NBA Most Improved Player of the Year (MIPOY) 2024: Top 4 Candidates ft. Coby White (Week 23)

Four players are competing for the title of NBA’s Most Improved Player of the Year, with one clear frontrunner who has been leading the race throughout the season. While one contender has shown a significant improvement in the latter half of the season, there are also two underdogs who still have a shot at winning.

The NBA is no exception when it comes to narratives influencing the outcome of end-of-season awards. Narratives hold significant weight in determining the winners of these awards.

Despite having a strong narrative behind him, the favorite for the award is facing some challenges due to his team’s struggles towards the end. As a result, the path for the award has now been opened up for someone else to potentially claim it.

Upon viewing the DraftKings Sportsbook odds, it is evident that four players remain in contention for the title of Most Improved Player.

Predicting the 2023-24 NBA Most Improved Player of the Year

#4: Jonathan Kuminga’s Odds to Win Rookie of the Year with the Golden State Warriors

Despite initially being considered a potential trade asset, Kuminga has proven himself to be a valuable contributor to the team’s rotation. He has emerged as the second most consistent scorer on the team, following in the footsteps of the revered Steph Curry.

This season, Kuminga’s scoring average has increased significantly to 16.3 points per game, a notable improvement from his average of 9.9 ppg last year. He has already started 44 games this season, compared to just 18 starts last year. However, due to some knee problems, Kuminga’s odds have recently decreased. Additionally, the Warriors’ struggles to move up from 10th place in the West have not been beneficial for his chances of winning an award.

#3, Jalen Williams, Golden State Warriors: 50/1

Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being a standout MVP candidate, Lou Williams remains one of the top players on the NBA’s most successful teams, making him one of the league’s most compelling stories. If Gilgeous-Alexander were not as exceptional, Williams would undoubtedly receive even more recognition for his impressive talent.

Last week, his odds of winning the award were 80/1. Currently, he has an average of 19.5 ppg and 4.6 apg. On Sunday, he scored 33 points in a thrilling victory against the New York Knicks.

#2, Coby White’s Impact on the Chicago Bulls: +185

White is receiving widespread recognition as a potential winner of the award. For weeks, he has been the top contender trailing closely behind the current favorite. However, the Chicago Bulls’ consistent placement in ninth place in the East is not aiding his case.

Despite this, White has been a standout performer for the Bulls. He stepped up to lead the team’s offense when Zach LaVine was injured. With an average of 19.3 points and 5.2 assists per game, he has emerged as the primary playmaker for Chicago and a solid secondary player alongside DeMar DeRozan.

#1, LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets: -250

Throughout the entire season, Maxey has been the undeniable frontrunner for NBA Most Improved Player. Not only was he chosen to participate in his first All-Star game, but he has also been shouldering the responsibility since Joel Embiid’s absence in late January.

Despite averaging 25.6 ppg and battling hip issues as the season comes to a close, the Sixers’ struggles have caused them to fall to eighth in the Eastern Conference. This could potentially harm his chances of winning the award.