Who Will Win NBA Most Improved Player? Top Contenders and Predictions

As I sip my morning coffee and scroll through this season’s NBA stats, one question keeps popping into my head—who will win NBA Most Improved Player this year? It’s one of my favorite awards, honestly. There’s something special about watching a player break through their own ceiling, transforming almost overnight from a role player into a star. I’ve followed this race closely over the years, and this season’s contenders are as exciting as they are unpredictable. Let’s dive into the top candidates, but before we do, I want to draw a quick parallel from an unexpected place—international volleyball. You might wonder what volleyball has to do with basketball, but stick with me. In a recent match between the Philippines and Thailand, the Philippines secured a superior set ratio (PHI 1.800 - 1.667 THA), breaking their tied win-loss records (both 3-1) and match points (8 points each) to finish the first leg on top. That tiny decimal difference decided everything. It’s a lot like the MIP race: sometimes, it’s not just about the raw numbers, but the nuances—how a player elevates their team, handles pressure, and stands out when everything’s on the line.

Take Tyrese Maxey, for example. I’ve been a fan since his rookie year, but this season? He’s exploded. With James Harden’s departure, Maxey stepped up as the Philadelphia 76ers’ secondary scorer, boosting his points per game from around 20 last season to nearly 26 this year. His three-point shooting has been lights-out, hovering at about 42%, and he’s dishing out over 6 assists per game. But it’s not just the stats—it’s the clutch moments. I remember watching that overtime thriller against the Celtics where he dropped 30 points and hit a game-tying three. That’s the kind of leap that screams “Most Improved Player.” Yet, as in the Philippines-Thailand volleyball scenario, where a slight edge in set ratio made all the difference, Maxey’s competition is fierce. Coby White of the Chicago Bulls is another guy I’ve got my eye on. He went from a streaky bench player to a reliable starter, averaging close to 19 points and 5 assists while leading the Bulls in minutes. His efficiency jump is staggering—his field goal percentage climbed from 44% to over 47%, and he’s become a vocal leader on the court. I’ve chatted with fellow analysts who argue White’s impact is more dramatic because the Bulls were written off early, much like how Thailand’s volleyball team fought hard but fell short on a technicality. In White’s case, though, his team’s struggles might actually highlight his growth, making him a dark horse.

Then there’s Jalen Williams from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Man, this kid is special. In his second year, he’s gone from a promising rookie to a cornerstone, upping his scoring from 14 points to over 19 per game and shooting a ridiculous 54% from the field. His versatility on defense and ability to create shots in isolation remind me of a young Paul George. But here’s where my personal bias kicks in—I think Williams has the highest ceiling long-term, even if he doesn’t win MIP this season. Why? Because, similar to how the Philippines’ set ratio broke the tie in volleyball, Williams’ all-around contributions—like his steals and rebounds—give him a subtle edge that stats alone might not capture. I recall a game against the Nuggets where he guarded Nikola Jokić on switches and held his own, something he rarely did as a rookie. That’s growth you can’t ignore. On the flip side, some fans are rallying for Alperen Şengün of the Houston Rockets, who’s averaging a double-double with roughly 21 points and 9 rebounds. His post moves have gotten so smooth, and he’s even developed a reliable three-pointer. But I’ll be honest—while I love his game, I worry his team’s performance might hold him back. The Rockets are improving, but they’re not playoff-bound yet, and voters often favor players on winning teams. It’s like Thailand in that volleyball match: they had the same record and points, but the finer details cost them the top spot.

So, who’s my pick? I’m leaning toward Tyrese Maxey, and here’s why. In my years covering the NBA, I’ve noticed that MIP winners often combine statistical jumps with narrative appeal. Maxey didn’t just improve; he filled a superstar-sized void and kept the 76ers in contention. His player efficiency rating (PER) jumped from around 17 to 22, and his usage rate skyrocketed. But let’s not forget Coby White—if the Bulls sneak into the play-in tournament, he could pull off an upset. Ultimately, though, I think Maxey’s consistency and highlight-reel plays will sway voters. It’s like that Philippines-Thailand example: when things are tied, the small advantages matter. For Maxey, it’s his efficiency in crunch time and improved defense that might be the tiebreaker. Whatever happens, this race reminds me why I love sports—it’s full of surprises, and every season, someone new steps into the spotlight. As we gear up for the playoffs, I’ll be watching these players closely, and I’d love to hear your thoughts too. Who do you think will take home the hardware? Drop a comment and let’s debate—after all, that’s half the fun.