5 Most Improved Player of the Year candidates hiding in plain sight
By Ismail Sy
Every year in the NBA, some players bust onto the scene and take the next step in their game. Whether it’s an All-Star leap, an All-NBA leap, or just being significantly better than they were the season before, the Most Improved Player award encapsulates all of that.
Last season, we saw Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey win the award. While Maxey’s usage increased after the James Harden trade, he still averaged a career-high in points and assists and was named an All-Star for the first time in his career. He also just missed making the All-NBA third team by a few votes.
Who will be this year’s Maxey and show massive improvements as a player? Here are five players who can be the top candidates for this year’s Most Improved Player award.
5. Miles McBride
A little bit of an underrated pick for this last spot, but Miles McBride could be due for a major breakout this season. The contract extension the Knicks gave him last season looks better by the day, given his 3 and D ability.
Last season, McBride only averaged eight points per game, but he shot 41 percent from three-point range on four attempts. He only played 20 minutes per game during the regular season, but with an increased role in the playoffs due to New York’s injuries, McBride showed his worth.
In 13 playoff games, he averaged 11 points on 44 percent shooting and 37 percent from three-point range in 26 minutes per game. McBride’s defense as well was impressive, as his on-ball pressure often rattled opposing guards and his pesky nature fits what coach Tom Thibodeau wants from his guards defensively.
With Donte DiVincenzo being a part of the Karl Anthony-Towns trade, backcourt minutes just opened up for the Knicks. With the team lacking depth outside of their starters, McBride could be pivotal as a sixth man for the team this season.
His three and D ability coupled with more minutes could not only lead him to being in the MIP conversation, but the Sixth Man of the Year conversation as well. Don’t be surprised if he asserts himself as one of the best backup point guards in the NBA this season.