Basketball

What Is the Most Improved Award in the NBA?

Anatoly Pimentel Oct 07, 2024, 9:25 AM
min read
Washington Wizards guard Spencer Dinwiddie dribbles the ball during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey.
(All-Pro Reels/Wikimedia Commons)
  • The Most Improved Award is given to players who made significant leaps in statistical numbers.
  • No player has won the Most Improved Player award twice in NBA history.
  • A panel of sportswriters selects the winner of the MIP award by voting.

The basketball lines available at BetMGM’s sportsbook include the odds for the Most Improved Player of the Year award and other NBA odds for individual awards, conference winners, and outright NBA champion winners.

But what does the most improved award mean? Has any player in league history won it more than once? What are the criteria for determining the winner? Does the league award it to the player who made the most significant jump in numbers?  

Who was the first recipient of this award, and what are the additional eligibility requirements to win the award? And who are the other players to win the award throughout the league’s history?

What Is the Most Improved Player Award in the NBA?

The Most Improved Player award is an honour given to an NBA player who made the most progress and improvement from the previous season.

It was first given in 1986 to Alvin Robertson of the San Antonio Spurs.

From 1986 to 2015, winners were determined by statistical improvements alone, but in 2016, the league imposed a new system of identifying the winner through voting by a panel of sportswriters, much like the MVP and DPOY awards.

Has an NBA Player Ever Won Most Improved Player Twice?

No player in NBA history has won the Most Improved Player of the Year award twice.

This award is often given to young players who significantly improved their numbers and impact their teams. 

What Are the Criteria for the Most Improved Player Award in the NBA?

Since the 2023-24 season, the league imposed a minimum of 65 games played with at least 15 to 20 minutes of logged minutes per game.

These new rules were part of the new collective bargaining agreement between the player’s association and the league.

List of NBA Most Improved Player Award Winners

NameTeamYear
Tyrese MaxeyPhiladelphia 76ers2024
Lauri MarkkanenUtah Jazz2023
Ja MorantMemphis Grizzlies2022
Julius RandleNew York Knicks2021
Brandon IngramNew Orleans Pelicans2020
Pascal SiakamToronto Raptors2019
Victor OladipoIndiana Pacers2018
Giannis AntetokounmpoMilwaukee Bucks2017
C.J. McCollumPortland Trailblazers2016
Jimmy ButlerChicago Bulls2015
Goran DragicPhoenix Suns2014
Paul GeorgeIndiana Pacers2013
Ryan AndersonOrlando Magic2012
Kevin LoveMinnesota Timberwolves2011
Aaron BrooksHouston Rockets2010
Danny GrangerIndiana Pacers2009
Hedo TurkogluOrlando Magic2008
Monta EllisGolden State Warriors2007
Boris DiawPhoenix Suns2006
Bobby SimmonsLos Angeles Clippers2005
Zach RandolphPortland Trailblazers2004
Gilbert ArenasGolden State Warriors2003
Jermaine O’NealIndiana Pacers2002
Tracy McGradyOrlando Magic2001
Jalen RoseIndiana Pacers2000
Darrell ArmstrongOrlando Magic1999
Alan HendersonAtlanta Hawks1998
Isaac AustinMiami Heat1997
Gheorghe MureșanWashington Bullets1996
Dana BarrosPhiladelphia 76ers1995
Don MacLeanWashington Bullets1994
Mahmoud Abdul-RaufDenver Nuggets1993
Pervis EllisonWashington Bullets1992
Scott SkilesOrlando Magic1991
Rony SeikalyMiami Heat1990
Kevin JohnsonPhoenix Suns1989
Kevin DuckworthPortland Trailblazers1988
Dale EllisSeattle SuperSonics1987
Alvin RobertsonSan Antonio Spurs1986
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