NBA Most Improved Player (MIP) Rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after Week 9 ft. Cade Cunningham
Nine weeks into the NBA season, there are a couple of new faces in the Most Improved Player (MIP) power rankings. Jalen Johnson barely survived the week despite a solid outing for the Atlanta Hawks, while Jalen Williams and Evan Mobley remained as well.
Several players were worthy of getting into the top five such as LaMelo Ball, Norman Powell, Payton Pritchard and RJ Barrett. Dyson Daniels is still among the favorites in terms of betting odds, but he had a subpar Week 9. It allowed stars such as Cade Cunningham and Tyler Herro to be in the fold.
Let's look at this week's Most Improved Player power rankings brought to you by Sportskeeda.
NBA Most Improved Player Rankings - Week 9
#5 - Jalen Johnson | Forward | Atlanta Hawks
- Last Week's Ranking: No. 2
- Average (Week 9) - 17.5 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 5.5 APG, 2.0 SPG, 1.5 BPG
- Average (This Season) - 19.5 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.1 BPG
- Average (Last Season) - 16.0 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Jalen Johnson had a solid week for the Atlanta Hawks, putting up his usual numbers. Johnson is one of the reasons why the Hawks have been so fun to watch.
However, the team also went 0-3 on Week 9, which is the main reason why Johnson fell in the latest Most Improved Player rankings. With how close the race for the award this season is, winning could become a factor.
#4 - Tyler Herro | Guard | Miami Heat
- Last Week's Ranking: NR
- Average (Week 9) - 24.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.0 BPG
- Average (This Season) - 24.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 4.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG
- Average (Last Season) - 20.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG
With Jimmy Butler's future in Miami up in the air, it has been Tyler Herro's time to shine for the Heat. Herro is averaging career highs across the board, including points, rebounds, assists, field goal shooting and 3-point shooting.
The Heat also went 0-3 for the week, but his individual performances were better than Jalen Johnson's. It's the main reason why Herro is fourth in the Most Improved Player rankings.
#3 - Cade Cunningham | Guard | Detroit Pistons
- Last Week's Ranking: NR
- Average (Week 9) - 27.0 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 12.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 2.3 BPG
- Average (This Season) - 24.0 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 9.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.0 BPG
- Average (Last Season) - 22.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 7.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG
The Detroit Pistons are no longer a laughing stock in the NBA thanks in large part to Cade Cunningham for taking the leap. Cunningham will likely get named an All-Star this season, as well as a potential finalist for the Most Improved Player of the Year award.
Cunningham is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, assists, field goal percentage and 3-point percentage. If he wasn't producing the way he is at the moment, the Pistons wouldn't have at least 12 wins by the end of December.
#2 - Evan Mobley | Forward | Cleveland Cavaliers
- Last Week's Ranking: No. 3
- Average (Week 9) - 19.3 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
- Average (This Season) - 18.4 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.4 BPG
- Average (Last Season) - 15.7 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.4 BPG
Evan Mobley had a bounce-back week after not playing in any on Week 8 due to an ankle injury. As mentioned in previous Most Improved Player power rankings, Mobley's impact on the Cleveland Cavaliers is beyond the numbers.
Mobley has turned into a legitimate scoring threat for the league's number one team, while also anchoring their defense. He will likely become a first-time All-Star in February.
#1 - Jalen Williams | Forward | OKC Thunder
- Last Week's Ranking: No. 1
- Average (Week 9) - 22.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 5.5 APG, 0.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG
- Average (This Season) - 21.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG
- Average (Last Season) - 19.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG
The OKC Thunder has survived the injury plague mainly due to Jalen Williams' versatility. His role no longer requires him to play center, but remains an all-around player under coach Mark Daigneault.
Just like the other players on this list, Williams is well-deserving of a potential All-Star selection. He did just enough overall to retain his place atop the Most Improved Player rankings.