NBA Most Improved Player of the Year (MIP) Power Rankings featuring Jalen Brunson, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and more | February 16, 2022-23 NBA Season
Through consistent play, the usual candidates to win the NBA Most Improved Player of the Year award are still in the race. At this time, there are other players who have joined the mix and have shown exceptional play.
In this edition of the NBA's Most Improved Player of the Year power rankings, there are new possible candidates that could sneak their way in to win the award. However, that does not mean others have no chance at winning.
Also read: Kia NBA ROTY Race: Latest ROTY ladder and power rankings ft. Jalen Williams, Walker Kessler and more | Feb. 15, 2022-23 NBA Season
Here are the candidates this month for the Most Improved Player of the Year
#5 Alperen Sengun
Previous month's NBA MIP Power Ranking - N/A
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 0; Games lost - 3
Overall: Games played - 52; Games won - 10; Games lost - 42
Last Week: PPG - 15.0, APG - 7.0, RPG - 8.0
Overall: PPG - 15.3, APG - 3.7, RPG - 8.7
Last Week: FG% - 46.7%, 3P% - 50%, SPG - 0.7
Overall: FG% - 56.7%, 3P% - 32.4%, SPG - 0.9
Alperen Sengun has gained a massive following for his incredible play this season. His old-school style could possibly make him the NBA's Most Improved Player of the Year winner this season.
#4 Nic Claxton
Previous month's NBA MIP Power Ranking - N/A
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 0; Games lost - 3
Overall: Games played - 53; Games won - 29; Games lost - 24
Last Week: PPG - 12.7, APG - 2.0, RPG - 11.3
Overall: PPG - 13.0, APG - 1.7, RPG - 9.0
Last Week: FG% - 64%, 3P% - 0.0%, SPG - 1.7
Overall: FG% - 72.4%, 3P% - 0.0%, SPG - 0.8
Despite the drama that ensued throughout the season for the Brooklyn Nets, Nic Claxton has continued to show his improvement with the team. He could be the NBA's Most Improved Player of the Year with how he's been a rock on defense for the team.
#3 Jalen Brunson
Previous month's NBA MIP Power Ranking - N/A
Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 3; Games lost - 1
Overall: Games played - 55; Games won - 30; Games lost - 25
Last Week: PPG - 28.5, APG - 6.5, RPG - 4.3
Overall: PPG - 23.9, APG - 6.2, RPG - 3.5
Last Week: FG% - 54.3%, 3P% - 44.4%, SPG - 1.0
Overall: FG% - 48.5%, 3P% - 41.7%, SPG - 0.9
Jalen Brunson may have been snubbed as an All-Star this season, but he could win the NBA's Most Improved Player of the Year award. Right now, he's playing incredibly well, leading the New York Knicks to the playoffs.
Jalen Brunson since All-Star reserves were announced:
32.5 PPG
6.3 APG
3.2 3PM
60.9 FG% (!)
55.9 3P% (!!)
Only Dame has scored more points in that stretch. https://t.co/uJ50gdeGtm
#2 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Previous month's NBA MIP Power Ranking - #1
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 2; Games lost - 1
Overall: Games played - 52; Games won - 24; Games lost - 28
Last Week: PPG - 31.3, APG - 6.3, RPG - 1.7
Overall: PPG - 30.9, APG - 5.7, RPG - 4.7
Last Week: FG% - 57.1%, 3P% - 33.3%, SPG - 1.3
Overall: FG% - 50.8%, 3P% - 34.8%, SPG - 1.7
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is set to make his first All-Star game appearance this weekend. It's clear that he's shown massive improvement in his game this season and could be the Most Improved Player of the Year winner this season.
Prior to tipoff, students from Poetry and Chill Kids presented Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with a 2023 All-Star ball. 🤝 twitter.com/i/web/status/1… https://t.co/Azj4VJvMZo
#1 Lauri Markkanen
Previous month's NBA MIP Power Ranking - #3
Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 1; Games lost - 3
Overall: Games played - 54; Games won - 27; Games lost - 27
Last Week: PPG - 23.0, APG - 2.8, RPG - 6.5
Overall: PPG - 24.9, APG - 1.8, RPG - 8.6
Last Week: FG% - 46.1%, 3P% - 29%, SPG - 0.8
Overall: FG% - 51.2%, 3P% - 41.2%, SPG - 0.6
Aside from SGA, Lauri Markkanen is also a candidate who's set to appear in his first All-Star game. To add to that, this month's top contender for the NBA's Most Improved Player of the Year award is an All-Star starter.
Markkanen and SGA are the top candidates to win the Most Improved Player of the Year award this season. Given their consistency, it's likely that one of them will end the season with the award.
Also read: NBA MVP Race: Who is the front runner to win this season?