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Way too early predictions for the 2024 Most Improved Player Award

By Thomas J. Brown

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 15: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after a made basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 15, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Nets 121-101. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 15: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after a made basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 15, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Nets 121-101. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Herbert Jones (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Herbert Jones (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Herbert Jones- New Orleans Pelicans

Next season will be small forward Herbert Jones’ third year in the NBA. In his first two years, Jones established himself as an elite perimeter defender, and an exceptional athlete, and had a respectable showing in the 2023 Slam Dunk Contest.

Although the 6’7″ forward has immense potential, it will be difficult for him to gain individual recognition. That is largely due to the fact that the team possesses Brandon Ingram, an elite player with a similar body type who also happens to play the same position. Last season, Ingram averaged 24.7 points per game although injuries led him to participate in just 45 contests. The expectation is that he’ll be healthy next year and therefore be able to provide the scoring punch for his team on a nightly basis.

With that being said, Jones’ play for the Most Improved Player Award needs to come from the defensive side of the ball. I know what you’re thinking: “That’s what the Defensive Player of The Year Award is for.” However, take a second to hear me out. There is already a precedence for players making a big defensive impact for their teams and being named the league’s Most Improved Player.

In 1986, guard Alvin Robertson of the San Antonio Spurs set an all-time record that still stands to this day of 3.7 steals per game. He was awarded his first All-Star appearance and walked away as that season’s Most Improved Player. In 1996, Gheorghe Muresan starting center of the Washington Bullets led the league in field goal percentage while also averaging 2.3 blocks per game. He too walked away with that year’s Most Improved Player Award. Getting buckets is one way to help your team win, but being stellar on the defensive end can be just as impactful.

Last season, Jones averaged 0.6 blocks and 1.6 steals per game. As a small forward whose goal is to become his team’s sixth man next season, averaging nearly one block and two steals per contest would have a big impact on the ball club and would catapult him into Most Improved Player consideration.