Five Most Improved Player Candidates for 2023
Including One Intriguing Sleeper Pick
The NBA’s Most Improved Player award is exactly what it sounds like — an award given to the player who made the biggest leap from one season to another. This upcoming season features plenty of worthy names, but who sticks out among the rest?
Here are five of my candidates for the 2022–23 MIP award.
LaMelo Ball
2021–22 Stats: 20.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 7.6 APG; 43% FG, 39% 3PT, 87% FT
The 2021 Rookie of the Year impressed in his sophomore season, and now he has the potential to take it even further. The Hornets have struggled to get out of the Play-in in consecutive years, but with LaMelo continuously improving, that may change.
So far, Ball’s point-per-game average has jumped from 15.7 his rookie year to 20.1 last season. Additionally, his assists increased from 6.1 to 7.6. With these trends in his game, who’s to say he won’t go for 25 and 10 next year (or at least somewhere close to that range)?
The Hornets are not done with their offseason, but the additions of rookies Bryce McGowens and Mark Williams look promising. The same goes for James Bouknight, Cody Martin, and P.J. Washington, who all have potential to grow next year. With all of these weapons at LaMelo’s disposal, he looks ready to earn the MIP and lead Charlotte into the playoffs for the first time since 2016. After all, the third time’s a charm.
Anthony Edwards
2021–22 Stats: 21.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.8 APG; 44% FG, 36.7% 3PT, 78.6% FT
Like LaMelo, Edwards had a stellar sophomore year, including unreal averages of 25.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3 APG, and 1.2 SPG in the playoffs. Now, he could take his game to the next level — especially after the Timberwolves traded for Rudy Gobert. With the Frenchman at the five, KAT shifting to the four, and D’Angelo Russell still running the show, Ant has the opportunity to show out and help lead Minnesota into a solid playoff run.
One aspect of Edwards’s game that improved from his rookie to sophomore season was his three-point shooting (32.9% to 35.7%). Now, with Gobert in the picture, Ant’s floor-spacing will be critical for the Timberwolves’ offense. Likewise, he’s continuously improved on the defensive end, most recently averaging 1.5 steals and 0.6 blocks per game.
Edwards has developed into a great two-way player and is a star in the making. His third year will be essential for his success, and if all goes well, it could end with him raising the Most Improved Player trophy at season’s end.
Jalen Brunson
2021–22 Stats: 16.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 4.8 APG; 50.2% FG, 37.3% 3PT, 84% FT
After playing next to Luka Doncic for four years (and complimenting him perfectly as both a backup and starter), Brunson will now be shining solo in the Big Apple. He turned heads around the league without the Slovenian sensation, averaging 20.4 PPG, 7.5 APG, and 3.9 RPG on 49–35–81 splits in 17 games. His game skyrocketed in the Western Conference Finals, leading the Doncic-less Mavs and boasting 32 PPG on 51–41–85 splits.
All of these statlines are a glimpse of what’s to come with Brunson on the Knicks. He has plenty of weapons at his disposal, from Julius Randle (if he stays) and Obi Toppin to RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson. The Knicks moved Heaven and Earth to sign Brunson — including hiring his dad as an assistant coach — and now he has plenty of expectations that he could definitely fulfill. The 25-year-old is more than ready for the bright lights, and NBA fans from MSG to Malibu are in for a show.
Tyrese Haliburton
2021–22 Stats: 15.3 PPG, 4 RPG, 8.2 APG; 47.3% FG, 41.4% 3PT, 84.2% FT
Haliburton is helping usher in a new era for the Pacers. Ever since being traded from the Kings in a deal for Domantas Sabonis, he has given fans a glimpse of things to come. Since arriving in Indy at last year’s Trade Deadline, he erupted for 17.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 9.6 APG on 50–41–85 splits.
From his 23-point, six-assist debut, Pacers fans knew they acquired a special talent. Since then, he’s recorded a career-high 17 dimes in a 121–118 win over the Pacers, as well as a 30-point performance against the Celtics on Apr. 1. Joining a young core with Chris Duarte, Jalen Smith, and rookie Bennedict Mathurin, Hali is poised for a breakout year, with the hopes of pushing the Pacers into a successful postseason run and cementing himself into a future star.
Herb Jones
2021–22 Stats: 9.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 2.1 APG; 47.6% FG, 33.7% 3PT, 84% FT
Finally, one name to look out for when it comes to MIPs is Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans. An underrated forward for NOLA, his role increased in their first-round series against the Suns, averaging 10.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.8 APG, and 1.8 SPG on 47–42–77 splits in six games (all starts).
One unique aspect of Jones’s game is the fact he drew eight charges last year, something he actually enjoys (as quoted in Jim Eichenhofer’s article):
“‘For me, (the most satisfying defensive play is drawing) charges,’ Jones said after Saturday’s practice. ‘Because (it means) I’m kind of beating (the offensive player) to the spot. I’m kind of outsmarting you, too. So I’d definitely say a charge (is more rewarding than a steal or block).’”
Aside from the charges, Jones also attained 243 deflections last season, and recorded other stats that often go unnoticed.
You can count on Herb to continue hustling on both ends and contributing in key moments next year. He’s someone who stars in his role, and has the potential to be in the running for the Most Improved Player award.
Whether it’s stars in the making or players who star in their roles, these five will be among the pool of Most Improved Player candidates to look out for next season.
