All young players in the NBA have room for improvement. So, who will make the proverbial "leap" in the 2025 - 2026 season? NBA Most Improved Player odds have Houston's Amen Thompson (+1000) and Indiana's Andrew Nembhard (+1100) as the betting favorites as the season begins.
Below are more NBA odds for Most Improved Player.
NBA Most Improved Player odds
Here is a glance at NBA Most Improved Player odds with the Rockets' Amen Thompson (+1000) as the current favorite.
| Coach |  |
|---|---|
 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 |
NBA Most Improved Player opening odds
Below is look at 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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Understanding NBA Most Improved Player odds
Most sportsbooks will display odds in the American format as listed above. We'll use 2022-23's MIP race as an example:
As the season progressed, with Lauri Markkanen having been a big favorite, his odds had a minus (-) sign ahead of the number:
- Lauri Markkanen -200
This means that a bettor needs to wager $200 to win $100. Other candidates with worse odds would have a plus (+) sign ahead of the number. Early in the season, before any clear favorite is established, betting options will be listed as such:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander +650
Here, a bettor stands to profit $650 for every $100 wagered.
If American odds aren't your thing, simply use our odds converter to switch the odds to decimal or fractional format. Most online sportsbooks also give you the option to change the odds format that you see.
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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:
- Forwards have won 13 of the past 20 MIP awards.
- 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 |
|---|---|
| 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
Tyrese Maxey of the 76ers won the 2024 MIP. No player has ever won in consecutive seasons.
The Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic have both had five players win MIP.
