NBA Most Improved Player of the Year (MIP) Power Rankings featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Bol Bol and more | December 8, 2022-23 NBA Season

The competition to win the 2022-23 Most Improved Player of the Year (MIP) award has become tighter. New players have emerged as contenders, making the contest as exciting as the MVP race this season.

Familiar faces still headline the race, but there are some who have fallen behind due to the time they lost. Nevertheless, the players on this list have maintained their status as nominees to win the award this season.

On that note, let's dig in to check the five players who have a shot at winning the 2022-23 MIP award.

#5 Bol Bol

Previous month's NBA MIP Power Ranking - N/A

Last Week: Games played - 5; Games won - 0; Games lost - 5

Overall: Games played - 25; Games won - 5; Games lost - 20

Last Week: PPG - 11.4, APG - 1.8, RPG - 5.8

Overall: PPG - 12.5, APG - 1.0, RPG - 7.5

Last Week: FG% - 64.9%, 3P% - 40%, SPG - 1.4

Overall: FG% - 60.1%, 3P% - 41.3%, SPG - 0.5

Bol Bol wasn't a part of this list last month. However, in the last few weeks, the 7-foor-2 sensation has shown his skills and blossomed as a starting center for the Orlando Magic. Last month, it was the Philadelphia 76ers' Tyrese Maxey who was included in the list, but due to injury, he has fallen out of the top five.

BOL BOL IS UNREAL. 🔥🔥

https://t.co/TnoLdaPl6j

Bol is finally getting the playing time he deserves after not getting a chance with the Denver Nuggets. This time, he's in a different situation where his talents are valued and well utilized.

#4 Anfernee Simons

Phoenix Suns v Portland Trail Blazers — Anfernee Simons is having a good season.

Previous month's NBA MIP Power Ranking - N/A

Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 1; Games lost - 3

Overall: Games played - 22; Games won - 12; Games lost - 10

Last Week: PPG - 29.8, APG - 5.5, RPG - 2.3

Overall: PPG - 24.7, APG - 4.5, RPG - 3.0

Last Week: FG% - 48.2%, 3P% - 48.9%, SPG - 1.0

Overall: FG% - 44.3%, 3P% - 39.7%, SPG - 1.0

Like Bol, Anfernee Simons wasn't part of the first edition of our MIP Power Rankings, as Desmond Bane outperformed him early on.

Bane is now injured, and Simons has performed to the best of his abilities. As the secondary scorer for the Portland Trail Blazers, Simons' impact was felt by the team and the fanbase.

Simons took over as the Blazers' number one option after Damian Lillard was sidelined due to injury, helping his case at winning the MIP this season.

#3 Lauri Markkanen

Lauri Markkanen is another candidate for the MIP.

Previous month's NBA MIP Power Ranking - #1

Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 2; Games lost - 2

Overall: Games played - 26; Games won - 14; Games lost - 12

Last Week: PPG - 25.0, APG - 2.0, RPG - 9.3

Overall: PPG - 22.2, APG - 2.2, RPG - 8.5

Last Week: FG% - 57.4%, 3P% - 60.6%, SPG - 1.0

Overall: FG% - 52.8%, 3P% - 41.3%, SPG - 0.6

The Utah Jazz have fallen from the top eight in the Western Conference after starting well.

Nevertheless, Lauri Markkanen is still a strong candidate to win the MIP award. He has led the Jazz to ninth this season and has a chance of finishing in the top eight.

Lauri Markkanen's double-double led the @utahjazz to victory in Salt Lake City!

Andrew Nembhard: 13 PTS, 4 REB, 10 AST, 2 STL
Walker Kessler: 20 PTS, 11 REB

For more, download the NBA app:
📲 app.link.nba.com/nbaapp https://t.co/ZXBWG0kRbd

Markkanen even has a shot at becoming a first-time All-Star this season, considering how he has been playing.

Also Read: Kia NBA MVP Race: Latest MVP ladder and power rankings feat. Steph Curry, Nikola Jokic, and more |Dec. 2, 2022-23 NBA Season

#2 Tyrese Haliburton

Tyrese Haliburton has shone this season.

Previous month's NBA MIP Power Ranking - #5

Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 1; Games lost - 3

Overall: Games played - 22; Games won - 12; Games lost - 10

Last Week: PPG - 15.5, APG - 9.8, RPG - 5.5

Overall: PPG - 19.1, APG - 10.9, RPG - 4.7

Last Week: FG% - 37.3%, 3P% - 33.3%, SPG - 1.8

Overall: FG% - 46.1%, 3P% - 36.9%, SPG - 1.8

Tyrese Haliburton has turned things around for the Indiana Pacers. In the last month, he has carried the Pacers to fifth with his facilitating. Haliburton is leading the league in assists, making a solid case to win the MIP award this season.

Considering his performances this year, there are some who have said that Indiana won the trade last season.

#1 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Previous month's NBA MIP Power Ranking - #4

Last Week: Games played - 2; Games won - 1; Games lost - 1

Overall: Games played - 22; Games won - 10; Games lost - 12

Last Week: PPG - 32.0, APG - 5.0, RPG - 3.5

Overall: PPG - 31.3, APG - 6.0, RPG - 4.8

Last Week: FG% - 44.7%, 3P% - 25%, SPG - 2.5

Overall: FG% - 50.6%, 3P% - 32.8%, SPG - 1.8

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's rampage has continued in the last month. He's averaging over 30 points for the Oklahoma City Thunder, making him the favorite to win the MIP award. From number four last month, SGA is now the favorite to win due to his scoring exploits.

Charles Barkley on SGA:

"If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not starting in the All-Star game, we are not going to let the public vote again. He should be starting at the 2 spot in the Western Conference, easily. "

https://t.co/f7MKIfbtXe

Like Markkanen, he has a chance of being a first-time All-Star, and legend Charles Barkley has started to recognize Gilgeous-Alexander's impressive season.