Before the upcoming NBA season in 2023–2024, both fans and analysts are already speculating about who will win individual awards. The three contenders for the 2023-2024 NBA Most Improved Player award is one such distinction that garners significant consideration.
In today’s post, the Los Angeles Lakers’ Austin Reaves, the Brooklyn Nets’ Mikal Bridges, and the Washington Wizards’ Jordan Poole will all be discussed as potential candidates for the coveted Most Improved Player award.
The Three Contenders for the 2023-2024 NBA Most Improved Player Award
1. Austin Reaves – Lakers Guard
During his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Austin Reaves demonstrated his potential. Despite the fact that he had restricted playing time, his capacity to contribute to different features of the game was obvious.
Last season, Reaves arguably had one of his best seasons as a second-year rookie, averaging 13 PPG, 3.4 APG, and 3 RPG in 64 games.
The Progression of Austin Reaves
In the playoffs, Reaves averaged career-highs of 16.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 4.6 APG while shooting 46.4 percent from three. Expect Reaves to work on his game and push the limits to another level next season.
With the Lakers reshaping their roster for the 2023 – 2024 season, Reaves could see his role expand to show his range of abilities.
Reaves has a great chance of being a front-runner for the Most Improved Player award and becoming an All-Star.
2. Mikal Bridges – Nets Forward
Since joining the Brooklyn Nets, Mikal Bridges has become one of the best premier defenders in the league. His consistent scoring abilities and playmaking is the reason why the Nets wanted him on their roster.
The Progression of Mikal Bridges
Last season, Bridges averaged 20.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.3 APG, and shot 46.8% from the field. In the playoffs, he averaged a career-high of 23.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 4 APG in 4 games.
If he can stay aware of his defensive prowess, score more points, and work on his field goals, Bridges is slated to become an All-Star. Thus, he could very well be the odds-on favorite to win the Most Improved Player award.
3. Jordan Poole – Wizards Guard
Over the past few seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Jordan Poole has shown signs of potential. Poole is a skilled scorer who shoots with grace and has the ability to dominate offensively.
The Progression of Jordan Poole
Last season, Poole averaged a career-high 20.4 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.5 APG, and shot 33.6% from three and 43% from the field. In the playoffs, he averaged a career-low 10 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, and shot 25.4% from three and 34% from the field. What a major difference from the regular season compared to his playoff averages.
As a new member of the Wizards, Poole will get more minutes and a bigger role to showcase his full potential.
Next season, Poole is ready to show us why he deserves to win the Most Improved Player award.
The Last Word
While the title for the Most Improved Player is unknown, Austin Reaves, Mikal Bridges, and Jordan Poole have the potential to be the top three candidates for the award in the impending 2023-2024 NBA season.
All we have to do now is wait for the player who will achieve new heights in their game and win the coveted Most Improved Player award as the season progresses.
