NBA: 5 dark horse candidates for Most Improved Player in 2021-22
By Dalton Sell
While it is not the gaudiest award, it is always interesting to see which NBA player takes home the Most Improved Player award each year.
It is often a player that bursts onto the scene and surprises everyone, beginning their trajectory to stardom. Last year’s winner was Julius Randle, who was selected to his very first All-Star game and All-NBA team as he led the New York Knicks to the postseason for the first time in a long time. Randle was not the betting favorite for most last season, as this is an award that is always hard to predict. There are always candidates that many believe can take that leap compared to their previous season, and here are five potential dark horse picks that could make their way into the conversation in 2021-22.
Jordan Poole could be a dark horse candidate for 2021-22 NBA M.I.P.
The Golden State Warriors are a sleeper team to come out of the Western Conference in the eyes of many this coming season, and they might also have a dark horse pick for Most Improved Player. Entering his third season with Golden State, Jordan Poole seems ready to take on a more prominent role as he had been electric during the preseason.
In five preseason games, Poole averaged 21.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, three assists, and one steal per game. Offensively, the guard displayed confidence by shooting 50.6 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from long range. While this red hot preseason does not mean the 22-year-old will immediately translate these numbers over into the regular season, he could certainly take a jump compared to where he was at last year.
During his 51 appearances last season, Poole averaged 12 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. He could easily improve those numbers across the board this coming season, particularly as the team will need some help in the backcourt alongside Stephen Curry as Klay Thompson is working his way back from injury. After this strong preseason play, Poole could potentially be the team’s starting two-guard until Thompson is cleared to return, which would help his case in the race for Most Improved Player. Time will tell, but keep an eye on Poole as the Warriors look to bounce back this coming season after missing the playoffs in each of the past two years.