Top 5 early candidates for Most Improved Player award in the 2022-23 NBA season featuring Zion Williamson, Anthony Edwards, and more

After a thrilling opening week, the NBA season is currently in full swing, and with it all the highs and lows of the game are upon us. From the Portland Trail Blazers' undefeated streak to the winless LA Lakers, the season has provided no shortage of entertainment or drama.

The Washington Wizards have been the big story so far in the East, with the team posting a 3-1 record to start the season. Sitting atop the conference, however, are the Milwaukee Bucks, who appear eager to reclaim their space atop the NBA.

Although the undefeated Portland Trailblazers sit atop the West, the Phoenix Suns have also impressed. The team managed to hand the Golden State Warriors their second loss of the season this week, largely in part due to undrafted big man Jock Landale.

With the season in full swing, we want to take a look at the top five contenders to win the NBA's Most Improved Player award. Before we kick things off, we want to remind everyone that the MIP award is awarded to players who take their game to the next level.

Last year, Ja Morant won the award as he averaged 27.4 points. The season before, he had averaged 19.1 points. Last season, he also helped the Memphis Grizzlies to the No. 2 seed in the West.

With that said, let's kick things off with the top five early contenders to win this season's Most Improved Player award.

5. Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson has continued to both impress and worry NBA fans since entering the league. At his best, he was an All-Star in his second year (2020-21), impacting the game on both ends of the floor as the Duke Alum averaged 27 points. At worst, he has continued to be plagued by injuries that sidelined him for the entirety of last season.

Many have predicted that if Williamson is able to stay healthy this season, he could help fuel the New Orleans Pelicans to the Western Conference finals. As it stands right now, the FanDuel odds for Williamson to win the MIP award sit at +2700.

4. Lauri Markkanen

Lauri Markkanen has been on an absolute tear since being traded to the Utah Jazz this offseason. After posting a spectacular rookie season in Chicago, many believed 'The Finnisher' would go on to become a dominant stretch-four in the league.

Unfortunately, due to injuries, he missed long stretches during his time with the Bulls, subsequently leading the team to trade him to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

After an average year in Cleveland, Markkanen found himself shipped to Utah as part of a trade for Donovan Mitchell. The trade has seemingly helped Markkanen, who is averaging a career-high 21.5 points so far. Four games into the season, Markkanen sits in fourth place at FanDuel's odds for MIP at +1700.

3. Tyrese Maxey

In the absence of Ben Simmons, Tyrese Maxey stepped up for the Philadelphia 76ers last season. In his sophomore year, Maxey averaged a career-high 17.5 point on 48.5% shooting. It was more of the same in the playoffs for the Kentucky alum as he averaged 20.8 points.

With the addition of James Harden last season as the team's primary playmaker, Maxey seems poised to have yet another breakout year. If everything goes well for the third-year guard, he could very well find himself winning the NBA MIP award. As it stands right now, the odds of Maxey winning at FanDuel are +1500.

2. Anthony Edwards

You are probably wondering how Anthony Edwards will be the league's Most Improved Player after averaging 21.3 points last season. Although Edwards cemented himself as a force to be reckoned with, he remains a contender for the most improved player.

Much like Ja Morant, Edwards finds himself one of the favorites to win the MIP award despite already making a tremendous impact on the floor last season. After emerging as a sensational young star throughout his first two seasons in the league, Edwards sits in second place (+1100) among NBA MIP betting.

1. Tyrese Haliburton

Few players have made as big of a splash as Tyrese Haliburton. During his rookie season, Haliburton averaged 40.9% shooting from the 3-point line. During his sophomore season, the Sacramento Kings traded him to the Indiana Pacers. Since arriving in Indiana, Haliburton improved his numbers across the board.

In 26 games last season, he averaged 17.5 points to go along with 1.8 steals and 9.6 assists. It was a spectacular jump from his production in the first half of the season. As a result, he finds himself as the favorite on FanDuel to win the NBA MIP award at +900.

Who do you have winning the NBA MIP award? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.