5 Most Improved Player of the Year candidates hiding in plain sight

1. Victor Wembanyama

Wembanyama had one of the best rookie seasons we have seen in recent memory. Wembanyama averaged 21 points, eleven rebounds, four assists, and almost four blocks per game last season. Here are some of the other things he accomplished in his rookie season:

• Second rookie since 1976 to have a 40 point/20 rebound game (Shaquille O’Neal in 1993)
• First in NBA history to have a triple double with blocks and multiple threes made in one game
• First player to have 75+ threes made, 150+ assists, and 150+ blocks (took him 48 games to do that)
• First player to score 1,500 points, block 250 shots, and have 100 three-pointers made in a season

Wembanyama was also the youngest finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award and came away with rookie of the year honors in a landslide. So why is he a frontrunner for MIP? Because he hasn’t scratched the surface of how good he can be. 

For much of the first half of last season, Wembanyama was between 27 and 30 minutes per game. Part of the reason was the Spurs wanted to bring him along slowly since he was coming off a grueling European season. 

However, in the second half of last season, Wembanyama started playing closer to 35 minutes per game most nights. He will likely be closer to that number this season, as the Spurs look to unleash him this season. He also gained 25 pounds, which will improve his strength, and he is now playing with a true point guard in Chris Paul, something he did not have last season.

Don’t be surprised if Wembanyama not only takes home MIP, but also Defensive Player of the Year, and an All-NBA appearance in year two. He is that good.