NBA: 3 players with a shot to win Most Improved award

By Luke Duffy | Oct 6, 2021

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 22: Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Brooklyn Nets in Game One of the First Round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center at Barclays Center on May 22, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

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With the conclusion of media day in a ton of cities, the NBA’s regular season is right around the corner. A chance for everybody to start off on equal footing and the opportunity to feel positive about their own futures, both short and long-term.

As is often the case, this year’s race to win the Most Improved Player award will be a fascinating one. There are already a load of betting favorites, but if you can be sure of one thing, it is that a number of less-heralded players will emerge to put themselves in contention for the award.

The NBA’s Most Improved Player award is always one of the most fun races each year, and this season looks as competitive as ever.

Individuals like Norman Powell need to have the best seasons of their careers if the Portland Trail Blazers are to keep Damian Lillard happy and push as far as they can in the playoffs. He is far from the only guy in this position, but he is a part of the most interesting group of possible winners for the award.

Then there are the young stars like Ja Morant who, if they take another step forward and their team makes the playoffs, will put themselves in contention. Even Luka Doncic, who started last season as the favorite to take home the MVP award, could see himself pop up here if the narrative of the season also goes his way.

That’s the key piece to all of this. How much we as fans get swept up in the arc of a player or group, and how it factors into the award. With that very much in mind, let’s take a look at three more under-the-radar players who could be holding the award by year’s end.