Our Picks:

The Most Improved Player of the Year award is given to the player who made the biggest leap from the previous season. This year, these are the players who stood out the most to us.

Other award considerations: Derrick White (Celtics), Coby White (Bulls), Scottie Barnes (Raptors), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Alperen Şengün (Rockets)

1.Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors

2022-23: 20.8 MPG, 9.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG
2023-24: 26.3 MPG, 16.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Jonathan Kuminga literally forced the Golden State Warriors organization to play him more, which proved to be a great decision as he tallied career highs across the major categories.

Jonathan Kuminga would’ve been one of the finalists if he got to play more sooner earlier in the season. https://t.co/Wf4L3uE9mV

— вяуαηт (@bryant_gotgame) April 21, 2024

His biggest impact came from his six-point improvement in scoring to help the team offensively with the aging roster.

He has shown he can be a valuable asset to the Warriors moving forward once Steph, Klay, and Draymond retire.

2. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers

2022-23: 33.6 MPG, 20.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG
2023-24: 37.5 MPG, 25.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Tyrese Maxey’s gradual improvement came as a surprise after replacing Ben Simmons in the 2021-22 season. This year, he posted higher highs, which earned him his first all-star selection.

I understand the argument that Tyrese Maxey was too good to be in the MIP conversation entering this year

However watching him blow past all the ceilings that were put on him this year changed my mind

No one saw him taking this All-Star/All-NBA leap and he deserves his flowers https://t.co/CSu2UlglPo

— Sean Barnard (@Sean_Barnard1) April 16, 2024

His biggest improvement came from plus-5 points per game and plus-3 assists per game compared to the previous season.

Also, despite MVP Joel Embiid missing most of the season due to an injury, he kept the team afloat until Embiid’s return.

3. Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets

2022-23: 16.6 MPG, 10.6 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG
2023-24: 31.4 MPG, 22.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG

The third-year Cam Thomas had the biggest leap in terms of usage, minutes, and averages this season. The 22-year-old more than doubled his scoring after receiving almost double the minutes than last year.

Cam Thomas not listed as a MIP finalist this year. Tyrese Maxey, Coby White, and Alperen Sengun beat him out.

Thomas saw a greater leap in PPG (+11.9) from last year to this one than all three finalists. He and White were the only two to improve their FG% year over year as well.

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) April 21, 2024

Aside from scoring, he also had career-high numbers in rebounds, assists, and steals category that the Nets hope will become consistent next year as they fight their way back to the post-season.

The 2023-24 Kia NBA Most Improved Player finalists pic.twitter.com/TqiPHuIZ0a

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 21, 2024