Three Prominent Candidates for the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2024
The NBA’s Most Improved Player (MIP) award is typically one of the hardest to predict. Some players are more likely candidates than others because of their team's off-season moves or the direction their teams are pursuing. For example, Victor Oladipo became an all-star in 2018 after being traded for Paul George and unexpectedly lead the Pacers to a playoff berth when everyone thought they would be a lottery team. It’s scenarios like Oladipo’s that are difficult to anticipate, but there are usually a few candidates that stand out from everyone else. Here are some likely candidates to have a breakout season and possibly win the NBA’s 2024 MIP award.
Jabari Smith Jr.
Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle
After back-to-back 30-point games in the NBA 2K24 Summer League in Las Vegas, Smith Jr. demonstrated a polished offensive arsenal and a defensive tenacity that could make him one of the elite two-way players in the NBA. Smith Jr. was already a solid defender last year and made some extremely clutch game-winners toward the back half of the season. Carrying over that strong momentum from the 2023 season should propel Smith Jr. to continue his substantial improvements from the summer league. Additionally, the signings of Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and Jeff Green will help Smith Jr. continue to round out his offensive arsenal, and he can learn from some experienced veterans. Smith Jr. will likely be the third option behind VanVleet and third-year guard Jalen Green, but that should allow him to pick his spots well and improve his three-point efficiency. He won’t have all the offensive responsibilities on his shoulders, which will allow him to focus on defense more, as that’s an area he’s already excelled in.
Bruce Brown
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The Indiana Pacers signed Brown to a two-year, $45 million contract once 2023 free agency began, so they see him as a cornerstone player heading into the 2024 season. Brown doesn’t really have many weaknesses in his game, as he’s an improved three-point shooter, an elite perimeter defender, and a valuable playmaker. He should fit well next to Tyrese Haliburton in the Pacers’ backcourt, who should set Brown up for many easy shots. Plus, given the Pacers' offensive-focused philosophy, Brown will have more offensive responsibilities and opportunities than ever before. The Pacers don’t have too many secondary scorers and playmakers outside of Haliburton, so Brown should thrive in an increased role next season.
Austin Reaves
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When the Lakers overturned nearly half their roster at the 2023 trade deadline, it was clear Reaves would step into a larger role as the team’s secondary ball-handler and third-best player as the starting shooting guard. He averaged roughly 18 points per game (PPG) after the trade deadline, much higher than his regular season average of just 13 PPG. Furthermore, Reaves averaged 17 PPG on over 40 percent from the three-point line in the Lakers’ second-round playoff matchup against the Golden State Warriors. Reaves is set up for another breakout season, as he’ll now have a full year as a starter with increased offensive responsibilities. He may be the most likely candidate on this list due to his massive improvements in the last few months of the 2023 regular season and the playoffs.
