Just like that, we are nearing the mid-season stage of the 2023–2024 NBA season. With this, predictions and projections of the regular season awards, start to become more present in the NBA world. As a result, we are starting our predictions series with one of the most interesting awards, the Most Improved Player. Who are the candidates for this year’s award?
Tyrese Maxey – Philadelphia 76ers
His incredible improvement with the 76ers easily allows him to be the top one on this MIP list. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers prior to the start of the season, they have been able to manage an incredible performance throughout the first 30 games, positioning themselves in third place in the Eastern conference, being only 2.5 games behind the first seed.
This success and consistency is partially due to Maxey’s jump across the board, Making the most of this new opportunity as the starter point guard.
Alperen Sengun – Houston Rockets
Yet another sublime performance boost, the Houston Rockets center is experiencing the best season in his three-year NBA career until now.
The 16th pick in the 2021 draft has improved pretty much every aspect of his game, both defensive and offensively, playing a huge role in the Houston Rockets franchise, with chances of clinching a playoff or play-in seed at the end of the regular season. He is a solid MIP candidate.
Scottie Barnes – Toronto Raptors
The 22-year-old Toronto Raptor Is having an incredible improvement in the third season of his career. Not only is he an incredible offensive catalyst for the Raptors, but he is also an excellent Rebounder and an unusual playmaker for his eyes.
Nevertheless, his team is not in a good spot in the eastern conference, currently being in 11th place with barely 12 wins and 18 losses, having a particular losing streak over the last 10 games, where they have only managed to win three of them. Therefore, it is safe to say that the Raptors need to improve as a team for Barnes to have a shot at this award.
Coby White – Chicago Bulls
His performance jump with the Chicago Bulls has been phenomenal thus far. Even though he had a decrease in statistics last season when compared to his previous three years in Chicago, his 2023-2024 season has been outstanding for his role in the team.
He is a really versatile, consistent guard overall, averaging nearly 45% from the field and almost 40% from the three-point line, Becoming a crucial part of Chicago’s solid performance throughout the regular season.
Tyrese Haliburton – Indiana Pacers
Just like previous most-improved player candidates, he might be a level above this award. His performance as the Indiana Pacers superstar is the main reason why the team has seen an unreal boost and winning games, being second place in the NBA In-Season tournament, and having a record of 15-14 so far this regular season.
They finally have a real chance of clinching a great playoff seed and performing well in them.
Text sources: nba.com
