Is 7-foot-2 Bol Bol a legit contender for NBA Most Improved Player award? Analyzing the Sudanese players' chances to win MIP over other candidates

Bol Bol has had an outstanding campaign in his first stint with the Orlando Magic. As a result, there is a chance that he might be considered for the 2022-23 NBA Most Improved Player award.

The award committee shocked the NBA community last year after they handed the award to Ja Morant. While Morant had an exceptional season, many believed his winning Rookie of the Year in 2020 showed that he had star potential.

However, players have made significant leaps in their careers early in the 2022-23 season, making the decision a tough one. The Magic big man has been one of the bright spots for the team and is now being considered one of the top ten contenders for the award.

The Sudanese's early career was filled with hurdles, ranging from injuries to playing ridiculously fewer minutes. Although he was selected in the second round of the 2019 draft, he had potential and was once projected to be a top-ten pick.

Bol Bol's resurgence has been a sight for sore eyes, as fans are thrilled to watch the 7-foot-2 big man play at the level many believed he could. Although the Magic are not having a successful campaign, having dropped to 14th in the Western Conference, their contributions are a big reason they have five victories so far.

The 23-year-old is averaging 13.3 points and 8.2 rebounds in 26.2 minutes. It is a huge improvement for a player who has averaged 2.7 points and 1.2 rebounds in the last three years.

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Can Bol Bol win the 2023 Most Improved Player award?

Bol Bol of the Orlando Magic looks on during a game against the Golden State Warriors

Coming into the season, Bol Bol was nowhere near in contention for the 2023 MIP award. However, he has broken into the top ten across several betting platforms.

Some of the early favorites included the Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards and the Philadelphia 76ers' Tyrese Maxey.

With the Timberwolves acquiring Rudy Gobert, many believed Edwards would benefit from pick-and-roll action with the Frenchman but things have not gone as planned.

Maxey, on the other hand, has continued to elevate his game and has become one of the key players for the Sixers, even with James Harden and Joel Embiid on the roster.

Golden State Warriors Jordan Poole was arguably the favorite to win the award following his contributions to their championship run. Unfortunately, the guard has struggled for form this season and is not playing as well as was expected.

There are still a lot of games to be played in the NBA, and things could change for the remainder of the season. Nonetheless, Bol's chances of winning the award are average as several other players have made significant leaps in their careers.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lauri Markkanen, and Tyrese Haliburton are some of the players to watch. But even if Bol does not win the award, it is worth noting that the big man has made the most of his opportunity.

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