The Most Improved Player race is the most volatile of all NBA awards at this time of the season. MVP and Defensive Player of the Year already have a clear group of favorites, but at least eight players are realistically in the mix for Most Improved Player with teams hovering around the quarter-mark of the campaign.
There’s more subjectivity to Most Improved Player than other awards. It’s not as simple as the largest increase in points per game. Candidacy is often a mix of improved skills, higher usage, and an improved situation.
Here’s our MIP rankings/projections as of Dec. 2.
1. Ryan Rollins
A second-round pick in 2022, Ryan Rollins was overlooked in Golden State and Washington before settling with the Bucks. He claimed a spot in the rotation last season and has become an integral starter for Milwaukee after Damian Lillard departed and Kevin Porter Jr. was ruled out for over a month.
It’s easy to focus on Rollins’ shooting (he’s taking six threes per game and hitting more than 40%), but he’s also dishing 5.8 assists and registering two stocks per contest.
Rollins has scored double-digit points in every game as a starter. Milwaukee is seven points better per 100 possessions with him on the floor.
His 2025-26 scoring tally is only 26 points behind his career mark across his first three NBA seasons.
2. Keyonte George
Third-year players are often in contention for this award. Keyonte George is averaging 22.8 points per game and getting to the line seven times per contest. He’s already had 11 games with 25 or more points, putting him among the league’s elite scorers.
Utah’s offense is 4.3 points better per 100 possessions with George on the floor. He’s cut down the three-point rate and pushed his adjusted true shooting above league average, while climbing to an assist rate of 31.9%.
The biggest threat to George’s candidacy is the Jazz’s desire to tank. We’ve seen how Utah has managed its roster in the second halves of recent seasons, and they are additionally motivated to guarantee a high pick this time around with a top eight protection and a stacked draft.
Voters are likely to favor players on contending teams, plus George might not reach the games played threshold.
3. Jalen Duren
Third in rebounding rate and fourth in true shooting, Jalen Duren has markedly increased his scoring numbers. Having bulked up, he’s able to play with even more force at the basket, resulting in 7.1 free throw attempts per game.
Duran has the highest free throw rate among starting bigs. There’s increased comfort on short mid-range attempts, with floaters falling more frequently than before.
The raw athleticism that has been evident since he came into the league has been paired with NBA know-how and touch. He’s one of the most dynamic players in the league and forms a fearsome pick-and-roll pairing with Cade Cunningham.
4. Deni Avdija
Nine free throw attempts per game is 3.8 more than Deni Avdija averaged last season, and his career average was 2.8 coming into this campaign. He’s massively increased his three-point rate and has been hitting them at a higher efficiency.
The assist-to-usage ratio is at a career-high, plus Avdija has massively increased his effectiveness from floater range. The all-around improvement is undeniable, though it’s worth noting the Israeli had made strides in this direction last season.
Portland is a slight positive in his minutes compared with a -11.2 net rating when he’s off the floor.
Avdija was already a very good defensive player and a smart playmaker. He’s taken his scoring to the next level and looked comfortable carrying a greater offensive burden.
5. Jalen Johnson
Jalen Johnson’s breakout began last season. He might have won this award if he stayed healthy. That counts against him this time around, as we’ve already seen a leap from the Hawks forward.
Still, Trae Young’s injury has opened up further opportunities for Johnson. He’s operating as a point forward in Young’s absence, leading to a marked increase in his assist rate and assist-to-usage ratio.
Johnson’s three-point shot is falling at a career-best rate, plus he’s proven to be a more than adept mid-range scorer, while still being dangerous as a roll man and lob threat.
As things stand, Johnson should be an All-Star. He might even be in the All-NBA mix at the end of the season.
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