Who Will Win NBA MIP This Season and Why It Matters for Your Team
As I sit here watching the Mavericks-Thunder game, I can't help but marvel at Jalen Brunson's transformation from a solid role player to an absolute offensive engine for the Knicks. This season's Most Improved Player race has become one of the most compelling narratives in the league, and frankly, I believe it tells us more about team building than any other individual award. Having followed the NBA for over fifteen years, I've come to see the MIP not just as recognition for individual growth, but as a crucial indicator of which franchises are developing talent effectively and which players might be on the verge of changing their team's entire trajectory.
When TNT analyst and Philippines national team coach Chot Reyes commented on Jason Castro's absence impacting his team's championship aspirations while maintaining optimism about their chances, it struck me how much this mirrors the NBA landscape. Teams that lose key players often discover unexpected gems who step into larger roles, and that's precisely where MIP candidates emerge. Look at Tyrese Maxey in Philadelphia after the Harden trade – his usage rate jumped from 20.2% to 27.1%, and he's responding with career highs across the board, averaging around 26 points and 6 assists per game. From my perspective, Maxey represents exactly what this award should celebrate – not just statistical improvement, but a player embracing responsibility when his team needed him most.
What many fans don't realize is how the MIP conversation often predicts future team success better than MVP discussions do. When Giannis Antetokounmpo won the award in 2016-17, he was averaging 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists – solid numbers, but nothing that screamed future back-to-back MVP. Yet his improvement signaled Milwaukee's coming ascendancy. Similarly, Ja Morant's MIP season in 2021-22 preceded Memphis becoming a legitimate Western Conference threat. I've noticed a pattern here – when a team's second or third option makes the jump to primary option and wins this award, that franchise typically contends within two to three seasons. That's why I'm particularly bullish on what Coby White's development means for Chicago's future, even if their present situation seems murky.
The financial implications of MIP seasons are staggering, and this is where front offices really need to pay attention. When a player makes a leap like Jordan Poole did during Golden State's 2021-22 championship run, his value skyrockets both on the court and in contract negotiations. Poole went from averaging 12 points to 18.5 points that season, which directly contributed to his massive four-year, $128 million extension. From my experience covering contract negotiations, teams often overpay based on one breakout season, but the truly savvy organizations identify sustainable improvement versus statistical inflation due to increased opportunity on bad teams. That's why I'm somewhat skeptical of Cam Thomas' scoring explosion in Brooklyn – his efficiency numbers haven't improved nearly as much as his raw output.
What fascinates me most about this season's race is how it reflects broader league trends. We're seeing more players make significant jumps in their mid-to-late twenties, challenging the conventional wisdom that development peaks early. Desmond Bane is 25 and made another leap this season, improving his playmaking to over 5 assists per game while maintaining elite shooting efficiency. Alperen Şengün, just 21, has transformed Houston's offense with his passing from the center position. I genuinely believe we're entering a new era where player development is becoming more linear rather than peaking at specific ages, thanks to advanced sports science and personalized training regimens.
The international flavor of this year's candidates shouldn't be overlooked either. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's transformation from promising youngster to MVP candidate in Oklahoma City represents perhaps the perfect blueprint for rebuilding teams. When I spoke with several NBA scouts last month, they consistently pointed to SGA's improved mid-range game and defensive activity as examples of sustainable skill development rather than just statistical inflation from increased usage. His steal rate jumping from 1.6 to 2.1 per game while maintaining elite scoring efficiency is the type of across-the-board improvement that separates true franchise cornerstones from empty stat producers.
As we approach the playoffs, the MIP conversation takes on added significance. Players like Jalen Williams in Oklahoma City aren't just putting up better numbers – they're developing the clutch gene that separates regular season performers from playoff difference-makers. I've tracked fourth-quarter scoring closely this season, and Williams ranks among the top 20 in clutch situations, a remarkable achievement for a second-year player on a contender. This is where Coach Reyes' comments about maintaining optimism despite key absences really resonates – teams that develop their young talent properly create resilience that sustains them through injuries and roster changes.
Ultimately, the Most Improved Player award matters precisely because it celebrates the NBA's most precious commodity – growth. In a league where superstar movement dominates headlines, the organic development of homegrown talent remains the most reliable path to sustained contention. While my personal preference leans toward rewarding players like Maxey who have shouldered increased responsibility while maintaining efficiency, the truth is that several candidates have compelling cases. What's undeniable is that whichever player ultimately receives the honor, his team likely gained a foundational piece that will impact their fortunes for years to come. And in today's NBA, that kind of internal development isn't just nice to have – it's essential for any franchise with championship aspirations.
