Top 3 Candidates for Most Improved Player 2023-24

The Most Improved Player Award has been won by some of the biggest names in the NBA over the last decade, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jimmy Butler, Ja Morant, Paul George and Pascal Siakam.

Who's got next as the player who will raise his game to a new level this season?

Let's have a look at 3 top candidates for the award, based on BetRivers Sportsbook betting odds.

1. Mikal Bridges +500

One could argue that Bridges already made his 'Most Improved' run after his trade from the Phoenix Suns to the Brooklyn Nets last season. He bumped his scoring by nearly 10 points a game, from 17.1 to 26.1. Overall, he averaged 20 on the season. If he can continue to score at that rate as the go-to guy in Brooklyn, he could very well take home this award.

2. Cade Cunningham +1000

The Detroit Pistons franchise player missed all but 12 games last season due to shin surgery. After being the unanimous top players and No. 1 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Cunningham hasn't quite fulfilled that potential as of yet.

He did average 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.6 assists as a rookie, finishing 3rd in the voting for Rookie of the Year, behind Scottie Barnes and Evan Mobley.

But if he comes back healthy in 2023-24, and performs like the prognosticators suggest, he could be the NBA's Most Improved Player.

3. Jordan Poole +1000

He's out of a tough situation for him in Golden State, where, between dealing with Draymond Green's fists and the intense pressure of performing for a team that's gunning for a championship or bust, it was just a little too much for Poole.

Now, in Washington, he'll have free reign to do what he does, no pressure, no expectations (other than to try to live up to that $128M contract!). He should explode to new heights, alongside Kyle Kuzma with the Wizards. He could take a big leap in 2023-24.

Honorable mentions in the betting odds include: