4 underrated candidates for the 2023 NBA Most Improved Player Award

The NBA offseason comes and goes in the blink of an eye. Nonetheless, that time is crucial for players to hone their craft and improve their abilities. Players that put in the most offseason work will see the fruits of their labor when the season tips off.

Ja Morant took his game to another level last season and was rewarded with the 2022 Most Improved Player Award. Morant won the award by going from a young star to a superstar. While not every Most Improved Player winner becomes a superstar, 6 of the last 8 winners were first-time All-Stars.

Fanduel lists Anthony Edwards as the favorite to win the 2023 Most Improved Player Award, but who are some other underrated candidates to take home the hardware?

Most Improved Player candidate: Keldon Johnson

One of the biggest stories of the 2022 off-season has been the Hawk’s acquiring Dejounte Murray from the Spurs. The departure of the All-Star guard leaves a massive void in the Spurs’ roster, one that should be filled by Keldon Johnson. Murray’s ascension to stardom last season perhaps overshadowed Keldon Johnson’s rise of his own.

Johnson averaged 17 points per game in 2021-22– an uptick of 4.2 points. Johnson could be in for another 5-point per-game increase in the upcoming season. The Spurs are rebuilding and with so many young players around him, Johnson will be “The Guy” in San Antonio.

Credit Johnson’s impressive season from behind the arc for his increased scoring production. He made 2.1 threes per game at a clip of 39.8%. The question for Johnson will be if he can create those looks for himself now that Murray is in Atlanta.

Most Improved Player candidate: Evan Mobley

Evan Mobley narrowly lost to Scottie Barnes in last year’s rookie of the year voting and has already established himself as an elite defender in this league. Mobley has also displayed a rare soft touch for a big man his age. In his first season, Mobley put together per game averages of 15 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.7 blocks. Don’t be surprised if Mobley can improve mightily upon those already impressive numbers.

It is possible Collin Sexton’s tenure as a Cavalier is over. If that is the case, then Cleveland would be building around the duo of Mobley and Darius Garland. Letting go of Sexton would be a vote of confidence in Garland and Mobley’s ability to run the offense. That should lead to Mobley being responsible for more offensive production.

If Mobley can fill out his frame and improve his low post scoring he will compete for an All-Star spot.  A 20 and 10 season with an all-defensive team selection would not be surprising for the young star.

Most Improved Player candidate: Mikal Bridges

Mikal Bridges is another player who finished second in voting for an end-of-season award. He was runner-up for the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year and was one of the most important players on a 64-18 Suns team. Bridges possess rare defensive abilities and emerged as the Suns’ go-to stopper. If he can expand his offensive game, a big season could be in store.

After an embarrassing end to the 2022 season, the Suns clearly have problems that need to be addressed. Chris Paul is 37 years old, Deandre Ayton is shrouded in uncertainty, and Devin Booker can’t do it all by himself. Bridges has already proven to be an incredibly efficient player and deserves a larger role in the offense.

Shot creation is not Bridges’ strong suit, but it doesn’t have to be with Booker and Paul drawing so much attention. If Bridges can elevate his game to All-Star level and the Suns find themselves back at the top of the Western Conference, Phoenix could get its first Most Improved Player since Goran Dragić in 2014.

Most Improved Player candidate: Alperen Sengün

Out of everybody on this list, Alperen Sengün will have the most increased role in the 2022-23 season after the Houston Rockets traded Christian Wood.

The Wood trade displays a commitment to Sengün as Houston’s center of the future. Sengün had inconsistent playing time during his rookie year, but he flashed his potential as a skillful big in the chances he got. Despite playing only 20.7 minutes a night, he dished out 2.6 assists per game.

The 6’9 big man out of Turkey still needs to prove he can stretch the floor after shooting a mere 24.8% from deep. However, the continuity of being an every-night starter should give him added opportunity and confidence. The Rockets will likely be a Western Conference bottom feeder which could hurt Sengün’s chances.

On the other hand, if he can become a 15, 10, and 5 player it will be hard to deny his worthiness for Most Improved.