The Season of Breakouts: NBA Most Improved Player 2024
The NBA Most Improved Player 2024 award often tells the league’s most compelling stories – tales of offseason grind paying off, untapped potential being realized, and players transforming from role players to stars. The 2024-25 season has delivered no shortage of these narratives, with several candidates making dramatic leaps that have shifted their teams’ fortunes.
This in-depth evaluation examines:
✔ Top 10 MIP candidates through November
✔ Statistical improvements from last season
✔ Key factors driving player development
✔ Historical comparisons to past winners
✔ How these breakouts affect team success
With insights from trainers, coaches, and analytics experts, we break down the NBA Most Improved Player 2024 transformations.
Top 5 Most Improved Player Candidates
1. Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)
2023-24 Stats: 17.5 PPG, 4.3 APG, 43.4% 3PT
2024-25 Stats: 25.8 PPG, 6.7 APG, 40.1% 3PT
Improvement: +8.3 PPG, +2.4 APG
Impact: Has become Philadelphia’s clear second star behind Embiid
According to NBA.com’s tracking data, Maxey has improved his drives per game from 10.1 to 15.3 while maintaining elite efficiency.
2. Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors)
2023-24 Stats: 15.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.8 APG
2024-25 Stats: 21.7 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 6.2 APG
Improvement: +6.4 PPG, +2.3 RPG
Impact: Emerging as Toronto’s franchise player
For more Raptors coverage, visit NBA Newsz’s team page.
Statistical Breakdown of Improvement
Key Metrics for MIP Winners:
| Stat | Average Winner Increase |
|---|---|
| PPG | +6.8 |
| MPG | +5.2 |
| USG% | +3.5% |
| PER | +3.1 |
2024 Leaders vs. Benchmarks:
| Player | PPG Increase | PER Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Maxey | +8.3 | +4.2 |
| Barnes | +6.4 | +3.8 |
| Simons | +7.1 | +3.5 |
Factors Driving NBA Most Improved Player 2024
1. Increased Opportunity
-
Star departures creating bigger roles
-
Injuries opening minutes
-
Coaching changes altering systems
2. Offseason Development
-
Skills training (Maxey’s playmaking)
-
Body transformation (Barnes added muscle)
-
Film study improvements
3. System Fit
-
Better spacing unlocking drives
-
Increased pace benefiting athleticism
-
Defined roles allowing specialization
Under-the-Radar Candidates
1. Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder)
-
Increased from 14.1 to 19.3 PPG
-
Shooting 41.2% from three
2. Quentin Grimes (New York Knicks)
-
Went from 7.3 to 15.1 PPG
-
Elite perimeter defense maintained
3. Onyeka Okongwu (Atlanta Hawks)
-
Jumped from 8.1 to 12.9 PPG
-
68.3% FG on increased volume
Historical MIP Comparisons
Biggest Scoring Increases (PPG):
-
Monta Ellis (+10.4)
-
Tracy McGrady (+9.7)
-
Tyrese Maxey (+8.3 – current pace)
Most Improved PER:
-
Giannis Antetokounmpo (+6.3)
-
Kevin Love (+5.8)
-
Scottie Barnes (+3.8 – current pace)
Rest-of-Season Predictions
Current MIP Odds:
-
Tyrese Maxey (-120)
-
Scottie Barnes (+180)
-
Anfernee Simons (+450)
Factors That Could Decide Race:
-
Team playoff positioning
-
National TV performances
-
Continued statistical growth
-
Narrative around development
For updated odds, check NBA Newsz’s awards tracker.
Key Takeaways
-
Maxey the clear frontrunner but competition fierce
-
Barnes making case as franchise cornerstone
-
Several second-year players emerging
-
Team success will factor heavily in voting
For daily MIP analysis, bookmark NBA Newsz.
No comment