All young players in the NBA have room for improvement, and Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker is the one who made the proverbial “leap” in the NBA Most Improved Player odds.
Despite the NBA odds listing the Canadian at +1000 in late February, Alexander-Walker came on strong in the homestretch, averaging 24.6 points per game over the final two months of the regular season to claim MIP honors over Deni Avdija and teammate Jalen Johnson.
NBA Most Improved Player odds
| Player |  |
|---|---|
 Deni Avdija |
-125 |
 Jalen Johnson |
+240 |
| Nickeil Alexander-Walker |
+1000 |
 Keyonte George |
+1000 |
 Jalen Duren |
+2000 |
 Ryan Rollins |
+4000 |
 Collin Gillespie |
+5000 |
 Anthony Black |
+6000 |
 Jaylon Tyson |
+6000 |
| Dillon Brooks |
+6000 |
 Michael Porter Jr. |
+7500 |
 Amen Thompson |
+50000 |
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NBA Most Improved Player opening odds
Below is a look at the NBA Most Improved Player opening odds. Amen Thompson opened as the betting favorite.
- Amen Thompson (+1000)
- Andrew Nembhard (+1100)
- Deni Avdija (+1500)
- Bennedict Mathurin (+1600)
- Ausar Thompson (+1600)
- Matas Buzelis (+1600)
- Shaedon Sharpe (+2500)
- Josh Giddey (+3000)
- Michael Porter Jr. (+3000)
- Reed Sheppard (+3000)
- Jaden Ivey (+3000)
- Payton Pritchard (+3000)
- Trey Murphy (+4000)
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NBA MIP betting trends
Here are some trends you'll want to consider when betting on NBA Most Improved Player futures:
- No true center has won since Jermaine O'Neal in 2002.
- MIP has tended to favor players making "the leap" to stardom recently. Nine of the past 10 winners have averaged 20.0 ppg or more.
- In a very weird coincidence, an Orlando Magic player has won MIP four times since 1999, and each time, an Indiana Pacer has won the award the following year.
How is NBA Most Improved Player decided?
The NBA Most Improved Player Award is bestowed upon the player who has demonstrated a significant improvement in performance from the previous season. This improvement is evaluated based on the following key criteria:
Statistical improvement
Consideration is given to notable increases in key statistical categories, including traditional box score stats, shooting efficiency, and the various advanced metrics.
Role expansion or redefinition
Consideration will be given to players who have taken on new roles and significantly expanded their responsibilities, thereby positively impacting their team.
Consistency and sustainability
The improvement should be consistent and sustained throughout the season, rather than a short-term surge in performance. Candidates should demonstrate their enhanced production over a substantial portion of the regular season.
Impact on team success
The player's improvement should directly contribute to the overall success and performance of their team. Factors such as wins, team rankings, and positive influence on team chemistry can be taken into account.
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NBA Most Improved Player history
| Year | NBA Most Improved Winner |
|---|---|
| 2025-26 | Nickeil Alexander-Walker |
| 2024-25 | Dyson Daniels |
| 2023-24 |  Tyrese Maxey |
| 2022-23 | Lauri Markkanen |
| 2021-22 |  Ja Morant |
| 2020-21 |  Julius Randle |
| 2019-20 |  Brandon Ingram |
| 2018-19 |  Pascal Siakam |
| 2017-18 |  Victor Oladipo |
| 2016-17 | Giannis Antetokounmpo |
| 2015-16 | CJ McCollum |
| 2014-15 |  Jimmy Butler |
NBA Most Improved Player odds FAQ
The Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic have both had five players win MIP.
