NBA Most Improved Player Picks, Predictions 2022-23: Brunson Ready to Take Next Step
We highlight the players to pick and watch for the NBA's Most Improved Player award.
The Most Improved Player Award is handed out annually to the NBA player who’s made the biggest jump from one season to the next. Recent winners include NBA champions Pascal Siakam and Giannis Antetokounmpo and walking highlight reel Ja Morant. Who will win the award this season?
Here are our top picks for the NBA's Most Improved Player award (odds via DraftKings Sportsbook).
Top NBA Most Improved Player Picks to Make
Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers (+1400)
Haliburton has been a phenomenal distributor since his rookie campaign, and he took his passing skills to the next level by dishing 8.2 dimes per game to go with 15.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in 2021-22. He’s now out of De’Aaron Fox’s shadow after a midseason trade to Indiana and Haliburton figures to see his numbers skyrocket as the leader of a team destined for the draft lottery.
The Pacers view Hali as a franchise cornerstone in the same vein as Reggie Miller, and the team is hopeful he’ll provide a 20-point, 10-assist season in his first full campaign with the team. His numbers in 26 appearances with the Pacers are encouraging (17.5 points, 9.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds) and if he can continue to build on them in 2022-23, he should be a favorite to win MIP throughout the season.
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks (+2200)
Brunson had the best season of his career in 2021-22 and he was in contention for the MIP award early in the season. The fourth-year man finished with 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, leaving plenty of room to grow this season.
Brunson agreed to a four-year, $100-million contract with the Knicks to become the team’s new starting point guard, and his production figures to take a big leap. Ja Morant’s averages jumped from 19.1 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in 2020-21 to 27.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in last year’s MIP season. If Brunson increases his scoring in the same way that Morant did, he would only need to put up 23 per game, which is a reasonable mark to hit.
We’ve already seen what Brunson can do as “the guy.” In 17 games without Luka Doncic last season, Brunson averaged 20.1 points, 7.5 dimes, and 3.9 boards. He averaged 27.8 points in the Mavs’ first-round playoff series against Utah, scored no fewer than 23 in any contest, and posted games of 41 and 31 points.
Jalen Green, Houston Rockets (+3000)
Green was electric last season, averaging 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists as a rookie. He got off to a rocky start to his NBA career, but after the All-Star break, Green upped his averages to 22.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists. He finished the season on a strong note, scoring 30 points in five straight and dropping 41 in the season finale against Atlanta.
If there’s one thing that drives award voters crazy, it’s scoring, and Green is money in that department. He’s been lights out in the preseason, and a second-year breakout seems imminent. He can win this award, especially if he drops 25 points per game.
Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets (+3000)
MPJ had a strong 2020-21 season in which he averaged 19 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. It looked like he was headed for a third-year breakout until back injuries limited him to just nine contests a season ago.
He’s fully healthy for the new campaign, and there’s obvious room for improvement as a scorer, rebounder, and facilitator. He’ll get the benefit of playing on a team that should make the playoffs and contend for a title, which is certainly helpful for any award narrative.
Where to Bet on NBA Most Improved Player Picks
NBA Most Improved Player picks made on 10/12/2022 at 8:08 a.m.
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