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Aside from MVP, the NBA's Most Improved Player award has been a big topic of conversation. Following Ja Morant's win last season, many would like to see it trend away from star-level players and get back to what it used to be.
As the regular season comes to a close, there is a clear group of favorites for the Most Improved Player award. Among those players is OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Since joining the Thunder in the Paul George trade, SGA has proven to be a high-level prospect, and the 24-year-old has taken his game to new heights in 2023.
Through 55 games, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging a career-high 31.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists. This stellar play landed him the first All-Star nomination of his young career. After making this jump to superstar-level player, SGA should be among the frontrunners for MIP.
Another name regularly linked to the NBA Most Improved Player award is New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson. Since departing from the Dallas Mavericks in the offseason, he has proven he can be much more than a sidekick.
In his first season with the Knicks, Brunson is posting averages of 23.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 6.2 apg. Even with taking on more responsibilities, he has managed to still be one of the league's most efficient players. Following this dramatic increase in production, it's hard to deny his case for MIP this year.
Who is the clear frontrunner for NBA Most Improved Player this season?
While Jalen Brunson and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander both have strong cases, there is one player who should be the clear frontrunner for Most Improved Player. That being Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz.
Many were ready to call the former No. 7 pick a bust, but he has found new life with the Jazz this season. After things didn't work out with the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers, the 7-foot sharpshooter is finally living up to his potential.
Similar to SGA, Markkanen secured his first All-Star nomination this year. However, he was selected to be a starter.
Through 58 games, Markkanen is averaging career highs in points (25.2 ppg) and assists (1.8 apg) along with 8.6 rpg. He is also shooting 40.5% from beyond the arc on his highest volume ever.
Situations like this are what the NBA Most Improved Player award is all about: guys who have had slow rises who finally have the moment where they truly emerge as a promising talent. Considering all these factors, Markkanen should be the clear favorite to win the award this year.
Guess the Lakers players!
