Every NBA season, individual player development is a narrative that captivates fans and pundits alike. More so than in previous seasons, some players have stepped into the spotlight with remarkable improvements in their skills and impact on the court in 2023-24. This season has witnessed a surge in breakout performances, and we present the top 10 leading candidates for the coveted NBA Most Improved Player award.
From scoring surges to all-around contributions, these players have not only elevated their games but have become linchpins for their respective teams, creating a buzz of excitement and anticipation across the basketball world. Here are the 10 leading candidates for the Most Improved Player of the Year award right now.
10. Cade Cunningham
2022-23 Statistics: 19.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 6.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG
2023-24 Statistics: 22.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 7.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Cade Cunningham’s third NBA season has proven to be a testament to his continuous development and growing impact on the court. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, expectations were high for Cunningham, and he is gradually living up to the hype.
What stands out in his 2023-24 statistics is not only the uptick in points per game, showcasing his scoring prowess, but also his refined playmaking abilities. With an increase in assists per game from 6.0 to 7.0, Cunningham is evolving into a more well-rounded player, demonstrating a heightened comfort level in facilitating offensive plays.
What makes Cunningham’s performance even more remarkable is his resilience within the context of the Detroit Pistons’ challenging season, marked by a 24-game losing streak. Despite the team’s struggles, Cunningham has emerged as a shining beacon of hope. His ability to handle the dual responsibilities of scoring and playmaking has become a crucial lifeline for the Pistons, offering glimpses of the All-Star potential that initially justified his No. 1 draft selection.
9. Franz Wagner
2022-23 Statistics: 18.6 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG
2023-24 Statistics: 20.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Franz Wagner’s third season in the NBA has been nothing short of impressive, solidifying his status as a rising star for the Orlando Magic. The No. 8 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Wagner made waves as a rookie, earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team with notable averages of 15.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
Fast forward to the 2023-24 season, and Wagner has elevated his game to new heights, showcasing significant improvement on the offensive end. With a notable increase in points per game from 18.6 to 20.0, Wagner’s scoring prowess has become a key component of the Magic’s success.
What makes Wagner’s evolution particularly intriguing is his efficiency, shooting an impressive 44.9% from the field. This uptick in offensive output, combined with his well-rounded contributions in rebounding and playmaking, has positioned Wagner as one of the standout players for the Magic. In the context of Orlando’s 16-9 record, Wagner’s impact becomes even more pronounced, solidifying his role as a cornerstone player alongside the likes of Paolo Banchero.
8. Desmond Bane
2022-23 Statistics: 21.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
2023-24 Statistics: 24.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Desmond Bane’s ascent to prominence in the NBA is nothing short of spectacular, with his 2023-24 season standing as a testament to his rapid development. As a 2021 draftee, Bane already showcased promise in his sophomore year, but the current campaign has seen him elevate his game to unforeseen heights.
With an impressive surge in scoring, from 21.5 to 24.6 points per game, Bane has seamlessly assumed the number one scoring role for his team, especially in the absence of star player Ja Morant.
What sets Bane apart is not just his offensive prowess but his well-rounded contributions on both ends of the court. Averaging 5.2 assists per game, he has become a playmaking force, showcasing versatility beyond being a scoring threat. Additionally, Bane’s defensive impact has been notable, with increased steals and blocks per game, emphasizing his effectiveness on both ends.
The absence of Morant has only amplified Bane’s significance, and his stellar performances have not gone unnoticed, positioning him as a prime candidate for his first All-Star Team appearance and firmly establishing him as a top-10 contender for the Most Improved Player award.
7. Cam Thomas
2022-23 Statistics: 10.6 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG
2023-24 Statistics: 23.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Cam Thomas has emerged as a dynamic offensive force for the Brooklyn Nets in the 2023-24 season, showcasing a remarkable leap in his scoring prowess. The youngster’s journey from averaging 10.6 points per game in his debut season to an impressive 23.9 points per game is indicative of his rapid development and growing confidence on the court.
While the sample size is relatively small at 17 games, Thomas’s ability to consistently contribute offensively has made him a shining light for a Nets team navigating challenges with a .500 record.
What sets Thomas apart is not just the statistical uptick but the palpable confidence he exudes as a scorer. His flashes of brilliance from the previous season have evolved into a more consistent and impactful offensive game. While it remains to be seen how his performance unfolds over a larger sample size, Thomas’s ability to be a primary offensive option for the Nets signals a promising trajectory for the young player.
6. Shaedon Sharpe
2022-23 Statistics: 9.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
2023-24 Statistics: 17.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Shaedon Sharpe has stepped into a prominent role for the post-Damian Lillard Portland Trail Blazers, embracing the challenge of becoming a primary scoring option with commendable results. The guard’s transformation from averaging 9.9 points per game in the previous season to an impressive 17.4 points per game underscores his burgeoning offensive capabilities.
In the absence of established players and with rookie Scoot Henderson temporarily in the G-League, Sharpe has seized the opportunity to showcase his scoring prowess and has done so with commendable efficiency, shooting a solid 36.0% from beyond the arc. What makes Sharpe’s improvement particularly notable is his well-rounded contribution to the game.
Not only has he become a more prolific scorer, but he has also enhanced his rebounding and playmaking abilities, averaging 5.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. As the Blazers navigate a transitional period, Sharpe’s evolution becomes a crucial storyline because he is only getting better at only 20 years old.
5. Coby White
2022-23 Statistics: 9.7 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG
2023-24 Statistics: 17.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Coby White has quietly transformed into a key figure for the Chicago Bulls, demonstrating a breakout season that has somewhat flown under the radar. The 2019-20 All-Rookie Team member has seen a substantial improvement in his offensive game, elevating his scoring from 9.7 to an impressive 17.5 points per game.
What sets White apart is not just the increase in scoring but his remarkable efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, where he’s shooting an impressive 42.4%. White’s emergence as one of the league’s premier marksmen adds a valuable dimension to the Bulls’ offensive arsenal.
Despite the potential rebuilding scenario with Zach LaVine on the trading block, White has remained a consistent and reliable presence on the court. White’s breakout season becomes a compelling narrative, showcasing his ability to not only adapt to changing circumstances but also thrive and contribute at a high level.
4. Scottie Barnes
2022-23 Statistics: 15.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.8 BPG
2023-24 Statistics: 20.3 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.3 BPG
Scottie Barnes has seamlessly transitioned from being the 2022 Rookie of the Year to asserting himself as the rising star for the Toronto Raptors in the 2023-24 NBA season. His exceptional rookie campaign, with averages of 15.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, set the stage for his growth, and Barnes has undoubtedly elevated his play to new heights this season.
Averaging an impressive 20.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, Barnes has solidified his status as a multifaceted force on the court. What makes Barnes’ progression particularly compelling is not just the statistical improvement, but the holistic impact he brings to the game.
His ability to contribute across scoring, rebounding, playmaking, steals, and blocks reflects a rare versatility that defines elite players. As he becomes the focal point of the Raptors’ future, the decision to potentially place Pascal Siakam on the trading block underscores the team’s commitment to nurturing Barnes’ growth and positioning him as the cornerstone for their success.
3. Tyrese Haliburton
2022-23 Statistics: 20.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 10.4 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
2023-24 Statistics: 24.9 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 11.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Tyrese Haliburton’s meteoric rise to stardom in the 2023-24 NBA season is nothing short of spectacular, as the Indiana Pacers guard has not only maintained his All-Star caliber play but has elevated it to new heights. Averaging an impressive double-double with 24.9 points and 11.9 assists per game, Haliburton has positioned himself as not only one of the best playmakers in the league but also a scoring force to be reckoned with.
What makes Haliburton’s performance even more remarkable is his impact on the Indiana Pacers’ success, as they find themselves above .500 and on the rise in the competitive landscape of the NBA. Haliburton’s emergence as a potential superstar has been pivotal to the team’s up-and-coming status, serving as the linchpin for their offensive prowess and strategic playmaking.
His consistency in becoming a favorite for the All-Star Team for the second consecutive year is a testament to the sustained excellence that Haliburton brings to the court. As great as Haliburton has been, he is behind two players for the Most Improved Player race.
2. Alperen Sengun
2022-23 Statistics: 14.8 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.9 BPG
2023-24 Statistics: 19.9 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Alperen Sengun has emerged as the standout player for the Houston Rockets in the 2023-24 NBA season, showcasing an extraordinary level of all-around impact reminiscent of the reigning Finals MVP, Nikola Jokic. With an uptick in scoring from 14.8 to 19.9 points per game, Sengun has become a force to be reckoned with on the offensive end.
His ability to contribute across the board, exemplified by averages of 8.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game, echoes the versatility that has drawn comparisons to one of the league’s most elite players. With an emphasis on ball movement and defense, Sengun has become a linchpin for the team, drawing double-teams and proving to be a constant matchup problem for opponents.
In the context of his impact on both ends of the court, Sengun’s playmaking ability as a big man adds a unique dimension to the Rockets’ style of play and he is the second-favorite in the Most Improved Player race.
1. Tyrese Maxey
2022-23 Statistics: 20.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG
2023-24 Statistics: 25.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 6.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Tyrese Maxey’s transformation into a bona fide star for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2023-24 NBA season is nothing short of extraordinary, positioning him as the favorite for the Most Improved Player award. With the departure of James Harden, Maxey has not only stepped into a larger role but has flourished, becoming an All-Star and a fringe superstar alongside Joel Embiid.
His energetic and confident style of play has not only elevated his individual performance but has also created a positive and impactful presence in the team’s locker room. Maxey’s offensive prowess has been a terror for opposing teams, boasting impressive shooting percentages of 46.0% from the field, 39.9% from beyond the arc, and 89.1% from the free-throw line.
The 23-year-old’s journey from a promising talent to a key player deserving of All-Star recognition makes him the standout candidate for the Most Improved Player award. Hopefully, we can continue seeing Maxey improve his game because the sky could be the limit for the young guard.
