Three Candidates For the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 2024?
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Lauri Markkanen had an outstanding season with the Utah Jazz last year and took home the award for the most improved player (MIP). Markkanen went from averaging just over 14 points a game to 25 and being named an All-Star. Huge improvements like this are rare however, they prove that players can make big jumps later in their careers compared to others. This season many candidates could take that big jump however, three candidates stand out the most.
Cade Cunningham
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Two years ago, Cade Cunningham instantly had an impact on the Pistons during his rookie year. Going into his second year expectations were high. Unfortunately, he got injured a few months into the season and didn’t play another game for the rest of the year. Cunningham is now healthy and ready to prove that he is able to be a 20-point-per-game scorer in this league. Cunningham will certainly surprise many this upcoming season, as some have forgotten about the hype that used to be surrounding him. Cunningham will likely start the season red hot, which will give many of the voters something to think about as the season begins.
Desmond Bane
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Desmond Bane had a terrific season last year and was a big part of why the Grizzlies had such a successful regular season. Coming into this season, Ja Morant is suspended for the first 25 games, so a lot of the offensive burden will fall on Bane. This means more touches and opportunities for Bane increasing the likelihood that he has a very strong start to the season. Bane could average up to 27 points a game while Morant is injured, making him a prime candidate for the MIP award.
Josh Giddey
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Josh Giddey has steadily improved in each season that he has played however, he has not made that huge jump yet. This upcoming season could be his year. Giddey is a constant triple-double threat every night and has started to gain the ability to take over games when needed. Giddey is due for a blow-up season similar to Dejounte Murray with the Spurs a few years ago, where he ends up averaging close to 23 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. These numbers are certainly feasible for Giddey as he continues to improve, and this would make him a primary candidate to win the award.
Predicted Winner
While all these players have a case to win Most Improved Player, I predict that Josh Giddey will take home the award next season. Giddey seems overdone for a breakout season, and while Cuningham and Bane both have a great shot at the award I believe both of their productions will slip a little as the season progresses while Giddey will be consistently great throughout.