NBA: 5 dark horse candidates for Most Improved Player in 2021-22
By Dalton Sell
Jalen Brunson could be a dark horse candidate for 2021-22 NBA M.I.P.
Jalen Brunson has proven to be a steal for the Dallas Mavericks after they took him in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft. After three solid seasons with Dallas, Brunson is entering a contract year, which could decide his future with the franchise. After putting up career-high numbers in the 2020-21 season, extending him seemed like a no-brainer, but perhaps the Mavericks want to see more from him, and taking another step this coming season would help in that regard.
Having averaged 12.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists last season, Brunson proved to be a valuable piece off the bench for Dallas. In fact, he finished fourth in the Sixth Man of the Year race for his efforts. Due to his efficient scoring and playmaking, Brunson is an excellent fit for this Dallas team because he provides much-needed offense when Luka Doncic is off the floor. Doncic’s supporting cast has been a hot topic of discussion when evaluating the Mavericks, but there is no doubt that Brunson has largely done his part.
With a significant role tailor-made for him in Dallas, Brunson seems destined to take another step in the right direction this coming season. The biggest potential roadblock for him to win the M.I.P. is that he will likely come off the bench, as the spark he provides there is crucial to this team. Still, with no shortage of motivation due to his upcoming contract year, Brunson should be out to prove that he belongs in Dallas for the long haul, and winning Most Improved Player along the way would certainly help his case as he looks to earn that new deal.