The NBA's Most Improved Player award race is looking like a tough one among several players in the league.
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The 2022-23 NBA season has gotten off to a flying start. With some biggest stars back from injuries, it is certain that the season is going to be an exciting one to watch. Players had a long offseason this time around as there were no Covid restrictions or any other problems affecting the league. They have certainly made great use of this and have fired on all cylinders. this campaign
The NBA awards the Most Improved Player of the Year trophy to recognise players who have made measurable differences in their game. Ja Morant was the recipient of the trophy last season, but there were a lot of names that were in the mix to win the award. Yet again, the MIP trophy race is looking stacked as many players have improved their game considerably this season. In this article, we take a look at five players who are contenders for the MIP trophy.
Desmond Bane was a leading contender for the Most Improved Player trophy last season as well. This time again, the guard has been on fire since the start of the campaign and is looking like a contender for the trophy. He has averaged 24.7 PPG on 46.5% shooting from the field and 45.1% from three-point range. His effort has helped the Grizzlies get off to a great start to the season. His pairing with Ja Morant in the backcourt is among the very best in the league. Bane is currently out with an injury, but if he continues performing at a high level once he’s back, the 24-year-old could make the MIP trophy his own this time around.
Tyrese Maxey has been playing great basketball for the Philadelphia 76ers this season. The youngster has taken up from where he left off last season and is proving to be an instrumental part in Philly’s pursuit of winning a championship. Maxey is averaging 22.8 PPG while shooting 44.8% from the field and 40.8% from three point range. His efforts have helped the 76ers stay competitive even with James Harden out. With the team expected to be a contender to come out of the West, Maxey could win the MIP trophy if he continues playing high octane basketball.
Tyrese Haliburton has ascended into becoming one of the best young point guards in the NBA this season. He is currently leading the league in assists with 10.3 APG. The Indiana Pacers traded for Haliburton last season and since then he has been a great addition for them. He has already become a crowd favourite in Indiana as his performances have helped the team look a lot better than they have in previous years. His stats clearly indicate that he has improved in several departments this season. If he continues putting up big performances, the 22 year old could be on his way to get to the MIP award.
Lauri Markkanen has been a man on a mission this season. Ever since he was traded to the Utah Jazz, the Finnish national has put up scintillating numbers. Markkanen is currently averaging 21.3 PPG and 8.4 RPG on 52.3% shooting from the field. His brilliance has helped the Jazz get off to a 10-6 start to the season. Markkanen’s goal is to make his way into the All-Star team and his performances are on track to help him get there. Considering that the Jazz are able to carry the same momentum till the end of the campaign, Markkanen could get to the MIP trophy.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been on fire for the OKC Thunder this season. The 24 year old has averaged 31.5 PPG and 5.8 APG. He has been clutch and also put in a great effort on the defensive end as well. With Chet Holmgren out, the Thunder team would have wanted a big performance from their players. Shai has again taken control of the team and has so far led them to a 6-8 record. He is very much in the MVP race, but if he isn’t abnle to get there, the MIP award could still be possible for him.
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