3 Best Candidates to Win Most Improved Player

Before any season, us fans love to try and predict the winners of each award. However, one award we tend to forget is the Most Improved Player. This is not one of the prestigious awards given out each season.

In fact, only one current Hall of Famer has won the award, which was Tracy McGrady back in 2001. It is usually given out to younger players that made a significant jump that nobody saw coming. Last year’s recipient was Julius Randle, who put on an All-Star season that no one envisioned.

It is hard to predict as to who is going to win this award. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t bet on it. Here are the three best bets for Most Improved Player.

3. John Collins, F/C (Atlanta Hawks)

Odds: +1800

John Collins and the Atlanta Hawks are coming off a surprise run to the Eastern Conference Finals. That was mostly due to their star player, Trae Young, carrying them through the first two rounds. There is one player that we have forgotten from this team.

That player is John Collins. This past offseason saw Collins get the big extension he was searching for. The Hawks have faith in the young big man.

Now it is time to put it all together. He is due for a bounce back season, as his points per game average dropped by four total points. Perhaps this is the season for him to take that step we have been waiting for since his sophomore season in the league.

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Odds: +700

One of the best potential stars in the NBA is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. We are all patiently waiting for him to take that jump into All-Star consideration. This could be that year.

SGA is entering his fourth year in the league and has accumulated good stats thus far, but has been stuck on a rebuilding franchise. Granted, they are still in that mode, but there should be improvements within the team.

SGA averaged 23.7 points per game last season, but only played 35 games, unfortunately. This season can see the same numbers, but a bigger sample size. SGA is currently one of the sleeper picks for an All-Star nod this season and could take home some hardware as well.

1. Michael Porter Jr., F (Denver Nuggets)

Odds: +750

The best bet for this award has to be Michael Porter Jr. for multiple reasons. One of those reasons has to be the absence of Jamal Murray for most of the season due to a torn ACL. He has now been thrusted into the second star spot behind the reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic.

Porter averaged 22.8 points per game and seven rebounds per game after Murray got injured. Another reason is the unselfish play from their star player. Jokic is a passing wizard, who gets everyone involved.

The main beneficiary this season should be Porter. Expect a huge season for a playoff contender. He is the best bet for the Most Improved Player award.