor: The absence of Barnes and Quickley boosted his role, giving him massive usage.
What works against him: When Barnes and Quickley later return, it will eat into Barrett’s production.
Cade Cunningham, PG, Detroit Pistons (+1600)
Cunningham is leading the Pistons’ surprising start this season. He’s been electric over the past 10 games, averaging 21.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG and 9.4 APG, with four triple-doubles in that span. He also joined elite company, becoming only the sixth player in NBA history to notch 3,000 points, 900 assists and 150 steals in their first 150 games. Cunningham’s versatility and leadership is turning heads and keeping Detroit in the mix.
What works in his favor: His 32.4% usage rate shows that he is a key contributor. He plays unselfishly, finding open teammates when doubled, and could make the All-Star jump.
What works against him: It boils down to health. Last year, his averages were strong, but he played just 62 games — under the 65-game minimum for NBA awards. His career high is 64 games as a rookie.
Norman Powell, SG/SF, Los Angeles Clippers (+1600)
Powell has shattered expectations this season. With Kawhi Leonard out and James Harden focused on playmaking, Powell has stepped up as the Clippers’ leading scorer. He is putting up 23.3 PPG in 33.5 MPG and is shooting 49% from the floor with a 25.8% usage rate. Powell accepted the opportunity for a greater role after the departure of Paul George to Philadelphia. He wanted to start at shooting guard — and he’s proving why, thriving in the spotlight.
What works in his favor: Leonard’s absence due to knee recovery gave him a clear runway to produce. Even when Leonard returns, load management will likely keep opportunities open for Powell.
What works against him: Age If Powell wins the Most Improved Player award at 31, he would be the oldest in NBA history to do it, breaking Darrell Armstrong’s record at 30. It’s a unique storyline, but voters may lean toward younger players with more years ahead.
