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The candidates for the Most Improved Player of the Year (MIP) have shown consistency in the 2022-23 season. In the previous edition of Sportskeeda's MIP power rankings, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander topped the list, and now we'll see if he keeps his place on top.
In this month's update on the MIP power rankings, the usual players were able to stay in the top five. There have been players who have fallen out of the race after getting plagued by injuries. There's one new player who was able to crack the top five, and the four remaining players have sustained a high level of play to keep their spot.
With that said, let's check out how they've performed over the past month. Here are the latest power rankings for the MIP race!
#5 Anfernee Simons
Previous month's NBA MIP Power Ranking - #4
Last Week: Games played - 2; Games won - 1; Games lost - 1
Overall: Games played - 34; Games won - 18; Games lost - 16
Last Week: PPG - 20.0, APG - 2.0, RPG - 4.5
Overall: PPG - 22.6, APG - 4.0, RPG - 3.0
Last Week: FG% - 38.9%, 3P% - 36.8%, SPG - 0.5
Overall: FG% - 44.2%, 3P% - 38.3%, SPG - 0.8
Since taking the fourth spot last month, Anfernee Simons has been spectacular for the Portland Trail Blazers. The 23-year-old guard is Damian Lillard's protegé, and has been a reliable source of offense.
Simons has been outstanding as some experts debate whether he should be an All-Star this season.
#4 De'Aaron Fox
Previous month's NBA MIP Power Ranking - N/A
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 2; Games lost - 1
Overall: Games played - 33; Games won - 19; Games lost - 14
Last Week: PPG - 27.0, APG - 9.0, RPG - 2.0
Overall: PPG - 22.6, APG - 4.0, RPG - 3.0
Last Week: FG% - 52.5%, 3P% - 37.5%, SPG - 0.3
Overall: FG% - 50.6%, 3P% - 33.9%, SPG - 0.9
De'Aaron Fox has a shot at winning the MIP award this season to lead the Sacramento Kings back to relevancy. For the first time since the 2005-06 season, the Kings could make a return to the postseason. All thanks to Fox, who has not only improved himself, but also the entire team.
#3 Lauri Markkanen
Previous month's NBA MIP Power Ranking - #3
Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 0; Games lost - 4
Overall: Games played - 37; Games won - 18; Games lost - 19
Last Week: PPG - 31.5, APG - 0.5, RPG - 11.8
Overall: PPG - 23.9, APG - 1.9, RPG - 8.5
Last Week: FG% - 51.9%, 3P% - 37.8%, SPG - 0.5
Overall: FG% - 52.8%, 3P% - 42.1%, SPG - 0.6
In the first few editions of the MIP rankings, Lauri Markkanen took the top spot in his plays leading the Utah Jazz. While the Jazz have fallen out of playoff contention, "The Finnisher" is still playing at a high rate.
Markkanen could still take the top spot in the MIP race, but he has to be better than the other candidates.
#2 Tyrese Haliburton
Previous month's NBA MIP Power Ranking - #2
Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 3; Games lost - 1
Overall: Games played - 36; Games won - 20; Games lost - 16
Last Week: PPG - 22.0, APG - 8.0, RPG - 3.3
Overall: PPG - 20.7, APG - 10.1, RPG - 3.9
Last Week: FG% - 51.7%, 3P% - 44.4%, SPG - 2.3
Overall: FG% - 48.5%, 3P% - 41%, SPG - 1.8
After being disrespected by Wally Szczerbiak, Tyrese Haliburton has shown why he's one of the top players in the NBA right now. He's leading the league in assists and has led the Indiana Pacers to a possible appearance in the postseason.
Before Christmas, he dropped a career-high 43 points, including 10 made shots from 3 to capture the win against the Miami Heat.
#1 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Previous month's NBA MIP Power Ranking - #1
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 1; Games lost - 2
Overall: Games played - 33; Games won - 13; Games lost - 20
Last Week: PPG - 23.3, APG - 6.0, RPG - 5.0
Overall: PPG - 30.8, APG - 5.8, RPG - 4.8
Last Week: FG% - 46.2%, 3P% - 40%, SPG - 1.3
Overall: FG% - 49.9%, 3P% - 35.4%, SPG - 1.7
Topping this edition's rankings is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was also number one last time. The OKC Thunder may be one of the worst teams this season, but they have a gem who has improved tremendously. SGA is fourth in the league in scoring, proving that he's worthy of being the league's MIP.
